The Arts

Today’s Jewish Birthday: David Brooks

Courtesy of Wikipedia David Brooks (August 11, 1961) is a Canadian-born American conservative political and cultural commentator who writes for The New York Times. He has worked as a film critic for The Washington Times, a reporter and later op-ed editor for The Wall Street Journal, a senior editor at The Weekly Standard from its inception, and a contributing editor at Newsweek, and The […]

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News Media, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

Becky Guttin’s Trio of Separate Art Exhibits in San Diego and Mexico City

This has been a good year for internationally renowned artist, Becky Guttin. After the pandemic, and the passing of her beloved father, a talented artist in his own right, she has emerged from a period of mourning. She has come out with a bang artistically with three different projects. [Mimi Pollack]

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International, Mimi Pollack, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Rosanna Arquette

Courtesy of Wikipedia Rosanna Arquette (August 10, 1959) is an American actress. She was nominated for an Emmy Award for her performance in the TV film The Executioner’s Song (1982) and won the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for the film Desperately Seeking Susan (1985). Her other film roles include After Hours (also 1985), The Big Blue (1988), Pulp Fiction (1994), and Crash (1996). She also directed

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Jewish Celebrities, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

An Israeli-American Perspective: Navigating Youth Culture in Both Countries

My early 20s in Florentin, a neighborhood in south Tel Aviv near Jaffa, were truly magical. I was part of a local band, living in the bohemian heart of the city, feeling carefree and immersed in the moment. We were a generation connected by shared experiences, yet separated by the vast cultural currents flowing through our lives. Most of us were fresh out of the IDF, eager to enjoy the freedom we had fought for. [Shahar Masori]

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Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Maggie Wheeler

Courtesy of Wikipedia Maggie Wheeler (August 7) is an American actress. She is best known as Janice on the television sitcom Friends (1994–2004), and Anita on Ellen (1994–1996). In addition to her acting and voiceover work, she is a singer, songwriter, choir director, and workshop facilitator. Wheeler is the daughter of Barbara, a writer, and John Jakobson, who began

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Jewish Celebrities, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

From Bachfest to Bookfest

I was lucky enough to be able to participate in the first annual Bookfest, held in the nearby village of Gouzon and organized by two enterprising young women, Judi Alexander Castille and Vicky Eveleigh. The event enabled authors to display and sell their books, and also to give a reading to the assembled audience. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Judaism in Colonial America Pictured in Story Book about Sukkot

In this story, Papa who has been traveling on business in Europe sends a letter to his wife and children, Aaron and Leah, that he has purchased in Corsica a beautiful etrog (citron), and that he hopes to be home in time for the High Holy Days.  However, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur go by and he still hasn’t arrived.  [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

‘Derecho’ Dramatizes Conflict Between Assimilation and Loyalty to Immigrant Culture

Playwright Noelle Viñas tells of the struggle of first-generation American Eugenia (Ashley Alvarez) to balance her desire for upward mobility and achieving the American dream against her responsibility to her people and heritage, especially as she prepares to run for local office.  [Sandi Masori]

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San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Former San Diegan Fashioned Simone Biles’ Goat Necklace

She founded and operates her own business, Janet Heller Fine Jewelry, specializing in custom pieces. She doesn’t consider herself and artisan but rather a person with the ability to transform vision into story through jewelry, with meticulous skill and precision. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Holmes and Watson Reimagined as Modern Women

What if Sherlock Holmes lived in modern times and were a woman?  And what if Watson were also a woman and the two met accidentally when Watson answered an ad for a flatmate?  That seems to be the inspiration for Kate Hamill’s reimagining of the Sherlock Holmes story in Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B now playing at the Old Globe.  [Sandi Masori]

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San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Richard Belzer

Courtesy of Wikipedia Richard Belzer (August 4, 1944 – February 19, 2023) was an American actor, comedian, and author. He was best known for his role as BPD Detective, NYPD Detective/sergeant, and investigator John Munch, whom he portrayed for 23 years in the NBC police drama series Homicide: Life on the Street, Law & Order: Special Victims Unitand several guest

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Jewish Celebrities, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia