The Schmooze lies at the intersection of high and low culture. Here, the latest developments and trends in Jewish art, books, dance, film, music, media, television and theater are all assimilated into one handy pop culture blog.
The Schmooze
-
Should We Judge Woody Allen’s Relationship With Soon-Yi Previn?
“Love fades,” Diane Keaton says in “Annie Hall.” But Woody Allen says he’s “lucked out” with his wife Soon-Yi Previn, to whom he’s been married for 20 years now. In an , Allen spoke out about the relationship, the success of which he attributes to its “paternal” dynamics. Allen is 35 years older than Previn,…
-
Get Ready for a ‘Daily Show’ That’s 75% Less Jewish
(JTA) — It’s no secret that Jon Stewart is Jewish or that Trevor Noah, his soon-to-be replacement on the “Daily Show” is not. So it might not be surprising that once Stewart leaves on August 6 and Noah takes over on September 28, the show will lose a lot of its Jewish flavor. Noah emphasized on…
-
‘Rhoda’ Actress Valerie Harper Rushed to Hospital
Valerie Harper was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday night during a performance of her musical “Nice Work If You Can Get It” in Maine. The Emmy winner, best known for her roles in the ’70s sitcoms “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and its spinoff “Rhoda,” was taken by ambulance from the Ogunquit Playhouse to…
The Latest
-
Remembering Samuel Pisar, Holocaust Survivor and Tortured Soul
I first met Samuel Pisar, Holocaust survivor, lawyer, and presidential advisor who died on July 27 at 86, at the December 4, 1988 Israel Bonds International Elie Wiesel Holocaust Remembrance Award Dinner at the New York Hilton at which he was the honoree. Applauded by 1,100 guests, Pisar — with wife Judith Pisar at his side…
-
Morgan Freeman, Voice of God, Wants You To Support The Iran Deal
(JTA) — Actors Jack Black and Morgan Freeman join other big shots, including Queen Noor of Jordan, in a comedic video released Tuesday that plumps for the Iran deal. The celebrities urge Americans to contact their representatives in Washington to encourage them to support the agreement between world powers and Iran, which Congress has until September…
-
The Jewiest Christmas Movie Ever, Brought To You By Seth Rogen
Who knew Jews did anything but eat Chinese and go to the movies on Christmas? Seth Rogen has other plans. “Made by Jews, is about Christmas, and opens on Thanksgiving,” Rogen posted about his new movie, “The Night Before,” on Facebook. Aforementioned Jews: Seth Rogen (Isaac) and Joseph Gordon Levitt (Ethan), and Anthony Mackie (Chris)…
-
How About Some Anti-Semitism With That Reddit Toaster?
Would you like some butter on your toast? Also did-you-know-Jews-are-going-to-destroy-Europe… I mean, do prefer margarine? Apparently, in the world of anti-Semites, liking DIY toasters means you must also hate Jews, because, you know. Or at least, , that’s what this one Redditor thought. When people admired his DIY toaster (which, though inventive, is quite a…
-
5 Reasons Adam Sandler Went From Fame to Lame
His new comedy, “Pixels,” opened over the weekend to a mediocre $24 million, a disappointing result for the $88 million project. Sandler’s latest box office lemon comes on the heels of (Sandler’s lowest-grossing title ever, which opened to just $24,000 from 20 theaters in March), 2014’s “Blended” (the Drew Barrymore reteaming that mustered $46 million),…
-
David Strathairn Channels Holocaust Hero Jan Karski
Having known Polish World War II hero Jan Karski, I watched a gaunt Oscar-nominated David Strathairn amazingly bring to life this Catholic Holocaust messenger to the free world in the Jan Karski Theater Project’s “My Report to the World” by Clark Young and Derek Goldman showcased at The Museum of Jewish Heritage — A Living Memorial…
-
JDate is Suing JSwipe — Over the Letter J?
Oy gevalt. This is actually happening. JDate is suing JSwipe… over the use of the letter J. No, this isn’t an Yes, it’s ridiculous. After all, what about JWed or JZoog? Weirder still, JDate claims it owns the patent on software that “confidentially determines matches and notifies users of mutual matches in feelings and interests.”…
-
Israeli City Bans Nicki Minaj’s ‘Anaconda’
Israel’s northernmost coastal city, Nahariya, has issued a directive banning 14 songs from being played at a major city-sponsored summer youth event, including “‘Anaconda” by Trinidadian-born U.S. rapper Nicki Minaj and “Wiggle”’ by Jason Derulo featuring Snoop Dogg. The Mediterranean city, situated some ten kilometers from the Lebanese border and home to just over 50,000…
Explore
Most Popular
- 1
Opinion The dangerous Nazi legend behind Trump’s ruthless grab for power
- 2
Opinion I first met Netanyahu in 1988. Here’s how he became the most destructive leader in Israel’s history.
- 3
Culture Did this Jewish literary titan have the right idea about Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling after all?
- 4
News Who is Alan Garber, the Jewish Harvard president who stood up to Trump over antisemitism?
In Case You Missed It
-
Opinion Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit to a Jewish society at Yale exposed deep rifts between US Jews
-
Fast Forward On his first trip to Auschwitz, New Jersey governor urges vigilance against rising antisemitism
-
Fast Forward Survivors of the Holocaust and Oct. 7 embrace at Auschwitz, marking annual March of the Living
-
Fast Forward Could changes at the FDA call the kosher status of milk into question? Many are asking.
-
Shop the Forward Store
100% of profits support our journalism
