The Jewish Story Behind Ozark: Siblings, Betrayals and Life Lessons

The Jewish Story Behind Ozark: Siblings, Betrayals and Life Lessons

Wednesday, 6pm PST

In its fourth season, the Netflix hit series Ozark leans heavily into complicated family relationships, exploring the complexities of ethics through the lens of loyalty and bloodlines. Join us as we welcome back Emmy-nominated writer, producer and showrunner Chris Mundy in conversation with writer Paul Kolsby and Rabbi Sherre Hirsch, as they discuss biblical motifs revealed in the restless summer resort community and how their own Jewish stories influenced their creative process.

Chris Mundy spent 11 years as a senior writer and contributing editor at Rolling Stone magazine before transitioning to television. Since working in television, he has written for such shows as "Criminal Minds," "Hell on Wheels" and "Bloodline." In addition, he created and executive produced "Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior," starring Forest Whitaker, as well as AMC's "Low Winter Sun." Currently, Mundy is showrunner of the hit Netflix original series “Ozark.”

Paul Kolsby is a screenwriter, playwright and novelist. He’s written the films “City Unplugged” and “Spread,” among others; has developed TV pilots and has written for numerous shows—including Netflix’s “Ozark”—for which he’s earned a number of award nominations. His plays have been performed around the U.S. and in Europe, he’s written several books, including the novel Ear to the Ground, with David Ulin. He’s been a frequent contributor to magazines and to The Los Angeles Times, has taught at UCLA, the American Film Institute and NYU, holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.F.A. from NYU’s Tisch School. A member of the Writers Guild of America, he lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two children.

Rabbi Sherre Hirsch is the Chief Innovation Officer at American Jewish University. She made headlines as the first female rabbi at Sinai Temple, the largest Conservative congregation on the west coast. She served as Senior Rabbinic Scholar at Hillel International, where she created and developed Hillelwell, an initiative for Hillels worldwide to become the recognized address for preventative mental health. A thought leader and author on spirituality and religion, Rabbi Hirsch has appeared on the Today Show, ABC News, Extra, and PBS, among other outlets, and has been a contributor to Time.com, Oprah Magazine, the Jewish Journal, the Hollywood Journal, and more.