We never thought we’d say this, but there is a dangerous similarity between children raised in the wealthy, sun-soaked Los Angeles enclave of Westside and children whose families follow an ultra-Orthodox rabbi who runs a prominent yeshiva in Philadelphia. Both are victims of their parents’ misguided decision to bypass science and civics by ignoring the…
In the face of Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in Germany, film scholars have long debated about why American moviemakers assiduously avoided dealing with Nazism and anti-Semitism in their films. Some point to the fact that Hollywood studio heads wanted to avoid controversial film fare. Others note that these moguls, most of whom were Jewish,…
A health worker administers a polio vaccination to a child / Getty Images If you had to guess which neighborhood — Boro Park or Beverly Hills — the following quote applies to, which would you pick? Parents in these schools are submitting a form called a “personal belief exemption,” which states that they are not…
Some 300 Hollywood elite published an ad in The New York Times holding Hamas responsible for the “devastating loss of life” in the latest Hamas-Israel conflict. Actors to directors to studio heads signed the statement, which was sponsored by the Creative Community for Peace, a group found by the Forward in October 2013, to be…
Getty Images When he’s not watching “Downton Abbey” with Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks keeps busy by pranking future generations. The comedian finally cemented his Hollywood legacy on Monday afternoon during the Hollywood Cement Ceremony outside Mann’s Chinese Theater (“Blazing Saddles!”). The event also marked the 40th anniversary of “Young Frankenstein.” Dressed as only Mel Brooks…
Acerbic comedian Joan Rivers died in New York on Thursday, a week after suffering cardiac arrest during a medical procedure on her vocal cords, her daughter Melissa Rivers said. Fellow comedians, actors and even royalty paid tribute to Rivers: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement: “Joan Rivers brought laughter to millions around…
Nearly 200 Hollywood elite from actors to directors to studio heads has signed a statement condemning Hamas, as its conflict with Israel continues. “Hamas cannot be allowed to rain rockets on Israeli cities, nor can it be allowed to hold its own people hostage. Hospitals are for healing, not for hiding weapons. Schools are for…
(JTA) — When it comes to Hasidic characters in movies, film consultant Elli Meyer believes that the real deal trumps a random actor in costume. But that approach isn’t without its challenges. Meyer, a New York-based Lubavitcher Hasid, recounted one occasion when he was hired to cast extras for a film but refused upon learning…
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