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
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A ‘Drive-By’ Bar Mitzvah for Lisa Kudrow’s Son
Getty Images Major faux pas, Lisa Kudrow. The former “Friends” actress, who stars in the new Seth Rogen/Zac Efron comedy “Neighbours,” got into an awkward spot with Conan O’Brien, after he found out that she “mispaced” his invitation to her son’s bar mitzvah. “You and I have been friends for a long time and then…
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From the Nursing Home to Jerusalem
David Gaynes’ documentary, “Next Year in Jerusalem,” answers the old question of whether the glass is half empty or half full. At the Jewish Home for the Elderly in Fairfield, Conn., where the film was shot, both are the same. Gaynes brought his camera to the nursing home, where the average age is 91, as…
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The Jew Who Fell in Love With Wagner
(Haaretz) — The music of German composer Richard Wagner was never played in his parents’ home: Too many bad associations with Hitler and the Nazis, explains filmmaker Hilan Warshaw. So it wasn’t until he began playing violin in a New York City youth orchestra that Warshaw was first introduced to the work of the notoriously…
The Latest
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Books Granta Magazine Launches Israeli Edition
Israel is known for all kinds of things — a burgeoning local food scene, TV series like “Homeland” and “In Treatment,” and high tech companies like Waze. Now, with the launch of Granta Israel, a Hebrew edition of the prestigious magazine started by Cambridge University students in 1889, Israel is officially an international literary powerhouse….
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Are Your Kids Playing Jews vs. Nazis Beer Pong?
Let’s be real: good old-fashion beer pong got boring a long time ago. Well, some High School students have decided to get inventive and reconfigure the cups a bit to look something like this: “This is what we play at parties. Jews vs. Nazis” -Cape Coral HS pic.twitter.com/ol8FcztcjQ — HighSchoolConfession (@HSConfessionaI) April 27, 2014 The…
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VIDEO: The Synagogue Detective of Montreal
Why is the College Francais in Montreal adorned with a segment of Hebrew script that can still be discerned in the arch? An impressive mosaic covers the front wall. Is the prominent image of a sunburst in the mural inspired by the large Star of David that was once inscribed in a circular stained glass…
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6 Torah Verses That Explain Why Solange Attacked Jay Z
Confused by the whole Jay Z/Beyoncé/Solange elevator spat? Here’s an easy way to make sense of it. Just imagine Jay Z as Jacob, Beyoncé as Rachel and Solange as Leah. Here’s how it would have gone down in Bible times: 1. “And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice.” Bey and Jay first meet,…
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Jerusalem Chamber Festival Fills Gap in Berlin
Photo: Monika Rittershaus This past weekend saw the third installment of the Jerusalem International Chamber Music Festival at the Berlin Jewish Museum. The brainchild of Russian pianist Elena Bashkirova, the festival comprised over 40 musical pieces spread over six very full concert programs, featuring an enviable array of international musical talent, including many Israeli performers….
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‘Homeland’ Creator Says Israel Should Host More Shows
(Reuters) – The Israeli co-creator of hit spy thriller television series “Homeland” believes his native country should become a prime location for U.S. television shows about the Middle East and is working hard to make this happen. Writer-director Gideon Raff is at the helm of Fox drama “Tyrant” and NBCUniversal archeological mystery “The Dig,” two…
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Bar Refaeli Gets Invite for Kim and Kanye’s Wedding
You are cordially invited to the biggest celebrity wedding of the year. Well, Bar Refaeli is. The Israeli supermodel is among the 100 guests who received an invitation to the Kim Kardashian-Kanye West wedding over the weekend. The ceremony is set to take place in Paris on May 24. The three apparently became friendly during…
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About Jews — In Cardinal O’Connor’s Own Words
The revelation that John Cardinal O’Connor’s mother was Jewish (she converted to Catholicism) made me reach back to the many Jewish-focused addresses by the Cardinal at events at which he was either an honoree or keynote speaker. What struck me were the Cardinal’s passionate directives to his Jewish audiences. A sampling: At the April 1997…
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