Talia’s cousin recites the Four Questions in Hebrew and English. But Talia has her own Four Questions: Who gets hugs? When do we hug? Where do we hug? And most of all—why is this book called the Hug-gadah? [Cailin Acosta]
Children’s book review: Talia waits through the seder for a hug Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Ruth Gikow (January 6, 1915 – April 2, 1982) was an American visual artist known primarily for her work as a genre painter. Her paintings often depict human figures interacting with an urban environment. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Ruth Gikow Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Imagine opening a book that doesn’t just sit on your shelf gathering dust—it walks with you through the chaos of everyday life, whispering (and sometimes shouting) that holiness isn’t reserved for mountaintops or monasteries. It’s right here, in the messy, miraculous grind of being human. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Rabbi Heschel as interpreted by an ex-con turned rabbi Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
I sat down with British actress, podcaster, and philanthropist Eve Richards in Beverly Hills where she moved through the world like a conductor guiding a symphony. Every gesture, every word, every project is deliberate, intentional, and charged with meaning. [Michael Adam Cohen]
Eve Richards: Living with intention Read More »
Michael Adam Cohen, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
Erika Morini (January 5, 1904 – October 31 or November 1, 1995) was an Austrian and American violinist.
Morini was born in Vienna, and received her first instruction from her father, Oscar Morini (originally spelled Oser or Ojser, family name Moritz), who was the director of his own music school in Vienna, and from Rosa Hochmann. She completed her studies at the Vienna Conservatory under Otakar Ševčík, who was also the teacher of Jan Kubelik. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Erika Morini Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
The Times of Israel translated Rodríguez’s quotes this way: “The governments of the world are simply shocked that it is the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela which is the victim and subject of an attack of this nature, which has, without a doubt, a Zionist tint.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish political briefing: Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Israel, News Media, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
This weighty tome comprising almost 1,500 pages of closely-printed text, is in fact four novels combined, and took the author some 17 years to write before it was first published in German in 1944. The translation into English by John E. Woods, reads fluently and convincingly, presumably mirroring the original German. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Thomas Mann’s ‘Joseph and His Brothers’ well worth the long time it takes to read Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
May the Epstein files be forgot,
And never brought to mind.
Winning wars to get oil.
Renders the public blind. … (Laurie Baron]
Satire: Happy new diversion Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Lawrence Baron, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
David Berman (January 4, 1967 – August 7, 2019) was an American musician, singer-songwriter and poet who founded – and was the only constant member of – the indie rock band Silver Jews with Pavement’s Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nastanovich. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: David Berman Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Gilbert Seldes (January 3, 1893 – September 29, 1970) was an American writer and cultural critic. Seldes served as the editor and drama critic of the seminal modernist magazine The Dial and hosted the NBC television program The Subject is Jazz (1958). [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Gilbert Seldes Read More »
News Media, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Nearly a decade ago, Thurman endured an undiagnosed fracture of her neck and brain stem. Her body eventually collapsed, leaving her paralyzed. She had to relearn every basic skill—walking, reading, speaking, even eating. Each day required starting over. And yet, she persevered. [Michael Adam Cohen]
Wisdom and resilience of Amy Thurman Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, California, Lifestyles, Michael Adam Cohen, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Prominent Jewish individuals and organizations, including New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, a Republican, criticized on social media the first-day actions of Muslim Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who cancelled all the executive orders issued after September 2024 by his predecessor at City Hall, Eric Adams. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish political briefing: Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
It is the second day of 2026, and the gym is busier than usual with new faces, new clothes, and shoes, as people dedicate themselves to a healthier lifestyle. [Cailin Acosta]
Keeping healthy in 2026 is a matter of keeping that resolution Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
Joyce Wadler (January 2, 1948) is a journalist and reporter for The New York Times, as well as a writer and humorist. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Joyce Wadler Read More »
News Media, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia