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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Can a white American Jew write a persuasive novel about Peru?
Ethical questions have been at the center of the Jewish faith since the religion was founded. What is my responsibility to other human beings? Who am I to claim I have the right answers, or any answers at all?How do I contribute to repairing the world? Might my attempt to do so cause unforeseen damage?…
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What a Golem horror movie tells us about coronavirus
By now, we’ve all heard what we need to do to help combat the novel coronavirus outbreak: Practice rigorous social distancing to flatten the curve, sing “Happy Birthday” twice while washing our hands, avoid all face-touching. But the 2018 horror film “The Golem,” directed by brothers Doron and Yoav Paz, presents another alternative to the…
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Daily distraction: Experience the world from your couch, explore YIVO and dance
Welcome to your daily distraction, our recommendations for ways to stay engaged and entertained while we socially distance ourselves to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak. You can find our past recommendations here; many of the opportunities we’ve highlighted are ongoing. It’s Friday, the end of our first week of social distancing. Things can look bleak…
The Latest
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How people across the globe are discussing social distancing
Translators and lexicographers are working overtime as new virus-related words and phrases enter our daily vocabulary. One urgent problem: How to convey “social distancing” in a variety of languages, with all sorts of dizzying cultural contexts, so that everyone can understand how to save lives? As for what “social distancing” means in English, Chicago’s Commissioner…
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We didn’t need Gal Gadot’s celebrity-packed ‘Imagine,’ but, well, here it is
Even Wonder Woman is wondering how to keep morale up these days. Yesterday, Gal Gadot gathered her celebrity pals together for a pastiched video of them singing John Lennon’s “Imagine” on Instagram. “Day six in self-quarantine,” Gadot explained before the singing started. “I gotta say, these past few days have gotten me feeling a bit…
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Daily Distraction: A ‘Plot Against America’ podcast, Netflix Party and Yiddish cooking
Welcome to your daily distraction, our recommendations for ways to stay engaged and entertained while we socially distance ourselves to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak. You can find our past recommendations here; many of the opportunities we’ve highlighted are ongoing. Hi! First of all, breathe and center yourself. It’s Thursday, and you’ve almost made it…
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Socially distancing? Join the Forward’s book club, and connect.
Dear reader: I hope you’ll join me in a new project we’re launching: The Forward Book Club. For me, it’s a way to combine something I love (reading) with something I crave (connection in a time of crisis). We’re going to start with a book that’s perfect for this moment: “The Bread Givers,” by Anzia…
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Daily distraction: 92nd Street Y online, free yoga, Jewish Museum audio tour
It’s Wednesday, and we’re halfway through this first — for many of us — week of socially distancing. Every day is an achievement, and every day deserves a reward. Here are some options to consider today. 1) Browse archived performances from the 92nd Street Y. The 92nd Street Y, one of New York’s most beloved cultural…
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I’m a rabbi and a lifelong reader. These are the books I’m turning to for comfort.
As we as a society take steps to stem the novel coronavirus outbreak, we have plenty of enforced time at home. But although your body may be stuck inside, your mind can still roam the universe. This is a time to read: long books you’ve never gotten to, or new kinds of books you never…
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How the Jews Made America Irish
Editor’s Note: This article was first published in the Forward on March 17, 2014. Even with St. Patrick’s Day upon us, it’s hard to say just when and where the first major alliance between the Jews and the Irish was forged in this country, but the Chicago office of Dankmar Adler, architect and engineer, back…
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Daily distraction: Ben Platt’s dance party, the Folksbiene online and ‘West Side Story’
As the novel coronavirus outbreak continues, social distancing remains the cool thing to do — just listen to Mel Brooks. Luckily, our favorite cultural figures and institutions continue to find creative ways to keep us entertained. In case you missed our first installment, as the country enters an unprecedented period of isolation to stem the…
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