We generally associate the word “oratorio” with weighty musical works on Christian subjects by Baroque composers like J.S. Bach. But on Tuesday, April 30, the multifaceted Bay Area composer and musician Sascha Jacobsen will premiere a new oratorio at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco on the subject of the Sephardic diaspora. The lyrics of the…
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Culture
Editorial
Dayenu. But is it really enough?
If God had brought us out from Egypt and not given us the Torah, Dayenu. It would have been enough. If God had given us the Torah and not the Temple in…
Art
Nuclear scientist-turned-artist explores Holocaust
Larry Lagin describes working on nuclear fusion like “trying to create a star on Earth.” But when the scientist and engineer left his job in 2014, he knew…
Passover
Why this S.F. man’s seder features a Pharaoh piñata
To say that retired San Francisco lawyer Al Rosen is a fan of Mexican folk art would be an understatement. The Inner Sunset home where he and his wife,…
Celebrity Jews
Dr. Ruth comes to SFIFF; big honor for Jewish jazz pianist; etc.
Jewish ties to Bob Fosse “Verdon/Fosse,” an eight-episode FX series that began on April 9, is about the relationship of Bob Fosse (1927-1987), the film…
Northern California
Live from Petaluma, Rabbi Ted is on the air
“Good morning, Petaluma.” Ted Feldman, the longtime rabbi at B’nai Israel Jewish Center, leans into the mic and continues. “This is ‘Talking with Rabbi…
TV
Pop culture can enrich a seder, but Mrs. Maisel is a gimmick
Maxwell House, makers of the most famous generic haggadah in America, recently unveiled the “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” edition. It’s basically the same…
Photography
Globe-trotting exhibit shows portraits of local survivors at S.F. Civic Center
When San Francisco resident Anne Marie Yellin, 90, opened the door to her visitor, it took her only a moment to switch into a fast-paced, accented German.…
Organic Epicure
From brisket to bacon to huevos haminados
“The 100 Most Jewish Foods: A Highly Debatable List,” edited by Tablet magazine editor-in-chief Alana Newhouse, was published by Artisan Books last month.…