This is the Forward’s coverage of Jewish culture where you’ll learn about the latest (and sometimes earliest) in Jewish art, music (including of course Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen), film, theater, books as well as the secret Jewish history of…
Culture
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WATCH NOW September 2: The Borscht Belt and the rise of American Jewish comedy
Watch the recording of this event here. Join us as we look into the rich history of the Borscht Belt and the rise of Jewish comedy in the mid-20th century, including the legacy of the late comedian, Jackie Mason. Forverts editor Rukhl Schaechter will moderate a conversation with Phil Brown, President of the Catskills Institute…
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‘Slow, small, imperfect’ — round two of pandemic Passover comes with its own perks and challenges
This time last year, I penned the Forward’s inaugural guide to virtual seders. But the one I organized for my own family in 2020 was a hot mess. Muting was a Herculean feat that few could accomplish. Audio feedback dogged ancient blessings. There was an ill-fated experiment in communal singing. By the time we finished…
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Was the Last Supper a ‘Seder?’ And 3 other vital Passover questions, asked and answered.
When we ask at our Seders why this night is different from all other nights, there are the stock responses and the ones we take for granted. We receive explainers on slouching, unleavened bread and why we dip our herbs. We don’t get into what Jesus’ Passover plans were in Jerusalem. In our Haggadot, we…
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After vandalism, ‘Soup Nazi Kitchen’ in Washington paints over provocative sign
For one, brief, bizarre moment a Soup Nazi restaurant was coming to Everett, Washington. Redditters were quick to note the storefront of “The Soup Nazi Kitchen” in the downtown area, advertised with a sexualized female Nazi mascot in SS-like uniform — not the mustachioed visage of the Soup Nazi of “Seinfeld” fame or his real…
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‘Shtisel’ season 3 bites off a lot, but plays to its strengths — its flawed and relatable characters
A hidden pregnancy? A sham marriage? A love triangle and multiple broken engagements? A lot is happening in season three of “Shtisel,” the beloved Israeli show which follows the Shtisels, a Haredi family living in Jerusalem, On paper, the plot lines in the newest season of “Shtisel,” which will begin streaming on Netflix on March…
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The rise and fall of James Levine
The American conductor James Levine, who died on Mar. 9 at age 77, drew on Jewish musical heritage to inspire his achievement, until multiple accusations of abuse justifiably ended his career. Born in Cincinnati to parents who attended the Isaac M. Wise Temple, a pioneering synagogue for Reform Judaism, Levine was a child prodigy musician…
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150 years ago in the French Civil War, Jews were on both sides of the barricades
Parisians surprised the world (and themselves) by throwing a revolution
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WATCH NOW: June 17: Juneteenth 2021: How American Jews are reflecting on a year of racial reckoning
Watch the recording here. Last summer’s historic protests reverberated across the country and the Jewish world has been struggling to meet the moment. How effective have the efforts been? What else can Jews do to fight for racial justice? Rabbi Sandra Lawson of Reconstructing Judaism and Tema Smith, a Forward contributing columnist, joined our editor-in-chief,…
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After 14 years reviewing haggadahs, our expert dishes on the good, bitter and wacky
Jay Michaelson has been reviewing Passover haggadahs for the Forward for 14 years. Why are there new versions each year of a ritual that has been around for millennia? Well, that’s a different question, but he has become an expert guide to the guides to the Seder. If that sounds a bit convoluted, well, that’s…
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March 21: The Third Seder with Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan
This celebration will take place on Sunday, March 21 at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT. Click here to register. The Forward is excited to co-sponsor the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan’s “The Third Seder: A Yiddish Passover Celebration.” The Third Seder is a long-standing Yiddish cultural tradition. For the first time, the MMJCCM will…
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On ‘Soul of a Nation’ Nick Cannon talks teshuva — but Black Jews don’t get equal time
Nick Cannon addressed his journey of teshuva following a summer of professional setbacks due to antisemitic comments — but he may have misrepresented what exactly he needs to atone for. On ABC’s “Soul of a Nation,” Cannon spoke with anchor Linsey Davis about the infamous episode of his “Cannon’s Class” podcast in July, where he…
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