Remembering Michael Parkinson, a popular history of the 20th century

Michael Parkinson, the legendary UK TV talk-show host who died last week at age 88 was “the king of the chat show,” said BBC director general Tim Davie, in one of the many tributes that poured in over the weekend.Parkinson, who according to his own estimate had interviewed some 2,000 people from pop stars to […]

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‘The Wisdom of Morrie’: Last words from a beloved Brandeis professor

Rob Schwartz is quick to point out that nobody was actively dying when his father, the beloved Brandeis sociology professor Morrie Schwartz, penned his advice-packed book, recently published as The Wisdom of Morrie. “This was his last book after a period in which he struggled with severe asthma attacks in his early seventies. ALS hadn’t […]

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Was Bradley Cooper’s Leonard Bernstein nose prosthetic insensitive?

Bradley Cooper is facing criticism for his decision to wear a prosthetic nose in his portrayal of famed composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein in the upcoming film, Maestro. This biopic, with Cooper serving as co-writer, producer, and director, chronicles Bernstein’s life, especially his collaboration on West Side Story and his 25-year relationship with Felicia Montealegre. […]

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This Jewish religious dating group has essentially become Tinder

A religious dating WhatsApp group named “Until we Meet” has ignited controversy by permitting members to upload profile photos, including full-body images, without accompanying text. This shift has led to heated debates among the group’s 500-strong membership. Criticism surfaced as one group member likened the new policy to a “religiously oriented Tinder-style approach.” In a […]

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Actor Ben Kingsley reveals why he stars in so many Holocaust films

From “Schindler’s List” to “The Red Sea Diving Resort,” the non-Jewish, award-winning actor Ben Kingsley has starred in a number of Holocaust and other Jewish-themed movies. The recurring theme in his career wasn’t an accident, he said in a recent interview. Instead, he said, he picked the roles because his “vigorously antisemitic” grandmother motivated him […]

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International Lefthander Day: 13 lefty Jewish icons who shaped our world

On this International Lefthanders Day, August 13th, we delve deep into the tapestry of history and popular culture, celebrating Jewish luminaries who wielded their left hands with unparalleled grace and impact. Dive in as we spotlight these unique trailblazers. Golda Meir – Israel’s first female Prime Minister and a beacon of leadership. Her resilience and […]

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When campers’ luggage got stranded, a Ramah alum’s new trucking company

On Aug. 2, camp directors across the country — including at several prominent Jewish camps — received an email with stressful news. Just days out from their campers’ return home, the company hired to transport all of their belongings home had announced its sudden closure. “Despite our best efforts, including remortgaging my house to get […]

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The 10 most influential Jewish rappers of the past 50 years

Since the birth of hip-hop 50 years ago, plenty of Jewish rappers have picked up a microphone and rocked a crowd. They’ve spit rhymes in English, Hebrew, Yiddish, and even Aramaic. Collectively, they’ve shattered stereotypes about what Jews look and sound like. But hip-hop is hypercompetitive, so the question must be asked: Who are the […]

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Soccer club by Holocaust survivors, to make Jewish history in Germany

When Makkabi Berlin takes the field on Sunday, the German soccer club founded by Holocaust survivors will make history. Makkabi will be the first Jewish club to compete in the German Cup, an annual season-long tournament featuring 64 of the country’s best teams — from the amateur level to the Bundesliga, Germany’s top league which features […]

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