A Jewish boy grows up poor. He goes to Hebrew school. Excels in academics and sports. Attends a prestigious college. He sees himself as a storyteller and an entertainer. After working hard, he tastes success in his 20s, and by his mid-30s he’s a superstar. We are familiar with this story. It applies to many…
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TV & Film
Film
'BlacKkKlansman' and the black-Jewish alliance
In a dramatic scene, word reaches local officials that the leader of a militant black organization is coming to town, intent on stirring up trouble. An…
Parenting
'Food Flirts' brings our family together
During the school year, my hubby and I don’t watch much TV. Finding free time at home together as a family can be a challenge too — everyone is so busy.…
Film
SFJFF audience awards for ‘Who Will Write Our History’ and ‘The Last Suit’
The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival wrapped its 38th annual event with the Aug. 6 announcement of this year’s audience award winners, chosen by the…
Celebrity Jews
'Make Americano Great Again'
Streaming now Netflix is streaming a new, one-woman stand-up special starring Iliza Shlesinger, 35. Shlesinger’s humor is in the vein of Amy Schumer, 37,…
Film
Visuals at forefront of powerfully told animated stories
It is by now widely understood that film animation is not only an art to delight children. Adult films, such as the Israeli feature-length “Waltz With…
Film
‘Death Metal Grandma’ and other short docs are tiny gems
I am a huge fan of short films. Like short stories, the best ones contain no fat — they are shining jewels of few words and powerful images. This year,…
Film
Mossad spies share big wins, fatal losses
For a shadowy intelligence service that shuns the spotlight, Israel’s Mossad has a fairly glamorous reputation. Its agents, known for their stealth,…
Film
Shorts films present pivotal passages in brief
A “L’chaim!” usually climaxes major Jewish milestones and holidays, so it’s no surprise that several of the five short narrative films in this year’s San…