Shababnikim Season 3, Ep. 3: On Gays and Giggles

Shababnikim Season 3, Episode 3 delivers a masterclass in blending biting satire, uproarious comedy, and poignant human moments, cementing its place as one of Israel’s sharpest comedies.

This episode, packed with mistaken identities, cultural clashes, and personal reckonings, navigates the delicate balance between haredi life and modern Israeli society with wit and heart, while never shying away from the absurdities of both.

The episode opens with the return of Gedaliyah, the intense yeshiva supervisor, whose looming presence sets the tone for the comedic chaos to come. His probing question about which Gemara the bochurim are studying catches them off guard, and one student’s quick fabrication leads to a hilarious ticking clock: Gedaliyah will return in two days to test them. Meir, the perpetually frazzled yeshiva head, scrambles to prepare the students.

Meanwhile, Avinoam, seeking his father’s advice on handling Gedaliyah’s pressure, inadvertently drags the Haredi Shas MK into a government meeting on LGBTQ issues.

The scene is laugh out loud funny: the rabbi, mistaken for a progressive ally, is lauded for his “bravery” in attending. The absurdity peaks when a speaker declares, “This is the real Shas, the pluralism of Rav Ovadya!”, a completely ridiculous loud moment given Rav Ovadya’s staunch traditionalism.

Too late to escape, the rabbi delivers a dvar Torah, and the room erupts in applause. The fallout is even funnier: rainbow-boxed gifts, chocolates and flowers from LGBTQ organizations flood his office, and the story hits Ynet’s front page, much to his dismay.

Gedaliyah goes to a psychologist

Advised by Meir to see a psychologist, he grapples with his wife’s reluctance to visit the mikvah, a sensitive issue handled with surprising tenderness. The psychologist’s reassurance that such challenges are common in the first year of marriage offers Gedaliyah a rare moment of vulnerability, showcasing the show’s ability to humanize its characters without losing its comedic edge.

His obliviousness to social norms, however, steals the show: donning headphones and belting out songs at a bus stop, he draws bewildered stares from fellow Israelis, and he has no idea why (classic Gedaliyah!)

Elsewhere, Meir’s chance encounter with Margalit, a fiery young woman, sparks a compelling discussion on the progression of teaching, hinting at future chemistry.

Meanwhile, Avinoam’s quick thinking saves his father from a public relations disaster when Rav Gigi demands a condemnation of the LGBTQ community. Avinoam’s behind-the-scenes call to retract the statement, unbeknownst to his ecstatic father, is a clever nod to the younger generation’s navigation of tradition and modernity.

This episode shines because it fearlessly tackles sensitive topics. The humor is rooted in cultural specificity, from the yeshiva’s Gemara test panic to the Shas MK’s accidental foray into progressive politics, yet it’s universally relatable in its portrayal of human error and resilience.

The writing is tight, with every subplot, Gedaliyah’s therapy, Avinoam’s misadventure, Meir’s leadership struggles, interweaving seamlessly to create a cohesive narrative.

The performances are stellar. Gedaliyah’s mix of intensity and vulnerability is portrayed with nuance, making his headphone-singing fiasco all the more endearing. Avinoam’s exasperated yet cunning maneuvering, especially in managing his father’s PR crisis, showcases his growth as a character caught between worlds.

Meir’s flustered leadership, paired with Margalit’s fiery conviction, sets up a dynamic that promises more depth in future episodes. The ensemble’s chemistry, particularly in the yeshiva scenes, captures the chaotic camaraderie of the bochurim perfectly.

It’s a testament to the show’s ability to satirize the complexities of Israeli society, haredi, secular, and everything in between, while keeping its characters grounded and relatable.

Whether you’re chuckling at Gedaliyah’s bus stop serenade or cringing at the MK’s rainbow gift deluge, this episode is a must-watch that leaves you eager for more.