Pop Culture

Ann Levin in Forward · 10 Oct

The biography "Only in America: Al Jolson and The Jazz Singer" by Richard Bernstein explores the complex legacy of Al Jolson, a Jewish entertainer and icon of early 20th-century American pop culture.

0 Television/Film Culture

A rabbi dates a non-Jew in Netflix's 'Nobody Wants This.' Rabbis in interfaith relationships have thoughts.

Benyamin Cohen in Forward · 26 Sep

In Netflix's series 'Nobody Wants This,' Kristen Bell stars as a sex podcaster dating a rabbi, played by Adam Brody, an intriguing premise that mirrors real-life discussions around interfaith relationships in the Jewish community.

0 Language Culture

Why 'schlub' seems to be the word of the year

Aviya Kushner in Forward · 19 Sep

Exploring the surge of the word 'schlub' in modern discourse, Aviya Kushner delves into its usage to describe unkempt or incompetent individuals, predominantly men, in contemporary culture.

0 Culture Education

Other Positions Are Possible

Bonjour Chai · 19 Jul

The podcast delves into the impact and legacy of sex education figures Dr. Ruth Westheimer and Richard Simmons, exploring their influence and the evolution of sexual openness in Jewish communities and beyond.

0 Culture Israel

A Hebrew Version of This Taylor Swift Biography for Kids Lands in Israel

Shira Li Bartov in Kveller · 26 Jun

Modan Publishing House in Israel recently released a Hebrew version of the children's book "Who Is Taylor Swift?" by Kirsten Anderson, which portrays Taylor Swift's rise to fame without delving into political controversies such as the Israel-Hamas war.

0 Music Holocaust

Fat-shamed in life and death, this is the truth about Mama Cass

Jewish Chronicle · 18 Jun

Owen Elliot-Kugell, daughter of the late Jewish singer Cass Elliot from The Mamas and the Papas, unravels the myths surrounding her mother's life and death in her book "My Mama, Cass."

0 Literature Politics

Bestseller ‘Who is Taylor Swift?’ comes out with its first international edition — in Israel

Shira Li Bartov in JTA · 12 Jun

Modan Publishing House released the first international edition of "Who Is Taylor Swift?" in Hebrew, cementing Taylor Swift's status as a global superstar.

0 Television/Film Antisemitism

WATCH: Jerry Seinfeld on the Rules of Comedy—and Life

Bari Weiss in The Free Press · 28 May

Jerry Seinfeld, creator of the iconic show "Seinfeld," is celebrated for his humor and cultural impact, with the series remaining a cornerstone of American pop culture.

0 Music Culture

She ain't no Dylan Thomas or Patti Smith, this ain't her 'Blood on the Tracks,' but Taylor Swift certainly ain't no 'modern idiot' either

Seth Rogovoy in Forward · 19 Apr

Taylor Swift's new album, "The Tortured Poets Department," is seen as a significant cultural event, portraying triumph over heartbreak and struggles with identity.

0 Culture Communities

There’s a word missing from ‘book week’

Keren David in Jewish Chronicle · 29 Feb

The text discusses the renaming of London's overground trainlines with no Jewish references, critiques rebranding efforts like Haringey Council and financial advisers Aberdeen, and addresses the renaming of the 73-year-old Jewish Book Week to "Jewish Literary Foundation presents Book Week" aimed at showcasing cultural aspects beyond literature.

0 Culture Gender/Identity

The Cross of Gould

The Commentary Magazine Podcast · 16 Feb

The discussion centers on an essay by Emily Gould that narrates her mental breakdown and the contemplation of divorce, considered a poignant cultural commentary on modern elite and pop culture.

0 Culture History

What Matters Now to archaeologist Aren Maeir: Indiana Jones's new adventure

What Matters Now · 6 Jul 2023

In a discussion with archaeologist Prof. Aren Maeir, the impact of Indiana Jones on the field of archaeology is examined, highlighting its role in popularizing the discipline despite its unrealistic portrayal.

0 Culture Television/Film

Sussex Family Values

The Commentary Magazine Podcast · 18 May 2023

In a podcast episode, the hosts discuss a questionable "near catastrophic" car chase in New York involving Harry and Meghan, highlighting its dubious nature.

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His art is chock-full of American pop culture references, so why is it more popular abroad?

ALanger in Forward · 4 May 2023

Artist Jonathan Horowitz's work is characterized by its use of American pop culture references.

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Ron Biton Runs the Game

Matti Friedman in Tablet · 12 Sep 2022

Ron Biton, a highly successful Israeli pop songwriter and producer, has a knack for creating hits that resonate with the Israeli audience.

0 Art Culture

Greatest Hits: Pulling a rabbit out of their virtual hats, these magicians transformed a pandemic into financial success

The CJN Daily with Ellin Bessner · 17 Aug 2022

Magicians Ben Train and Jonah Babins, co-founders of the Toronto Magic Company, discuss their journey from pandemic-related setbacks to achieving financial success by performing virtually, gathering attention from celebrities like Seth Rogan.

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'Stranger Things' fans deny their tattoos evoke the Holocaust — it's a growing trend.

Mira Fox in Forward · 9 Jun 2022

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Torah u-Madda or Torah u-Movies?

Moshe Kurtz in Lehrhaus · 30 Mar 2022

The concept of Torah u-Madda, the integration of Torah and secular studies, has been discussed in the Modern Orthodox community for many years.

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Rewriting the Script

Nomi Kaltmann in Tablet · 14 Mar 2022

Purim spiels have a long history in Jewish culture, providing a space for social and political commentary through humor.

0 Television/Film Culture

The Artful Dodger

Unorthodox · 14 Oct 2021

In this engaging minisode, we learn about Arnold Gorlick, whose quirky personality and love for cookies reportedly inspired the creation of Cookie Monster by Jim Henson.

0 Television/Film Antisemitism

Dave Chappelle jokes about world-conquering ‘Space Jews’ in new Netflix special

Forward · 6 Oct 2021

In his latest Netflix special, "The Closer," comedian Dave Chappelle faces criticism for his provocative humor, including a controversial "Space Jews" joke.

0 Culture Television/Film

Adam Sandler is Gen Z’s favorite celebrity

Forward · 6 Oct 2021

Adam Sandler, the Jewish actor and comedian known for his roles in films like "Happy Gilmore" and "Billy Madison," has recently become a favorite among Gen Z. A survey by Piper Sandler revealed that teens now rank him as their favorite celebrity, rising from fourth place earlier in the year and unseating Kevin Hart.

0 Television/Film Culture

All Culture, No Punditry!

The Commentary Magazine Podcast · 6 Aug 2021

In this podcast episode, the focus is on cultural topics rather than current events or punditry.

0 Culture Philosophy

Reviewing Elul: Ep. 284

Unorthodox · 5 Aug 2021

In this episode of Unorthodox, guest host Kylie Unell joins Mark and Liel to delve into the current buzz around Jewish celebrities Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, alongside a humorous but thoughtful exploration of diverse Jewish cultural moments, including a peek into her upcoming podcast series, "How to Fix a Soul in 30 Days."

0 Music Culture

The top 50 cover versions of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ ranked!

Dan Epstein in Forward · 30 Jun 2021

Leonard Cohen's iconic song "Hallelujah," celebrated for its deep emotional and spiritual resonance, has inspired numerous cover versions across diverse genres.

JL;DR

Tag: Pop Culture