Untold Australia: Strictly Jewish

The final documentary in the Untold Australia series is Strictly Jewish, which delves into the inner Melbourne suburbs of Caulfield, Elsternwick and Ripponlea where a thriving orthodox Jewish community lives.

For the first time in Australia’s television history, cameras have been allowed inside the ultra-Orthodox Adass Israel Jewish community in Melbourne. Following three of the members of this reclusive sect, the documentary offers a unique insight into how this hidden subculture exists alongside Melbourne’s trendy latte society, as they attempt to maintain their age-old rituals in the face of contemporary frivolities.

The 2000-plus members of this virtually self-sufficient society have their own shops, schools, butcher, baker, synagogue, cemetery, and even have their own ambulance service! Filmed over the Jewish calendar year 5775*, this is a fascinating exploration into how the conservative Adass Israel community strive to maintain their ancient faith in a modern world.

*The Jewish calendar year 5775 was from 25 September, 2014 – 13 September, 2015.

Wednesday, 27 April at 8.30pm on SBS.