‘Lady in the Lake’: Nuanced Representations of Jewish Identity in Baltimore

Macher? Luch in Kop? These were some of the many Yiddish colloquialisms (I’m now going to use with my close and closer friends) that I came across while binging “Lady in the Lake,” one of Apple TV’s newest miniseries that features acclaimed actors like Natalie Portman, Moses Ingram and Brett Gelman.

Inspired by Laura Lippman’s 2019 novel, the series is rooted in the chilling real-life events of 1969 in Baltimore’s Druid Hill, where an 11-year-old Jewish girl and a 35-year-old Black mother were found dead just a few miles and months apart. Although there was no official connection between their deaths, “Lady in the Lake” delicately intertwines their stories, bringing to the forefront the complexities of marginalized communities in a city trying to renew itself.

By exploring how similarly the roles that gender, age and class play in every culture within a booming Baltimore, the adaptation is getting recognition for uplifting the sense of solidarity in the Jewish and Black experience, campaigning for the spirit of a diverse Baltimore coming together.

Less talked about, however, is how the series beautifully examines the internal intricacies of the Jewish-American identity as well.

In an interview with MovieWeb, actor Brett Gelman, best known for his role in “Stranger Things,” praises the Jewish experience that is richly embedded in the series.

“It does illustrate the very compelling complexities of the Jewish experience in the United States. And the way that one marginalized people is different from another marginalized people,” Gelman said. “It’s not giving you easy answers or making any judgments. It’s presenting complexities, and that’s very important. I think we need that now more than ever, right now, in order to be able to embrace complexities and hold that, and not jump to having this concrete opinion, other than the opinion of empathy.”

Through both subtle and overt cultural references, “Lady in the Lake” pays homage to the pride and authenticity of Jewish culture. From the get-go, a character’s family mentions their mezuzah, a traditional Jewish symbol affixed to the doorpost, which signifies their strong connection to faith and tradition despite being surrounded by those who celebrate Christmas.

The dialogue sparkles with Yiddish phrases and Jewish colloquialisms, adding yet another layer of authenticity and warmth. Take, for instance, the phrase “Lying to you like a goy,” which playfully hints at the Jewish-Gentile dynamics, or “Luch in Kop,” usually a joking way of saying someone has an “empty head.” And then there’s the use of “mensch,” a term of endearment and respect, highlighting the show’s celebration of the good-heartedness in people.

The series doesn’t shy away from the more profound aspects of Jewish culture either. It touches on traditional blessings like the “Asher Yatzar,” where Jewish men thank God for not creating them as a gentile, a slave or a woman — a humorously dealt scene but also an insight into traditional gender and faith. This is beautifully contrasted with the “Ayshes Chail” (Woman of Valor), a song from Proverbs celebrating women, often sung before the Shabbat meal. All are a wonderful reminder of the depth and complexity within the community.

Baltimore itself is a character of its own with landmarks like Maryland Avenue and the Druid Hill Synagogue living either in the words of the characters or seen in the physical background. The Baltimore Orioles’ World Series tour was referenced as well, grounding the story firmly in its time and place of the late 1960s.

Despite its popularity in the hair-raising plot and fast-paced mysteries, it also makes room to feel like a love letter to Jewish culture — filled with humor, warmth and a touch of chutzpah. Whether you’re Jewish or not, the show offers a delightful peek into a world rich in tradition, community, history and a fair amount of good-natured ribbing.