The Arts

Solomon’s contributions to the Bible weighed through Rashi’s lens

The book begins with a puzzle. The passionate love poetry of the Song of Songs, the practical wisdom of Proverbs, and the philosophical skepticism of Ecclesiastes appear so different that many readers wonder why they belong together in Scripture. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

Solomon’s contributions to the Bible weighed through Rashi’s lens Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Today’s Jewish birthday: Mel Brooks

Mel Brooks (June 28, 1926) is an American actor, filmmaker, comedian, songwriter, and playwright. With a career spanning over seven decades, he is known as a writer and director of a variety of successful broad farces and parodies. A recipient of numerous accolades, he is one of 28 entertainers to win the EGOT, which includes an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony. [Wikipedia]

Today’s Jewish birthday: Mel Brooks Read More »

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

Three divas sing songs by American Jewish composers at JFest

The three jazz divas were introduced by JFest’s producing director, soon to be JFest’s co-director, Becca Myers. They were Whitney Shay, Mara Kaye and Elizabeth Schwartz, who curated the program. Each sang a selection from every one of the American Songbook’s Jewish songwriters featured in the program, Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, Harold Arlen and Bert Bachrach. [Eileen Wingard]

Three divas sing songs by American Jewish composers at JFest Read More »

Eileen Wingard, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

JNF-USA plans national get-together in Chula Vista

Jewish National Fund USA announces its “Global Conference for Israel: Unite for Israel’s Future” Thursday, November 12 through Sunday, November 15 at the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center in Chula Vista.

JNF-USA plans national get-together in Chula Vista Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

The Shema and the Obama Presidential Center

It isn’t a stuffy monument. It is now the only presidential center – a place inviting people to participate not simply in remembering the past but to actively take part in the present and to create a future in that space. [Barrett Holman Leak]

The Shema and the Obama Presidential Center Read More »

Barrett Holman Leak, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

To retreat into safe Jewish spaces or participate fully in American pluralism?

A few days ago, I attended a book talk for On Being Jewish Now, a collection of essays reflecting on Jewish life after October 7. About 50 people had gathered inside a posh clothing store in Beverly Hills, and before long the conversation gave way to a familiar ritual of trauma bonding and story telling. Personal accounts of fear, identity, and all the difficult ways our lives have changed over the last 20 months. [Karen Klein]

To retreat into safe Jewish spaces or participate fully in American pluralism? Read More »

Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, California, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

‘Tortured Soles’ is a celebrity gossip book with a double-entendre title

shtetl

This was a fascinating memoir, and I enjoyed reading about someone working behind the scenes in entertainment journalism, chasing celebrity gossip and experiencing the adrenaline rush that came with it. Weinstein notes that she is now retired and enjoying every minute of it. [Cailin Acosta]

‘Tortured Soles’ is a celebrity gossip book with a double-entendre title Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

First two concerts of Mainly Mozart Festival unite the principal musicians of a cross-country selection of orchestras

Two glorious sold-out concerts of the Mainly Mozart Festival featured revolutionary music, in keeping with the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution this year. [Eileen Wingard]

First two concerts of Mainly Mozart Festival unite the principal musicians of a cross-country selection of orchestras Read More »

Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

‘The Lost Shtetl’ is a fictional ‘what if?’ novel

Secluded and protected by dense forests and foolish local superstition, the Kreskol community continued to live as though the twentieth century had never happened. The residents still speak Yiddish, observe traditional Jewish customs, and know nothing of the Holocaust, the Cold War, automobiles, electricity, TV, or the Internet. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

‘The Lost Shtetl’ is a fictional ‘what if?’ novel Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Old Globe presents ‘Measure for Measure’ in Balboa Park

The basic plot is that Claudio (David T. Patterson) has slept with Juliet (Kayce Wilson) and gotten her pregnant, out of wedlock, which is a crime punishable by death. Angelo (Sam Lilja) the Duke’s cousin and proxy sentences him to death, perhaps because he himself was enamored with Juliet. Claudio’s sister Isabella (Amelia Pedlow), who is a nun in training, comes to Angelo to plead her brother’s case. Angelo offers her an indecent proposal instead. Distressed she runs crying to the Friar (who is actually the Duke in disguise) (Ato Blankson-Wood) who helps her concoct a plan to both save her honor and her brother. Chaos ensues. [Sandi Masori]

Old Globe presents ‘Measure for Measure’ in Balboa Park Read More »

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