To paraphrase Shakespeare: In the Jewish world, this has been the “summer of our discontent.” First, there was Gaza. Then, there was the pandemic of antisemitic incidents that followed. Then, Unilever, owner of Ben & Jerry’s, announced that it will no longer sell its famous ice cream brand in the occupied territories of the West Bank. And…
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TV & Film
Local Voice
Why San Francisco is home to the world’s oldest Jewish film fest
Just a few years ago, at a gathering of filmmakers during the annual Berlin Film Festival, I was asked by a perplexed newcomer to the festival scene why…
Celebrity Jews
'Black Widow' rakes it in; Baseball gets even Jewish-er; etc.
So much baseball news! From zero Orthodox Jews, Major League Baseball now has not one but two in the pipeline! The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Long…
Film
Review: Palestinian father knows best in ‘200 Meters’ … or does he?
Will the inclusion of a film that humanizes Palestinians invite controversy at this year’s San Francisco Jewish Film Festival? If a tree falls in the…
TV
A Jewish take on ‘Loki’
While millions of casual fans consume and appreciate Marvel’s fare in theaters or on Disney+ for its simple entertainment value, there are others who…
The Matzo Chronicles
My Saturdays with Betty, Barbie and Mighty Mouse
Growing up, I watched Betty Boop and Mighty Mouse cartoons every Saturday morning. Then I played with my Barbie dolls all afternoon. And for a break, I…
TV
Jewish Emmy nominees, from Jurnee Smollet to Michael Douglas
At the last Emmy Awards, “Schitt’s Creek,” the comedy from Jewish father-son duo Eugene and Dan Levy, swept the night, winning every comedy category for…
Film
‘Prognosis’: Documentarian trains lens on herself as she battles cancer
During her Oscar-winning career, documentary filmmaker Debra Chasnoff explored topics that were deeply personal to her. In “Choosing Children” (1984), she…
Film
Review: An Israeli’s anxiety over aging comes out of ‘Africa’
“What are your plans for the future?” That absurd question, posed by an apathetic adolescent interviewing his grandfather for a homework assignment, would…