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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Jacob the Bar Mitzvah Boy Explains Hanukkah on SNL
(JTA) — Paul Rudd hosted “Saturday Night Live” this week, but he wasn’t the only Jewish cutie to make an appearance on the episode. Also present was “Weekend Update” favorite and Seth Meyers’ podiatrist’s son, Jacob the Bar Mitzvah Boy. This time the socially awkward, notes-fixated preteen was at the desk to talk about Hanukkah….
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Huckabee Wows at Israel at Zionist Organization of America Dinner
When the cantor was late to the November 24 Zionist Organization of America Justice Louis D. Brandeis Award Dinner, the more than 900 standing guests raised their voices in an a cappella “Hatikvah” and “Star Spangled Banner” that rattled the walls of the New York Grand Hyatt Ballroom. Touting ZOA president Morton Klein as one…
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Stephen Sondheim in Six Songs
Once upon a time, Americans grew up humming show tunes. They dominated radio airwaves, so, even if you hadn’t seen the musicals (or the films made from them), you knew the melodies and words to the songs of “Oklahoma,” “Carousel” and “My Fair Lady.” But that changed as pop, rock and rap started to control…
The Latest
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‘S#x Acts’ Explores Dark Side of Sexuality
Israeli-born director Jonathan Gurfinkel’s first film is officially called “S#x Acts.” You can substitute an “I” for the asterisk, because the movie has six acts. Or you can put in an “E,” because there are numerous erotic scenes. But mostly it is an emotionally charged film about bullying that is both fascinating and depressing. In…
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Celebrities Mourn Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela, icon of South African freedom, passed away today at the age of 95. People around the world signed on to Twitter to mourn collectively, and celebrities were no exception. I hope the great work started by Nelson Mandela continues to spread across the world. He will be remembered as an icon for equality….
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Internet: Gal Gadot’s Boobs Aren’t Big Enough for Wonder Woman
Yesterday, the Internet was abuzz with the fact that Israeli supermodel Gal Gadot had been cast as Wonder Woman in the upcoming “Batman vs. Superman.” But not all were enthusiastic. Apparently, fans are concerned that the former Miss Israel’s, ahem, assets aren’t up to scale. Basically, her boobs aren’t big enough. I wonder if Wonder…
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Bid Adieu to Mandy Patinkin’s Beard
Who are you and what have you done with Saul? “Homeland” star Mandy Patinkin stunned his fans this week when he showed up on “LIVE with Kelly and Michael” without the beard that has almost become a character in its own right. “How can I run my fingers through your facial hair?” cried Kelly (raise…
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Amanda Bynes Leaves Psych Facility
Troubled former teenage star Amanda Bynes has left a California facility after court-ordered psychiatric treatment and is recovering at her parents’ home in Los Angeles, People magazine said on Thursday. The 27-year-old actress was receiving psychiatric care at a Malibu facility after she was alleged to have started a small fire in the front of…
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‘Spiderman’ Writer Speaks Out
Glen Berger wasn’t surprised when the announcement came. He’d had an inkling that “Spiderman: Turn off the Dark” was on the last of its eight legs well before producers made it official. “I was speaking to some of the actors back in August, and the general feeling was that unless a miracle happens we were…
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Gal Gadot Is Wonder Woman!
Gal Gadot will be the new Wonder Woman! I repeat: Gal Gadot will be the new Wonder Woman! As our good Arty Semite friends just pointed out, the Israeli actress and model known for her role alongside Paul Walker (RIP) in “Fast and the Furious” series has just been cast as crime-fighting’s most badass lady…
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Meet Israel’s Newest Superhero
Turns out that Wonder Woman is Israeli. Director Zack Snyder announced that he’s cast Gal Gadot as the iconic super hero for his “Batman vs. Superman” film, joining Henry Cavill (reprising his role as Superman) and Ben Affleck (recently named to play Batman). Gadot has been in three “Fast & Furious” films, among others. Said…
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