Parallels Between the Musical ‘Hamilton’ and Counting the Omer

On the surface, a hip-hop musical about an American Founding Father might seem worlds away from the Counting of the Omer (which we are doing now, on our way to Shavuot). However, when we delve into the underlying themes of both, some intriguing parallels emerge, especially concerning progress, reflection, and the anticipation of something significant. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Parashiot Acherei-Kedoshim: Share the light of Torah

There’s a common trap we all fall into – becoming so absorbed in our own lives that we lose sensitivity to the experiences of those around us. We stop hearing, stop seeing — not because we’re cruel, but because we’re too self-focused to notice. The Torah, with its eternal wisdom, confronts this human tendency head-on. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]

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Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Naomi Klein

Naomi Klein (May 8, 1970) is a Canadian author, social activist, and filmmaker known for her political analyses; support of ecofeminism, organized labour, and criticism of corporate globalization, fascism and capitalism. In 2021, Klein took up the UBC Professorship in Climate Justice, joining the University of British Columbia’s Department of Geography. [Wikipedia]

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

Beethoven’s ‘Archduke Trio’ Performed by an International Group of Musicians

The German violinist, Anne-Sophie Mutter; the Spanish cellist, Pablo Ferrandez; and the Russian-Israeli pianist, Yefim Bronfman, joined forces to deliver definitive performances of Beethoven’s Archduke Trio and Tchaikovsky’s Trio at the Balboa Theater last Saturday evening. [Eileen Wingard]

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Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors

‘Motti Wolkenbruch’ Portrays Another Jew Falling in Love with a Christian

Motti and Mechal (Lena Kalisch) agree that their union is a match to please their over controlling mothers. Meanwhile, Motti begins talking with a non-Jewish student, Laura (Noemie Schmidt), and they go on a couple of dates. He knows his mother will not be pleased. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

We Are Not Our Stories

Over the course of three days, I sat in silence for long stretches, practicing the art of observing my thoughts without engaging them.  I noticed how often my mind returned to that familiar belief: I have to achieve to be worthy. It’s a story that’s been with me since childhood, that has shaped my choices, driven my ambitions, and insidiously stolen my peace. [Shayna Kaufmann]

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Lifestyles, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors