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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James Franco Calls Out New York Times Critic
James Franco is good at lot of things (acting, directing, teaching, writing, selfies) but taking criticism isn’t one of them. The actor took to Instagram to post a positive review by Variety praising “Of Mice and Men,” in which he currently stars with Chris O’Dowd. He also used the opportunity to call New York Times theater…
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Israeli Films Show Nuance at Tribeca Film Fest
Two films screening at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival show subtle and nuanced perspectives on Israeli life from a woman’s point of view. Talya Lavie’s first feature, “Zero Motivation,” [screening April 17 – 24,]( (http://tribecafilmfestival.org/filmguide/53208b38c07f5df7d20008a9-zero-motivation ‘screening April 17 – 24,’) focuses on a unit of female Israeli soldiers at a desert-based human resource center awash…
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Does Grover Speak Yiddish?
It was Elmo, cameras, and applause at WNET’s Annual Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street at which community leaders, philanthropists and celebrated personalities toasted the innovative partnerships, which have brought cutting edge programming to millions for decades. Emceed by husband-wife team Deborah Roberts, correspondent for ABC News’ 20//20 and Al Roker co-host of NBC News’ Today…
The Latest
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A Soviet Journey to Adulthood
Ellen Litman dreamed of being a writer when she went to school in Moscow in the 1980s. There was only one problem: She was Jewish, and thus she was advised to focus on something more practical, since in the Soviet Union, Jews couldn’t be successful at writing. Litman studied math and computer programming, and immigrated…
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Edgar Bronfman’s Art Collection On Sale
Kees Van Dongen (1877–1968): Egyptienne au collier de perles, 1912-1913. Photo credit: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2014 The legacy of businessman and philanthropist Edgar Bronfman, who passed away last December at the age of 84, could soon be adorning your living room walls. With his penthouse property in Manhattan as good as sold, his impressive art…
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Forgotten Songwriter of ‘Twist and Shout’
“Twist and Shout.” “Under the Boardwalk.” “Piece of My Heart.” “Brown-Eyed Girl.” The songs are recognized almost everywhere. But their Jewish creator, Bert Berns, has nearly vanished into obscurity. That should change this year, with a book, documentary, and stage musical — all inspired by Berns and his music. April 15 sees the release of…
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Celebrities, They’re Just Like Us: Passover Edition
For once, it doesn’t matter if you live in an L.A. mega-mansion or a tiny New York apartment – you’ve still got to clean out your hametz. A happy Passover from all your favorite Jewish celebrities. chag pesach kasher v’sameach israel! (happy passover to everyone in israel and those time zones) — Mayim Bialik (@missmayim)…
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Mila Kunis, Best (Pregnant) Villain
Mila Kunis puts the va-va-voom in villain. And now, everybody knows it. The 30-year-old actress looked amazing as she accepted the golden popcorn for Best Villain in “Oz the Great and Powerful” during last night’s MTV Movie Awards. “Listen, you guys, you just made my 12-year-old self dream come true,” she said. “This is by…
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The Dean of Gay Journalism
The marketing spiel makes the John C. Anderson Apartments sound like an enviable place to live: Open floor plans, oversized windows, and fully equipped kitchens, all in a happening downtown neighborhood. The twist: The just-opened Philadelphia building is a pioneering “LGBT-friendly senior apartment community” — the only one in Pennsylvania, and one of just three…
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Chicago Concert Brings Interfaith Music Together
“This sanctuary is the most religiously diverse place in this great city,” said Michael Siegel, the rabbi of Anshe Emet, a Conservative synagogue in Chicago. If that sounds like crowing, consider that conspicuous among the attendees of the synagogue’s April 6 “Sounds of Faith” concert were kippas, Greek Orthodox vestments, and headscarves. The program, which…
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Susan Bressman Among Top Docs Honored at Castle Connolly Awards
“I’m lucky because I found a calling that teaches, gratifies and humbles you,” said Dr. Susan Bressman, an Honoree for Clinical Excellence at the Castle Connolly Top Physicians of The Year Awards Dinner at The Pierre. Daughter of Holocaust survivors, Bressman — Alan and Joan Mirken Chair, Depts. of Neurology, Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical…
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