Author Page: Tom Tugend | Jewish Journal

Tom Tugend

Hamas hate at two Irvine synagogues, picketers on Wilshire [VIDEO]

Published on January 2, 2009

‘Defiance’ celebrates Jews’ daring acts of WW II resistance

Published on December 25, 2008

"Every day of freedom is like an act of faith," says Tuvia Bielski, one of three brothers who led a partisan group battling Nazi troops in the forests of Belarus.

Less controversy surrounds this year’s Oscar foreign film entries

Published on December 25, 2008

In contrast to previous years, there have been no acrimonious controversies so far. Apparently all sides have tired of arguing whether the Palestinian entry should be officially designated as coming from Palestine, the Palestinian Authority or the Palestinian territory, and plain "Palestine" has won out.

The plot to kill Hitler becomes a Tom Cruise thriller

Published on December 17, 2008

The film reconstructs the July 20, 1944, assassination attempt on the Fuhrer's life, which, had it succeeded, would have spared the lives of untold thousands of soldiers and death-camp inmates

Spielberg's Wunderkinder Foundation joins list of Madoff victims; Full text of statements from Federation and Jewish Community Foundation

Published on December 15, 2008

Steven Spielberg suffered some losses in the Bernard Madoff fraud scandal, though apparently nowhere near a rumored $300 million. However, the famed filmmaker's private Wunderkinder Foundation had some investments with Madoff, though Spielberg spokesman Marvin Levy said he was unable to detail the assets or losses of the foundation.

Friends of the IDF (FIDF) gala to honor 30 soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces

Published on December 9, 2008

With Israeli resources strained to assure quality training and equipment for the army, navy and air force, the mission of the FIDF and its Israeli counterpart, the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel's Soldiers, is to provide the extras and comforts to relieve the daily pressures of combat service.

Leo David: From Israel soldier to soldiers’ friend

Published on December 9, 2008

". . . I fought in a tank unit, though we didn't have any real tanks in the beginning, so we got some trucks, attached some armor plating and called them tanks . . ."

Film of ‘Reader’ probes German culpability

Published on December 3, 2008

Those who gulped down "The Reader" in one sitting when the English translation of the German book came out eight years ago will need no inducement to see the movie.

On-screen morality plays illuminate Holocaust choices

Published on December 3, 2008

World War II and the Holocaust ended more than 60 years ago, but the subject's fascination for filmmakers as the ultimate moral testing ground for participants on both sides only intensifies with the passage of time.

UCLA chancellor Gene Block tackles economy, civic responsibility

Published on November 26, 2008

Block is known to his colleagues as a workaholic and multitasker but also wins praise for his patience and optimism. He displayed his patience and humor during an hour-long interview at his UCLA office and needs all his optimism to tackle the problems at hand.

First female Israel ambassador to U.N. shows humor, optimism

Published on November 19, 2008

"I'm treated with particular respect by the Arab delegates, because I am a woman," the 67-year-old ambassador said. "Or maybe it's my gray hair."

Zwick’s ‘Defiance’ brings heroes of Jewish anti-Nazi resistance to screen

Published on November 19, 2008

Once he read the amazing story of the Bielski brothers, who not only fought the Nazis, but also struggled with hostile local populations and anti-Semitic Soviet troops, Zwick gradually discovered that there were hundreds of similar reports on Jewish resistance fighters.

Beverly Hills Peninsula Hotel gets Israeli flair

Published on November 19, 2008

With 200 guest rooms, the Peninsula -- one of an international group of five luxury hotels owned by Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels, Ltd. -- is certainly not the largest hotel in the city, but it hosts more than its share of celebrities and A-list events.

Mosques and synagogues reach across divide

Published on November 12, 2008

Starting next week, 50 synagogues and 50 mosques throughout the United States and Canada will get together for three days of "twinning" and intensive discussions.

PBS presents ‘God on Trial’ in Auschwitz

Published on November 6, 2008

The prosecutor reads the charges against God: murder, collaboration with the enemy, breach of contract with His chosen people. Setting: A barrack in Auschwitz, with some 20 Jewish prisoners, half of whom will be gassed in the morning.

California Jewish Voters Guide: Views on state and local issues split on party lines

Published on October 29, 2008

The presidential race makes the headlines, but there's lots of emotion, energy and money left for the 12 statewide propositions on the California ballot. As in McCain-Obama contest, Jewish voters are sharply split between the Democratic/liberal majority and the Republican/conservative minority.

Hirsi Ali, critic of Islam, honored for courage

Published on October 29, 2008

A tall African-born woman, raised a devout Muslim but now one of Islam's sharpest critics, last week calmly dismantled some of the favorite shibboleths of American liberalism.

Israel Supreme Court OKs Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem project

Published on October 29, 2008

The Israeli Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the Simon Wiesenthal Center can build is long-planned Center for Human Dignity -- Museum of Tolerance on a contested site in the middle of Jerusalem

If you stream Kol Nidre, they will watch

Published on October 22, 2008

When Rabbi Naomi Levy conducted Kol Nidre services this year, her congregation numbered 200,000, stretching from Canada to Colombia and from Japan to Norway

Israeli film ‘Waltz With Bashir’ has an anti-war beat

Published on October 22, 2008

The oddly titled film combines state-of-the-art animation, an anti-war documentary theme and a psychoanalytic approach to recover the memory of a traumatized Israeli soldier.

Menorah lights hope for second oil miracle

Published on October 10, 2008

From Iran to Venezuela, petrodictators are using billions of our dollars to fund terrorism and propaganda against the United States and Israel, noted Rabbi Marvin Hier, founder and dean of the Wiesenthal Center.

Rabbis on anti-gay marriage Prop 8: Yes, no, maybe

Published on October 9, 2008

Same-sex marriage is likely to remain a hot-button issue in the presidential race, with Prop. 8 backers looking to Sen. John McCain for ideological support, and opponents to Sen. Barack Obama.

Israeli flag flies at consulate for first time

Published on September 28, 2008

The outdoor event, under extensive security, was an old-fashioned lift-your-voices, wave-the-flag celebration, with a little bit of everything. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa rang the rafters, pledging his city's unbreakable bond with Israel and ending with a rousing "Am Yisrael Chai."

Iraqi First Lady at Museum of Tolerance: I remember the Jews of Kurdistan

Published on September 28, 2008

The wife of Iraqi president Jalal Talabani paid a visit to the Simon Wiesenthal Center on Friday, toured its Museum of Tolerance, and recalled her friendship with the Jews of her Kurdish hometown

Friendship and freedom at Adat Chaverim

Published on September 24, 2008

Adat Chaverim is a small congregation of secular, Humanistic Jews, whose brochure proposes that "reason rather than faith is the source of truth, and human intelligence and experience are capable of guiding our lives."

No healing the world here—Humanistic Jews are ‘building’ the world

Published on September 24, 2008

"Religion is not primarily about faith in God; it is about community, identity, heritage and being of service to others," he said. "We Humanists must also do more to meet these needs, rather than complain about what others believe.

Producer Arnon Milchan’s goal: Broker Mideast peace

Published on September 24, 2008

"I really, really believe that I have the skills, the courage, the conviction and the know-how to make a difference in the peace process in the Middle East."

Faith ‘n’ begorra, Irish film fest has a Jewish accent

Published on September 24, 2008

Not to worry, though, there is, as always, a Jewish angle. In this case, it's two films, "Shalom Ireland" and "Grandpa . . . Speak Russian to Me," set for Saturday evening, Oct. 4.

Mayor: Building inspectors need better training, increased sensitivity -- and no more Yom Kippur showdowns

Published on September 23, 2008

Korobkin, the Yavneh spiritual leader, said he was very pleased with the mayor's recommendations and that the fault for last year's incident lay mainly in the way DBS was structured, as well as a certain lack of sensitivity.

Skirball photo exhibit shows Pope John Paul II’s lifetime of outreach to Jews

Published on September 17, 2008

In 2000, the pope undertook a pilgrimage to and formally recognized the State of Israel, inserting a note between the stones of the Western Wall.

Celebration to mark raising of Israeli flag at consulate

Published on September 17, 2008

The blue and white flag with the Star of David will be raised for the first time in front of the Israeli Consulate on Sunday, Sept. 28.

Survivor, rabbi recall horror of Metrolink train crash

Published on September 17, 2008

Rabbi Leonard Muroff was driving to his home in Agoura Hills after conducting services at Temple Ner Tamid in Downey, when he heard that families of those thought to have been on the train were told to assemble at Chatsworth High School and wait for news.

‘A Secret’ lets French director explore his Jewish past

Published on September 10, 2008

More than 60 years have passed, yet French filmmakers are still wrestling with their country's less than heroic role under Nazi occupation during World War II.

Rabbi Leah Kroll takes solo trip to fulfill aliyah dreams

Published on September 3, 2008

In August, she joined 240 other North American olim, or new immigrants, on an El Al flight chartered by Nefesh B' Nefesh (Soul to Soul), arriving to an emotional welcome in Israel.

‘Jewels of Elul’ offers candidates’ wisdom

Published on August 21, 2008

What is the dream of the future president of the United States? For the answer, check out your e-mail or a pocket-sized, 36-page booklet called "Jewels of Elul IV," which is subtitled "29 Dreamers and Their Dreams." Among the dreamers who sent in their thoughts and hopes are the presumed presidential candidates, Republican Sen. John McCain and Democratic Sen. Barack Obama.

How to judge judges on judgment (election) day

Published on August 13, 2008

"Every election, I get calls from around 15 people asking my advice on how to vote in specific judicial races," said Wapner, whose son, Fred, is a current judge

Deferred dream comes true for actress Nan Tepper

Published on August 6, 2008

"I had been a student, wife, mother, news executive and caregiver, but I had always promised myself that one day I would be an actor."

‘24’ producer Howard Gordon : Our only politics is to have an exciting show

Published on August 6, 2008

" . . .We had a visit from a high-ranking West Point officer, who said that his cadets were not only great fans of our show but were actually taking their cues from Jack Bauer. That was very disconcerting . . ."

‘Forgotten Hero’ of the Shoah Peter Bergson gets his due times two

Published on July 30, 2008

State Assembly hopeful is a political and personal bridge builder

Published on July 23, 2008

If elected, one of his top priorities will be California's "quality of life," especially in upgrading the state's infrastructure. "Every one dollar invested in infrastructure adds seven times that amount to the general economy," he said

Geriatric love, (I.B.) Singer style

Published on July 23, 2008

To Max's surprise and delight, the bereaved widow proves quite amorous, insisting, as do his other female companions, that a man is never too old for some active love-making

Donors push Bar-Ilan to head of the class

Published on July 16, 2008

"I wish I had 10 percent of the success with the Israeli government as I have with private donors," sighed Moshe Kaveh, the president of Bar-Ilan University.

Prolific Israeli producer-director tries Hollywood

Published on July 16, 2008

Israeli producer-director Uri Paster has four movie and theater projects planned this year

Speaker Pelosi, Speaker Itzik talk tough on Iran at Hadassah conclave

Published on July 15, 2008

Nancy Pelosi and Dalia Itzik, the speakers of their respective countries' legislatures, both talked tough on Iran during speeches to delegates at Hadassah's annual convention in Los Angeles.

In which the writer discovers Nextbook’s new read on culture

Published on July 9, 2008

"A man should live, if only to satisfy his curiosity." The Yiddish proverb, tacked to the wall of my study, came to mind when curiosity -- and the assignment to entertain my visiting young grandsons -- led me to the Nextbook festival. It's a personal embarrassment, or the fault of the organization's anti-promotional attitude, that I had never heard of Nextbook, or as its logo has it: nextbook>.

Hadassah convention to stimulate mind, body, soul

Published on July 9, 2008

An overflowing plate of activities, from Shalom Yoga exercises at 6:15 a.m. to festivities lasting until midnight, will be served up to some 2,000 energetic delegates attending the 94th annual convention of Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, in Los Angeles.

Israeli film ‘My Father My Lord’—Abraham’s binding of Isaac redux

Published on July 9, 2008

In the Israeli film "My Father My Lord," the secular or casually religious Jew encounters a world whose mindset and lifestyle might as well be thousands of miles and centuries away. It is the world of the charedi, or ultra-Orthodox, community, in which every action, every thought, is determined by God's law, as elucidated by the sages.