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
-
Zara Pulls Striped ‘Holocaust’ Shirt
In worst idea ever, Zara sells shirt similar to that of Nazi camp inmates. On Israeli site too http://t.co/Kqs3PfXq31 pic.twitter.com/PRuEfn6Wsr — Oren Kessler (@OrenKessler) August 27, 2014 The international clothing chain Zara has apologized for offering for sale a blue and white striped shirt with a six –pointed yellow star on the chest. The shirt,…
-
Bergen-Belsen Scarred Alex Colville for Life
Image courtesy Canadian War Museum The hazy images take up just one small corner of a massive new exhibition on revered Canadian artist Alex Colville at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto. But his depictions of corpses at Bergen-Belsen, where a young Colville was dispatched to document World War II atrocities, hold the key…
-
Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Bryan Cranston Recreate ‘Seinfeld’ Smooch at Emmys
By now — or at least, if you caught the Emmys last night — you have probably realized that Bryan Cranston, a.k.a Walter White, is none other than Dr. Tim Whatley on “Seinfeld.” Indeed — before he cooked the best blue meth this side of New Mexico as Heisenberg, Cranston played a dentist who converts to Judaism…
The Latest
-
Sarah Silverman Thanks ‘My Jews’ at Emmys
Getty Images Comedian Sarah Silverman broke out a Jewish joke as she took home a trophy at the 2014 Emmy Awards. Silverman won the award for Best Writing for a Variety Show for her HBO comedy special “Sarah Silverman: We are Miracles.” Upon being announced as the winner, she dashed up onto the stage barefoot…
-
For 25 Years, ‘The Simpsons’ Has Been Good for the Jews
“The Simpsons” 25th anniversary marathon on cable network FXX — now airing every episode, plus the 2007 feature film — includes a surprising insight for careful observers: The award-winning cartoon sitcom is one of the Jews’ best friends. For millions in North America and globally who have never actually met a Jew, “The Simpsons” has…
-
Jews On TV: Who To Watch Out For at The Emmys
The 66th Primetime Emmy awards, held at the Nokia Theater L.A. Live will air this evening on NBC. Hosted by Seth Meyers (no, not Jewish), you can except lots of laughs, almost Oscar-worthy red carpet glamour and many tears shed over the expected Robin Williams tribute. Here are some of the Jewish nominees your should…
-
Yiddish Writers Murdered By Stalin Honored
The August 12, 1952 murder of Soviet Yiddish writers was commemorated at this year’s August 12 memorial held at the Center for Jewish History. Sponsored by The Congress of Jewish Culture under the baton of Shane Baker, it opened with a musical fanfare by acclaimed soprano Sofie Van Lier (Sovali) accompanied on the piano by…
-
Down the Mystical Rabbit Hole
“Kabbalah Me” is a fascinating and inspiring story about a man’s spiritual journey into the complex world of Jewish mysticism. But on another level, it is also a sad and revelatory documentary about how faith and religious observance are marginalized in our society. Steven Bram is a successful filmmaker and chief operating officer of a…
-
Turning Brownstones Green: Interview with Eitan Baron
Courtesy of Greenstone It takes a certain set of skills to make it in New York, and when Eitan Baron moved to the Big Apple in 2000, he definitely didn’t have it. Picking up a suitcase and moving from Azor, Israel, to try his luck at selling oil paintings in Florida was not quite what…
-
David Gregory Writing Jewish Memoir
David Gregory is writing a book about his Jewish faith, something that was presumably tested in recent weeks. The long-time NBC newsman, who was just dumped from his job hosting “Meet the Press,” is also known in D.C. for hosting the Jewish holidays. He’s reportedly studied with a Jewish scholar. Jonathan Karp, who heads the…
-
When Russell Brand Dropped Acid at Seder
Getty Images Russell Brand wants you to know he’s not an anti-Semite. In light of accusations made by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach in the New York Observer on Monday that Brand is an “Israel hater,” the British comedian has written an essay in the Huffington Post explaining his side of things. Being Russell Brand, the piece…
Explore
Most Popular
- 1
Fast Forward Rep. Max Miller says driver called him a ‘dirty Jew’ and threatened to kill his family. A local doctor turned himself in.
- 2
News An Alabama millionaire offered Jews $50,000 to move to his town. 16 years later, what’s left?
- 3
Culture Why is Israel’s attack on Iran called ‘Rising Lion’ — and what does the Bible have to do with it?
- 4
News As Israel attacks, what is life like for Jews in Iran?
In Case You Missed It
-
Opinion Think speaking out against Trump won’t help? A 1943 protest in Nazi Germany says you’re wrong.
-
Culture How a Jewish reporter like me got addicted to Christian media
-
Opinion Israeli leaders are using Holocaust comparisons to justify attacks on Iran. Is that kosher?
-
Fast Forward Over half of Jewish students at Columbia experienced discrimination and exclusion after Oct. 7, survey shows
-
Shop the Forward Store
100% of profits support our journalism
