Jule Styne (December 31, 1905 – September 20, 1994) was an English-American songwriter and composer widely known for a series of Broadway musicals, including several famous frequently-revived shows that also became successful films: Gypsy, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and Funny Girl. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Jule Styne Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Smokey Robinson spoke with reverence and gratitude, his words shaped by decades of friendship and shared purpose. Stevie Wonder sang directly to Berry, offering Happy Birthday and You Are the Sunshine of My Life, transforming performance into offering. Otis Williams stood nearby, a living thread connecting generations of sound, discipline, and excellence. [Michael Adam Cohen]
Going Forward With Intention: Berry Gordy, Legacy, and the Jewish Art of Living Well Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Adam Cohen, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors
2025’s chapter is ending, and 2026’s new chapter is about to start. Did anyone have a good year, or are we looking for more positive and less dramatic, healthy vibes? [Cailin Acosta]
New Year’s Wish and Events Planned for 2026 Read More »
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I was curious about how the show came about and especially about Ari’s and Maya’s creative contributions. The Gimbels and Cherlin-Baird graciously spent some time with me on zoom and told me all about their process. [Sandi Masori]
A Hanukkah Musical Composed and Performed by Jewish Youth Read More »
Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
Collaborations with Tara Kemp and Niki Haris arrived not through strategy, but alignment. In Jewish mysticism, souls recognize each other across lifetimes. These partnerships feel like that. Voices that carry history, strength, and survival. Together, they are not chasing relevance. They are restoring lineage. [Michael Adam Cohen]
The Perry Twins: Rhythm, Resonance, and the Revolution of Joy Read More »
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Officially, we don’t close the federal government for Christmas, which is a religious holiday. We close federal offices in celebration of December 25th [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025 Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
There is a Hasidic teaching that every soul enters the world carrying its own melody, and the task of life is not to invent it, but to remember it. When Averginos speaks of music arriving beyond his conscious knowledge, of harmonies flowing through him that exceeded his formal training, he is describing this remembrance. The self does not lead. It relaxes. And something greater moves through. [Michael Adam Cohen]
Paul Avgerinos and the Gentle Art of Remembering: Listening for the Still, Small Sound Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Adam Cohen, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Yafa Yarkoni (December 24, 1925 – January 1, 2012) was an Israeli singer. She won the Israel Prize in 1998 for her contributions to Hebrew music. She was dubbed Israel’s “songstress of the wars” due to her frequent performances for Israel Defense Forces soldiers, especially in wartime. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Yafa Yarkoni Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, WikipediaAs we made it past the Franklin Mountains above the University of Texas at El Paso, there was an illuminated star on the mountainside. I don’t remember the star having been lit as blue prior to this occasion. [Cailin Acosta]
El Paso Lights Up Ceremonial Star in Celebration of Hanukkah Read More »
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There is one Chanukah song by a New York rock band, the LeeVees, which somehow manages to work what unexpected words into the lyrics? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Chanukah Songs Read More »
Jewish Religion, Mark D. Zimmerman, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire
Comprised of the more advanced seventh- and eighth-grade musicians, the orchestra performed a medley titled “Chanukah Holiday,” weaving together the “Dreidel Song,” “Tum Balalaika”, and “O Chanukah.” [Cailin Acosta]
La Mesa Arts Academy Concert Features a Chanukah Medley Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Michael Tilson Thomas (December 21, 1944) is an American conductor, pianist, and composer. He is Artistic Director Laureate of the New World Symphony, an American orchestral academy in Miami Beach, Florida, Music Director Laureate of the San Francisco Symphony, and Conductor Laureate of the London Symphony Orchestra. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Michael Tilson Thomas Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Actor/ Director Rob Reiner. 78, and his wife, photographer Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were stabbed to death on Sunday in their Brentwood, California home. Police booked his son Nick Reiner, 32, on suspicion of murder. Nick, who has struggled with drug addiction, was held without the possibility of bail. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Celebrities, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
As I walked in through the entrance near Five Guys Burgers and Fries, I was greeted by a delightful surprise: a Chanukah display set up at the main intersection, right beside the Five Below store. A representative was carefully adding the finishing touches as I passed by. [Cailin Acosta]
Our Shtetl: Chanukah Display at Parkway Plaza Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food