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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Who is Alisha Kramer? Meet the Jewish doctor married to Jon Ossoff
Jon Ossoff’s election to the United States Senate has already spawned several joking tweets about drastically raised expectations for Jewish children. After all, if a 33-year-old documentary filmmaker with virtually no political experience can win a paradigm-shifting election, why are the rest of us just sitting around watching “Bridgerton?” As it turns out, Ossoff’s wife,…
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Why is Seth Rogen so weirdly good at pottery?
These days, Instagram is a great place to go if you want to feel bad about the productive quarantine hobbies you don’t have. People, you will discover if you venture into this app for even one minute, are making their own lemon curd. They are expanding their consciousness through breathwork. They are knitting sweaters way…
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What is ‘Nancy Meyers Week,’ and how did it create 2020’s least likely internet controversy?
This week, my worst journalism stress dream came to life in the form of the now-infamous “Nancy Meyers Week.” Conceptualized by Rachel Handler, a staff writer at New York Magazine’s arts and culture website, Vulture, “Nancy Meyers Week” was the site’s tribute to the Jewish director’s work in the form of eight (yes, eight!) glowing…
The Latest
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WATCH: Kosha Dillz raps for Hanukkah while winter storm swirls
Some people hunkered down at home while Winter Storm Gail dropped a winter’s worth of snow on New York City. Not Kosha Dillz, who was not about to let inclement weather stop him from publicizing the miracle on the streets of Brooklyn. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hannukah’s Last Night! (@koshadillz)…
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WATCH: Gal Gadot tries eggnog; Jimmy Fallon gags at gefilte fish
On the fifth night of Hanukkah, Jimmy Fallon and Gal Gadot, in the spirit of interfaith exchange, foisted two seasonal acquired tastes on one another — we pity their palates. In this installment of the popular internet genre of “let’s watch this person eat some foreign food,” the “Wonder Woman 1984” star was given a…
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Tiffany Haddish calls out Grammys leadership after being asked to host for free
PSA: If you’re looking for a very famous celebrity to host a very prestigious awards ceremony sans compensation, do not ask Tiffany Haddish. She will decline, and she will publicly call you out for being stingy. That’s exactly what happened when the Recording Academy, the organization that hosts the Grammys, made Haddish an offer she…
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The ultimate Hanukkah gift: Elizabeth Taylor’s menorahs are up for auction
This year, those of us who are both in need of a menorah and interested in spending thousands of dollars on vintage Judaica are in luck. Two hanukkiot that once belonged to Elizabeth Taylor, who converted to Judaism in 1959, are on display at the J. Greenstein Gallery in Cedarhurst, N.Y, and will be up…
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Bette Midler is getting everything she wanted for her birthday
The recently-concluded presidential election has proved that when it comes to politics, there are two kinds of celebrities. There are those who hang out on Instagram, hinting at acceptably liberal views through carefully worded infographics, coy ballot selfies and artfully displayed “I Voted” stickers. And then there are the ones who spend all day, every…
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New ‘Wonder Woman’ release date lets everyone celebrate Christmas like Jews do
Looks like Jews won’t be the only ones watching movies on Christmas Day. In fact, our way of celebrating the coming of Christ — that is, enjoying a matinée and a large Chinese dinner — may finally achieve the mainstream popularity it deserves. Warner Bros. announced that “Wonder Woman 1984,” the sequel to the hugely…
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Ivanka Trump told her former best friend that Arabic jewelry made her look like a ‘terrorist’
The Trump era will be remembered, among other things, as a time of tell-alls. With disgruntled aides writing exposés as fast as they get chucked out of the White House, everyone from John Bolton to Michael Cohen to Michael Cohen’s daughter has had a chance to dish on the outgoing president’s indiscretions, personal and professional….
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Ben Shapiro says real men don’t wear dresses. History begs to differ (and so does Harry Styles)
Professional heartthrob Harry Styles rocked several stylish ensembles during his recent Vogue cover shoot. Among them were a tartan skirt, a lacy ball gown, and a tulle hoop skirt that looks like it was ripped from my grandmother’s wedding dress. Some readers likely experienced surprise while leafing through this spread: After all, it’s still rare…
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Film & TV The ‘When Harry Met Sally’ Super Bowl spot should leave mayo on the the (way)side
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Film & TV In an unmissable film, a son faces up to his Jewish mother’s mental illness
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Fast Forward Trump Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff draws on personal tragedy to push for the release of Israeli hostages
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Books What we write about when we write about Anne Frank
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