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
-
Need Help With Your Bar Mitzvah Speech? Meet the ‘Toast Whisperer’
We’ve all been there, —eying the assembled crowd, swallowing a dry throat, and shuffling cue cards. Wendy Shanker knows the difficulties of public speaking better than most. As a longtime corporate speechwriter, she has worked with many clients to craft a perfect speech. Her specialty is award shows, charity events, and other public venues. But…
-
Theodore Bikel, Guardian of Yiddishkeit, Honored By YIVO
“I have to sing!… It is a need bigger than eating” a young, handsome Theodore Bikel declares in a clip from Murray Lerner’s 1967 film of the Newport Festival which was shown at the YIVO’s 13th Annual Heritage Luncheon at the Center for Jewish History honoring 91 year old Bikel. In the film, Bikel is…
-
Leonard Nimoy’s Son Zaps $600K Goal for ‘Spock’ Flick
Leonard Nimoy’s son Adam Nimoy has surpassed the goal of raising $600,000 in funds through a Kickstarter campaign to complete a documentary about his father titled “For the Love of Spock.” The project is aimed at celebrating the 50th anniversary of “Star Trek,” which aired for the first time on Sept. 8, 1966. Zachary Quinto,…
The Latest
-
Kutsher’s Will Be Reincarnated as Catskills Yoga Retreat
Nobody puts Kutsher’s in a corner. After closing in 2013, the former Borscht Belt hotel — famed as the inspiration for the fictional “Dirty Dancing” resort — is to be reincarnated as a $250-million yoga center. Indian billionaire Subhash Chandra plans to turn the defunct resort into a yoga and wellness center. His vision edged…
-
Sorry, You Won’t See Any Nazis on ‘Downton Abbey’
“Downton Abbey” has come a long way since its 1912 beginnings. The Crawleys have weathered the sinking of the Titanic, World War I, near-financial ruin, numerous family deaths, scandal and even Jewish intermarriage (gasp!). But don’t expect to see Nazis planes bearing down on the Earl of Grantham any time soon. The last season of…
-
This Video of 14-Year-Old Amy Winehouse Will Give You Chills
The upcoming “Amy” documentary has unearthed a lot of amazing and rare footage of the late (great) Amy Winehouse. But this clip of an unassuming 14-year-old Amy is particularly magical. In the video, shot by Amy’s friend Lauren Gilbert at her 14th birthday party, a playful and sweet teen version of the Jewish singer belts…
-
Don’t Invite These ‘Difficult People’ To Your Funeral
Amy Poehler may play Joy in Pixar’s ‘Inside Out,’ but there’s nothing happy about the teaser for her new show. “Difficult People,” which will premiere on Hulu on August 5, shows New Yorkers at their worst. The teaser stars Billy Eichner and Julie Klauser as the worst funeral guests ever — they’re loud, obnoxious, without any…
-
As If! No Really, It’s ‘Clueless the Musical’
As if! Looks like “Clueless” heading to Broadway as part of the iconic movie’s 20th anniversary festivities, writer/director Amy Heckerling told The 1995 film, which parallels Jane Austin’s Emma, features Cher Horowitz, the ultimate 90s’ Jewish American Princess. Along with her sidekick, Dionne, Cher takes new-kid Tai under her fabulous wing and plays matchmaker with…
-
Jewish Celebrities Cheer Historic Gay Marriage Decision
The Supreme Court has legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states in a 5-4 decision. In his majority opinion, Justice Anthony Kennedy : No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once…
-
Ben & Jerry’s Renames Ice Cream After Gay Marriage Decision
If you’re like me, then you’re in the mood to celebrate the , which makes it legal for same-sex couples to marry in all 50 states. And if, also like me, you have a sweet-tooth, then may I suggest a pint of ice cream? Luckily, Ben & Jerry’s have read our minds, and have honorarily…
-
‘2 By Wolf’ — A Yiddish-Gaelic Theatre Delight
On my way to see The New Yiddish Rep’s production of “Two By Wolf” which includes Wolf Mankowitz’s play “The Bespoke Overcoat,” I flashed back to 1956, when in the darkness of the Thalia Theatre on Upper Broadway, I saw the British film “The Bespoke Overcoat” based on Mankowitz’s play about a Jewish tailor and…
Explore
Most Popular
- 1
Culture Trump wants to honor Hannah Arendt in a ‘Garden of American Heroes.’ Is this a joke?
- 2
Opinion The dangerous Nazi legend behind Trump’s ruthless grab for power
- 3
Fast Forward The invitation said, ‘No Jews.’ The response from campus officials, at least, was real.
- 4
Opinion A Holocaust perpetrator was just celebrated on US soil. I think I know why no one objected.
In Case You Missed It
-
Fast Forward What does the election of Mark Carney mean for Canadian Jews and Israel?
-
Fast Forward Over 500 rabbis sign letter rejecting Trump’s antisemitism agenda
-
Film & TV In ‘The Rehearsal,’ Nathan Fielder fights the removal of his Holocaust fashion episode
-
Fast Forward AJC, USC Shoah Foundation announce partnership to document antisemitism since World War II
-
Shop the Forward Store
100% of profits support our journalism
