What it’s about
‘Reformed,’ or ‘Le Sens Des Choses’ in French, is a compelling new series on HBO Max inspired by the life of Delphine Horvilleur, a significant figure in France’s Jewish community and a symbol of progressive liberal values. This dramedy follows a young female rabbi navigating her role amidst expectations and stereotypes, infused with reflections on Jewish identity and tradition.
Why it matters
The series illuminates the multifaceted nature of Jewish life in France, especially underrepresented voices like those of female rabbis. It showcases the efforts of Jewish leaders striving to foster interfaith dialogue and peace while emphasizing the endurance of cultural and religious wisdom. ‘Reformed’ aligns with the broader mission to portray the dynamic nature of Jewish identity and bridge cultural understandings worldwide.
The inspiration and development
Taking cues from Delphine Horvilleur’s memoir ‘Living With Our Dead,’ the series penned by creators Noé Debré and Benjamin Charbit focuses on capturing the humorous and profound challenges faced by a rabbi in a largely traditional setting. Horvilleur’s story translates into an accessible and entertaining format, serving not only as entertainment but also as a medium that educates audiences about contemporary Jewish issues.
Centering on Jewish-European dialogue
With references to important figures such as Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and addressing the historical Israeli-Palestinian context, the series encourages dialogue on present-day challenges yet dives deeper into what it means to lead a religious congregation. It also subtly encourages the audience to bridge gaps across different faiths and ideologies without succumbing to division.
Significance in the current socio-political climate
In today’s climate, where religions and communities seek common ground and understanding more than ever, ‘Reformed’ provides a culturally rich portrayal of Jewish life while resisting simplification of complex historical and political situations. Highlighting Horvilleur’s advocacy for peaceful coexistence, the series is a notable contribution to the cause of coexistential wisdom and the ongoing conversation between Judaism and other worldviews.
This story was first published on jpost.com.