‘Blood boiling’: Orthodox Jewish women on Netflix’s new reality hit

But when Rubin stumbled upon the philosophical teachings of a local rabbi, her interest in spirituality was kindled. “I loved the concept that there’s a godly spark in every Jew that wants to be attached [to Judaism]. I loved the idea that we’re all attached to each other. You can feel it.”

Today, she’s been a prison chaplain for the past 27 years and also runs Melbourne’s main mikvah, a ritual bathhouse for married Jewish women. She says she had to stop watching My Unorthodox Life after a couple of episodes – “it got my blood boiling!” – which is a small shame, because by the end of the nine episodes, Haart reveals she still finds fulfilment with some aspects of Judaism and also introduces her sister, a woman still living in her old community who is as happy as she is strong-minded.

“When I first entered a religious community, I saw that women are the powerhouses; they’re leaders. Many have professions or businesses, and they are vibrant and respected.”

But Rubin wants to make her truth clear. “The idea that women are lesser than men in Judaism – that couldn’t be further from the truth,” she says. “When I first entered a religious community, I saw that women are the powerhouses; they’re leaders. Many have professions or businesses, and they are vibrant and respected.”

Rubin believes that Haart opted out of a spiritual life “for one that seems physical, material”. “That’s the last thing I’m looking for. I wanted spirituality, and became so empowered because of it.”

She occasionally questions some aspects of her religion “but that doesn’t mean that I don’t embrace [it] and love it, passionately.”

Professor of religious studies at the University of Sydney, Carole Cusack, has observed that women tend to gravitate towards religion at two points in their lives above all others: when they’re around 13-30, and then again when they reach old age. Cusack thinks it’s because these are times when the young seek direction, and the older want hope about what lies ahead.

“Some people might feel that it guards them psychologically against mortality and feelings of futility,” Cusack says. “And it also conserves community – it can help with building a strong individual as well as with communal identity.”

Sydney-based Naomi Krinsky, 60, hails from a secular background, but also found solace in Judaism when she was in her twenties. Now, she finds immense gratification through her charitable work, and despite outwardly looking like a person of faith – she wears a sheitel, dresses modestly – she stresses, “I’m still me.”

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Before becoming more observant, she regularly danced at discos and so when Fleetwood Mac came on the radio recently, she burst into dance.

“I never threw me in the bin. I will always be me, I just became a little more observant. Do I think it’s restrictive? No.”

For her, faith boils down to how she’ll view her life at its close. “I wanted purpose. I wanted to make the world a better place. We have to love and respect everybody and their choices.”

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