Hollywood’s Orthodox Jew Problem: A JITC Documentary
For nearly two decades, Jew in the City has worked to challenge misconceptions about Orthodox Jews by sharing authentic stories of Jewish life. That mission expanded with the launch of the JITC Hollywood Bureau, an initiative dedicated to improving the representation of ALL Jews on screen and behind the scenes in the entertainment industry.
Created in collaboration with PhilmCo Media and selected in the Teaneck Film Festival, Hollywood’s Orthodox Jew Problem is the first installment of a three-part documentary series exploring how Hollywood’s portrayals of Jews have shaped public perception—and why those portrayals matter. This first film focuses on Orthodox Jews. Part two will examine antisemitic tropes and caricatures of secular Jews, and part three will highlight the erasure of Jews of color.
The documentary features interviews with television writer Rob Kutner, acclaimed author Dara Horn (People Love Dead Jews), Chabad comedian Mendy Pellin, and JITC founder Allison Josephs. It also examines recent examples of problematic Orthodox Jewish representation, including NBC’s Nurses and Netflix’s My Unorthodox Life.
While stories about leaving Orthodox Judaism can certainly be worth telling, Josephs argues that their overwhelming prevalence creates a distorted picture of a small religious community.
“We’re a tiny people,” she explains in the documentary. “The overrepresentation of observance as a thing to leave sends a really clear message that the way out is the only way for the Jew to complete him or herself.”
The documentary also explores why representation is about far more than entertainment. Pellin argues that inaccurate portrayals can have real-world consequences.
“It’s not just, ‘Oh, it would be nice if we looked good,'” he says. “No, there is death and violence that ultimately comes from othering a group of people.”
At a time of rising antisemitism around the world, the conversation feels more urgent than ever. Rather than calling for perfect Jewish characters, Hollywood’s Orthodox Jew Problem advocates for authentic, nuanced portrayals that recognize Orthodox Jews as fully human.
If you found this content meaningful and want to help further our mission through our Keter, Makom, and Tikun branches, please consider becoming a Change Maker today.
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Kala kavod for all your efforts.
What is the Torah source of Anti-semitism?
The Medrash tells us that Jew-hatred began once we accepted the Torah at Sinai. IN Hebrew, the word for hatred is Sin’ah, which explains the name of the mountain. Other nations hate us because we were the only ones willing to make a covenant with God, recognizing Him as the only power in the world and accepting the assignment of spreading that knowledge throughout the world.
I hated that in Everwood series they had to make the boy & girl Jewish – dead mom was Jewish and dad was not – and the only thing they knew about being Jewish was not to eat pork (but traif was ok) and to have a bar & batmitzvah at 13
Why why why
This is such an important video! I’m so proud of you and the work that you’re doing! Thank you!
I’ve been feeling and saying this for years. So happy to know this organization exists. Netflix is the worst culprit for promoting these tropes!
Thank you!!
There is a different point to consider.
1) Hatred of Jews is baked into societies. Almost all societies. For centuries. Societies that never had any Jews will still have a negative attitude and hatred. It’s bizarre but it’s true. No matter how confident we become, no matter how hard we push for equal treatment, they will hate us and push back.
2) The more effort we put into trying to get a place “at the table” and be respected, the less effort we have for the more important taks – teaching our children to be proud. Our children are growing up seeing negative portrayals of Jews on television. The news and social media constantly demonize us. Once they hit university their professors tells them how terrible Jews and Israel are. Nothing will change that. I’ve heard all the slogans and all the “rah rah!” speeches. They’ve never actually made a difference. Our friends are our friends and our enemies aren’t looking to change.
3) Yes, I wear a hat in public (not a baseball cap, it provides NO sun protects to the ears and neck). I’m not bothered by having to do it. Why? Because I’m in golus. I’m a Jew living in a society that, at best, tolerates me and on an average day is more worried about the feelings of the guy who wants to throw a rock at my head than my safety. That is the price of living in golus. You want true Jewish freedom? Move to Israel. If we accept living out of Israel, we accept this second class status implictly and from a religious perspective, it’s essential because if Lakewood and Borough Park are just as good as Israel, then what’s special about Israel and why should I care out it?
Thanks for your comment. In our home, I have advocated for a seat of the table in the entertainment industry and my husband has advocated for a seat of the table in the legal industry. We’ve also had many meaningful conversations with our children. It doesn’t have to be either or. The ROI of having a seat of a table in Hollywood is representation that goes from antisemitic to kiddush Hashem. Because of the work other groups have done for many years there is no reason that we shouldn’t be able to see the same thing on screen for our community. And that will only further uplift the Jewish people in our self perception.