David Nirenberg traces the history of anti-Semitism from ancient Egypt through 20th-century Europe, encompassing literary criticism of ‘The Merchant of Venice.’Read More

What Makes a Jewish Joke Jewish?

By Adam Rovner

Ruth Wisse offers a cogent analysis of Jewish humor in her new book. Why does she overlook several decades of scholarship on ethnic jokes?Read More

Viewing Franz Kafka Through Lens of his Sexuality

By Peter Ephross

If ever there was an author whose works resisted analysis, it’s Franz Kafka. A new book emphasizes the author’s repressed homosexuality and fantasies about boys.Read More

It's a Hebrew Thing — You Get It or You Don't

By Philologos

The Hebrew phrase ‘ha-mevin yavin’ roughly means ‘Let him who understands, understand.’ Or as our Italian friends might say: “Capeesh?”Read More

The Enduring Jewish Traditions of Philanthropy and Collecting

By Jenna Weissman Joselit

Patronage and aesthetic sensibility are hallmarks of the modern Jew. The philanthropy of people like Leonard Lauder and Michael Steinhardt is part of an enduring tradition.Read More

British Comedy Legend Jonathan Lynn Brings Unique Style to Los Angeles

By Rex Weiner

Jonathan Lynn grew up as the only Jewish boy in the British town of Bath and is the nephew of Israeli leader Abba Eban. Both shaped his classic comedy, ‘Yes, Prime Minister.’Read More

Gesher Theatre Explores Challenges of Dramatizing I.B. Singer's 'Enemies'

By Yevgeny Arye

Isaac Bashevis Singer’s ‘Enemies’ is a gripping and challenging work to stage. Yevgeny Arye discusses bringing the horror of the Nazi era to a 21st century American audience.Read More

Holocaust Museum, Turning 20 Years Old, Confronts 21st Century Challenges

By Menachem Wecker

The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has been touring America for its 20th anniversary. One challenge is soon there won’t be any more survivors to interpret its artifactsRead More

Violence Meets Solitude at Jewish Museum's Jack Goldstein Exhibit

By Adam Langer

Jack Goldstein was an artist whose work comprised an astonishing variety of media. A new exhibit in New York sheds light on his inspiring and tragic career.Read More

World War II's Unsung Heroes Get Their Due at Spruced Up Lyon Museum

By Lilit Marcus

A new museum in Lyon aims to educate visitors about the role of the French resistance movement in aiding Jews and others during the Holocaust.Read More

Arts & Culture

By Raphael Magarik