The Arts

Israel’s National Library and Me

We unloaded our books onto the counter. They looked lovely there, the covers all being based on my own watercolor paintings. Unfazed, the librarian handed me an empty form and told me to start filling it out. I began to embark on the task, expecting to have to make an effort to get my books into the annals of posterity. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Biographer of Abe Cahan Illuminates a Bygone Era

The newspaper also taught new immigrants about American folkways—dishing out advice on such diverse topics as how baseball is played, how Americans set their tables, and to sneeze into handkerchiefs to avoid spreading germs in crowded tenements. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Business & Finance, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Our Shtetl San Diego County: Pearl Takes Over as JCF’s President and CEO

Jeremy Pearl: “Since the October 7th attacks on Israel, our donors have directed $10,606,324 to 99 organizations supporting needs from crisis management to mental health support.” (SDJW staff)

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

‘Fifths’ of Schostakovich and Beethoven Presented by TICO

the Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra (TICO) tackled Schostakovich’s 5th Symphony at their April 14 and 16 concerts at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. If that were not challenging enough, Conductor David Amos, paired it with Beethoven’s 5th Piano Concerto, the “Emperor,” performed by Pianist Ines Irawati. [Eileen Wingard]

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Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors

A Tree of Life is Sculpted in Ma’ale Adumim, Israel

At first glance, the Tree is a giant, massive, dead olive tree.  But, like the Jewish people, when you get closer to it, scan the upper truncated Tree arms, and coming out of them is life, renewed, fresh shoots of green leaves.  Atop the highest of the tree arms, on the highest branch of green leaves, is a Dove.  The Dove is the most heartfelt symbol of peace all recognize and desire in this contentious land. [Jerry Klinger]

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Israel, Jerry Klinger, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Elaine Bromka Portrays First Ladies Johnson, Nixon, and Ford in ‘Tea for Three’

Much of the content for this one-woman show came from Bromka’s extensive research. She armed herself with the 800+ page diary of Lady Bird, autobiography and diaries of Betty Ford, and writings of White House press secretaries. The multi-talented actress told me that “librarians are my heroines/heroes.” [Eva Trieger]

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Eva Trieger, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Cornel West Evades CNN’s Question about Whether Israel Should Exist

Phillip confronted West during an interview last Thursday night after he announced the appointment of his running mate, Melina Abdullah, who appeared with him. They both blamed Israel for the war in Gaza and refused to condemn the terror group Hamas, which touched off the war with its Oct. 7 invasion of southern Israel. Maybe they blame Israel for Iran’s massive bombing attack on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. [Bruce S. Ticker]

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Bruce Ticker, Israel, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Mandy Patinkin Headlines Month-Long JFest

Festival founding artistic director Todd Salovey remarks, “Last year we rebirthed JFest and were amazed at the size and passion of our audiences. This year, the Festival is growing with one of the most celebrated and beloved Jewish performers, Mandy Patinkin, and nine unique programs meant to heal, bring joy, and inspire.” [Press Release]

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Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Press Release, San Diego County, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Joshua Bell to be Featured May 6 at Baker-Baum Concert Hall

The La Jolla Music Society’s performing arts center, The Conrad, is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year. It is the recent recipient of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology’s 2024 Architecture Honor Award for its Baker-Baum Concert Hall, recognized as one of the most acoustically excellent venues in the world. [Eileen Wingard]

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Eileen Wingard, Israel, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Out of This World Singing in ‘Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812’

Let’s talk about the songs- this cast can sing!  It’s hard to focus my accolades on any particular actor because the entire cast is so incredibly talented.  Even with all the talent, Ceja’s wonderfully playful expressions telegraphed much about her character and made her stand out in the lead role. [Sandi Masori]

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Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Seth Rogen

Rogen and his writing partner, Evan Goldberg, co-wrote the films Superbad (2007), Pineapple Express (2008), The Green Hornet (2011) and This Is the End (2013), and directed This Is the End and The Interview (2014), all of which starred Rogen. He had further comedic roles in Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008), Neighbors (2014), its 2016 sequel, The Disaster Artist (2017), and Long Shot (2019).
[Wikipedia]

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Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, USA, Wikipedia

Nostalgic Memoir Paints Word Portrait of an Era

Her Uncle Abe, the younger brother of her father, played the trombone in the NBC Symphony Orchestra, so a family tradition was to sit quietly around the radio listening to the broadcast of the concerts conducted by Arturo Toscanini, whether or not Uncle Abe had an important solo. Her Bubbie told Abe that he should invite the maestro over to sample her blintzes, but somehow the conductor never realized that pleasure. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA