A Shor Thing

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
Most people spend New Year’s looking toward the future. But a new film opening this Friday provides viewers with a glance at the past — one perhaps more exciting, and worthy, than your average sermon.
“Toots,” Kristi Jacobson’s new film about her grandfather, famed New York City “saloon-keeper” Toots Shor, reveals how a poor Philadelphia boy born to Orthodox Jewish parents went on to run a legendary New York City bar in the 1940s and 1950s — one frequented by ballplayers, actors, politicians and mobsters.
A new era eventually dawned, dragging Toots and his beloved city into decline. Thankfully, Jacobson has unearthed his legacy. In this beautiful new film, she tells the story of a man who, at least for a brief time, became exactly what he wanted to become. For more information, please visit: www.tootsthemovie.com.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
