The Arts

‘My Own Directions’ Speaks to the Triumph of Taking a Leap of Faith

“My Own Directions,” by Sheldon Epps; McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers, 2022. ISBN 978-1-1-4766-8858-9; 183 pages. By Eva Trieger   SAN DIEGO — Artistic director, actor, and author, Sheldon Epps, has become a leader in the theater world, renowned for his work on both coasts of America and across the pond in London. Most recently, […]

‘My Own Directions’ Speaks to the Triumph of Taking a Leap of Faith Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Eva Trieger, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

ADL Condemns Neo-Nazi Protests of Broadway Play About Antisemitic Lynching

(JNS) With a book by Alfred Uhry, and lyrics and music by Jason Robert Brown, the 1998 musical “Parade” tells the tragic story of Jewish factory manager Leo Frank, who was tried, convicted and sentenced to death for the rumored rape and the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan in Atlanta in 1913. Two years later,

ADL Condemns Neo-Nazi Protests of Broadway Play About Antisemitic Lynching Read More »

Holocaust, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

The Raw, Harrowing Facts on the Holocaust in France

“La Rafle des Notables” (The Deportation of Prominent Jews), by Anne Sinclair, published by Bernard Grasset, Paris, 2017. By Dorothea Shefer-Vanson MEVASSERET ZION, Israel — Anne Sinclair, noted French writer and journalist, has written extensively about the Holocaust and how it affected her family. In this book she focuses on the arrest and deportation to

The Raw, Harrowing Facts on the Holocaust in France Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Holocaust, International

Gene Simmons of Kiss Fame to Unveil Mural of Polish Catholic Holocaust Hero

By Mike Wagenheim (JNS) Artists 4 Israel is expanding its series of murals honoring Righteous Among the Nations. It’s doing so with a “kiss” this time. The collective, which enlists artists to combat antisemitism and anti-Israel bigotry through their work, will unveil its fourth mural on Feb. 26 paying homage to non-Jews who risked their

Gene Simmons of Kiss Fame to Unveil Mural of Polish Catholic Holocaust Hero Read More »

California, Holocaust, International, Jewish Celebrities, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, USA

Film on Ethiopian Jewry’s ‘Yearning’ to be Screened in San Diego

By Sam Litvin SAN DIEGO — “They love our work, but they do not love us” says an elderly man in the high mountains of Ethiopia. He is a Jew. His family has been Jewish as far back as they can remember, and they can remember all the way to the days of Queen Sheeba

Film on Ethiopian Jewry’s ‘Yearning’ to be Screened in San Diego Read More »

Israel, Middle East, Sam Litvin, San Diego County, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Two Mysteries for Price of One in ‘Trouble’

Hella Mauzer is a fictional former policewoman in Helsinki, who now works as a private investigator.  She is asked by her old colleagues to do a background check on a man who is under consideration to head the homicide bureau.  She agrees upon the condition that she might also review the records from 1942 in which members of her own family were killed by a hit and run truck driver. [Donald H. Harrison]

Two Mysteries for Price of One in ‘Trouble’ Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison

In La Jolla, Steven Schick Ascends the Podium in New Role as Conductor Emeritus

By Eileen Wingard   LA JOLLA, California — Steven Schick, celebrated conductor, master percussionist, and distinguished UCSD professor, has commissioned over 150 new works. His latest was awarded to UCSD alumnus, Mary Kouyoumdjian for her piece, “Walking with Ghosts,” the opener of the La Jolla Symphony & Chorus’ February 11 concert at Mandeville Hall. Schick,

In La Jolla, Steven Schick Ascends the Podium in New Role as Conductor Emeritus Read More »

Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County

‘Intersections’ Showcases the Diverse Talents of Klezmer Musician Yale Strom

By Eileen Wingard LA JOLLA, California — “Intersections” is the name of a new 12-part series curated and hosted by the multitalented Yale Strom. Each month this year, Strom will introduce a diverse array of artists for programs at UCSD’s Park & Market, a new venue at 1100 Market Street in San Diego. The programs,

‘Intersections’ Showcases the Diverse Talents of Klezmer Musician Yale Strom Read More »

Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County

Composer Behind Songs in ‘Wild Kratts,’ ‘PJ Masks,’ and Other Iconic Children’s TV Shows Brings New Musical to San Diego

By Jacob Kamaras LA JOLLA, California — The co-creator of the songs for some of the most popular children’s shows on television is bringing a new musical to San Diego. Actually, it’s a musical about putting on a musical. Ensemble: The Musical — which will be performed live for the first time at the Tenth

Composer Behind Songs in ‘Wild Kratts,’ ‘PJ Masks,’ and Other Iconic Children’s TV Shows Brings New Musical to San Diego Read More »

Jacob Kamaras, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

March 2023 is the First Edition of San Diego Theatre Month

By Eva Trieger   SAN DIEGO — Just when you thought America’s Finest City couldn’t get any finer, it just did! Not only do we have the country’s best weather, Museum Month at Balboa Park, and world-class surfing, but now March has a new moniker — San Diego Theatre Month. Eight years ago, San Diego

March 2023 is the First Edition of San Diego Theatre Month Read More »

Eva Trieger, San Diego County, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

A Fascinating Book on the Lessons Derived from Architecture in the Bible

By Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin   BOCA RATON, Florida — Urim Publications published “ArchitecTorah, Architectural Ideas in Judaism and the Weekly Torah Portion” by Joshua Skarf in 2023. It contains 178 short, informative, easy-to-read essays on the 54 weekly portions focusing on Torah topics that reveal hidden information about God and architecture design and theory

A Fascinating Book on the Lessons Derived from Architecture in the Bible Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion

Responding to Loved Ones Who Are Thinking of Suicide

Freedenthal says that most people who have suicidal thoughts are not in immediate danger of attempting to kill themselves.  Most are giving serious consideration to the idea but have not gotten to the point where they want to actuate their thoughts.  They are still debating with themselves, and that’s when a supportive friend, family member or partner can help them navigate toward making a life-saving choice. [Donald H. Harrison]

Responding to Loved Ones Who Are Thinking of Suicide Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education