**Netflix Series Gathers Both Praise and Criticism for Jewish Representation**

"Nobody Wants This," a newly-released series on Netflix, is quickly becoming a breakout hit, though it's also stirring controversy for its portrayal of Jewish characters. Created by Erin Foster and inspired by her life, the series follows the unexpected romance between Noah (Brody), a weed-smoking rabbi, and Joanne (Bell), a liberated atheist podcaster.

Critics are raising concerns about some elements of the show's depiction of Jewish women. Jessica Radloff, well-known for her work "The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series," praised the series overall but objected to a scene where Noah's mother refers to Joanne as a "shiksa,” a term often seen as offensive towards non-Jewish women. Radloff emphasized that such portrayals run counter to the Jewish principle of welcoming others, noting, "At a time when antisemitism is at the highest levels we've seen since the Holocaust, scenes like this hit me hard."

Supporters of Radloff's perspective include Allison Josephs, founder of Jew in the City, who criticized the series for portraying Jewish women as exhibiting "rampant" xenophobia. David Bashevkin, a rabbi and academic, also highlighted the reliance on stereotypical Jewish tropes in the show's trailer.

In response to the critiques, Foster explained to the Los Angeles Times the necessity of positive Jewish narratives today. She defended the show’s portrayal, highlighting the uniqueness of having a progressive, young rabbi as a lead character. "If I made the Jewish parents, like, two granola hippies on a farm," Foster noted, "then someone would write, 'I've never met a Jewish person like that before. You clearly don't know how to write Jewish people, you don't know what you're doing.'"

Foster, who converted to Judaism after marrying her husband, underscored the importance of casting a Jewish actor to play Noah. She believed that having a non-Jewish actor in this pivotal role would have undermined the show's intention to positively highlight Jewish culture. "What I really wanted to do was shed a positive light on Jewish culture from my perspective," Foster added, "sprinkling in a little fun [and] educational moments."

Despite the mixed reception, "Nobody Wants This" continues to captivate audiences and spark important conversations about representation and cultural sensitivity.