Kugel: A New Chapter in the World of Shtisel
Fans of Shtisel—the groundbreaking drama that brought the complexities of Haredi life to screens worldwide—are in for a treat. Enter Kugel, a spin-off that serves as a prequel to the beloved series, delving into the lives of Noham and Libi, father and daughter, long before their journey brought them to Israel.
Set in the vibrant Haredi community of Antwerp, Belgium, Kugel offers a glimpse into the world of Noham (played by Sasson Gabai), a sharp-tongued jeweler who caters to wealthy women. Noham is not just a businessman; he is a storyteller, weaving tales and selling treasures while striving to elevate his social standing in the community. His ambitions are matched by his wife, Yides (Mili Avital), who shares his determination to secure a promising future for their daughter, Libi.
Libi (Hadas Yaron), a seminary teacher with a passion for writing, struggles to reconcile her creative aspirations with the expectations of her conservative surroundings. As a budding writer, Libi’s journey explores the tension between tradition and self-expression, offering a fresh perspective on the roles of women in Haredi society.
A Community in Flux
The series begins with Noham facing a personal upheaval: the sudden closure of his favorite kugel restaurant following the untimely death of its owner, Arel’e Bumbach. Determined to help the grieving widow, Pnina (Rotem Abuhab), Noham finds himself drawn into the restaurant’s world—and perhaps something more. This subplot intertwines Noham’s practical nature with his softer, more empathetic side, revealing layers of his character that resonate deeply.
Meanwhile, Libi’s storyline takes an unexpected turn when she meets a strikingly handsome and slightly unconventional Haredi man (Roy Nik) on a tram. Their instant connection challenges the norms of arranged matchmaking, forcing Libi to navigate uncharted emotional territory. The romance raises the question: can love flourish in a setting so bound by tradition?
The Art of Storytelling
At its core, Kugel is a story about storytelling. Both Noham and Libi are narrators in their own right, each using their talents to carve out a place in their worlds. Noham’s tales charm his clientele and elevate his status, while Libi’s writing seeks to give voice to her innermost thoughts.
This theme of storytelling extends to the series itself, which masterfully balances the “main” and the “trivial” aspects of its characters’ lives, as Noham himself might advise. Through rich dialogue and meticulously crafted scenes, Kugel captures the beauty, humor, and heartbreak of everyday existence in a tightly knit community.
Why Watch Kugel?
Like its predecessor, Kugel doesn’t shy away from the complexities of human relationships, especially within the framework of a devout society. It’s a tale of ambition, love, and resilience, told with the same sensitivity and depth that made Shtisel a global phenomenon. Whether you’re drawn to its nuanced characters, its exploration of tradition versus modernity, or simply the mouthwatering kugel scenes, this series promises to be an unforgettable addition to the Shtisel universe.
In Kugel, as in life, the line between the essential and the superfluous often blurs—but therein lies the magic.
Episode 2: Noham is pained by the separation from his wife, but Yides is determined to proceed with the divorce—though only after arranging a suitable match for Libi. Libi asks her father to arrange a meeting with the young man she met on the tram, but Noham opposes the idea of meeting with a random stranger.
