Barbra Streisand and Leonard Cohen: Timeless, but not ageless

By Danielle Berrin
Published on November 16, 2012

Hebrew U. scores in academia survey on best places to work

Published on August 2, 2012

A survey of the best places to work in academia ranked Jerusalem’s Hebrew University as the second-best place to work outside of the United States.

Introducing Vicki Rothman

By Vicki Rothman
Published on April 12, 2012

The many hats of Mayim Bialik

Published on December 5, 2011

Mayim Bialik’s career has gone through several phases since she burst onto the pop culture radar as the lead of the 1990s NBC-TV series “Blossom.”

As seen on MSN.com Today!

By Lisa Niver Rajna
Published on December 1, 2011

Mother Love

By Annie Korzen
Published on August 29, 2011

Extra Extra: How to get a SAG voucher

By Orit Arfa
Published on August 5, 2008

Shmuley Update 2008:  Now he’s fixing the ‘Broken Male’

By Josh Lipowsky
Published on February 28, 2008

The American male is broken and the only way to fix him is to redefine what makes him a success, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach says, adding that the American male is made to feel like a failure and always in competition with those around him.

Workmen’s Circle celebrates 100 years; Progressives fight for what’s Left

By Danielle Berrin
Published on January 24, 2008

It's not every centenarian who can celebrate his birthday with full-throated songs and Yiddish jokes, but the Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring did just that in marking its 100th anniversary year in California with high good humor, leavened with a bit of nostalgia.

Note to new grads: it’s just the beginning!

By Danielle Berrin
Published on June 7, 2007

So graduates, from one contemporary to another, and in the spirit of sharing with my sister what I wish I believed then, I offer you some knowledge I acquired on my journey -- just consider it my master's degree in "life thus far."

Working Girl

By Carin Davis
Published on June 7, 2007

I'm an accomplished exec. I worked hard to get here. I work hard for the money. But work never gets in the way of dating, and dating never gets in the way of work.

A not-so-random sampling of the Class of 2007

Published on June 7, 2007

Every year when I send out that first e-mail asking educators and leaders from around the city to nominate high school seniors for this "Outstanding Seniors" article, the angst begins. I get the names of dozens of nominees, and through a one-paragraph description I'm supposed to figure out who belongs in this feature. It's an impossible task, and inevitably I resign myself to the ultimate randomness of this selection -- for every teen I pick, 10 others could have filled that spot.

Some students follow road less traveled to college

By Julie G Fax
Published on May 24, 2007

The Jewish Journal talked to four students who shatter the Jewish college-obsessed stereotype.

Composer Martin Bresnick’s classically unique style turns 60

By George Robinson
Published on January 18, 2007

Even today, Bresnick "listens to everything," and his own compositions have a uniquely American eclecticism.

Sherwood Schwartz—creator of hit TV shows ‘Gilligans Island’ and ‘The Brady Bunch’—trades sitc

By Nick Street
Published on November 9, 2006

Sherwood Schwartz is not one to complain. Which isn't to say he has nothing to complain about.

Collegians ‘Do the Write Thing’

By Leni Reiss
Published on November 9, 2006

College students are not only attending the General Assembly, they are covering it as well.

Single, 60, and invisible no more

By Esther W. Hersh
Published on October 19, 2006

All age groups seem to want the same thing: a soulmate, a soft shoulder to lean on occasionally, companionship for dinner in or out, theater, movies, and travel. I still enjoy cooking (and I'm good at it). I'm not too old for cuddling and hugging, and I happen to enjoy it.

Pro soccer rookie Bornstein gives small goals a big kick

By Carin Davis
Published on October 12, 2006

ChivasUSA's Jonathan Bornstein is the top contender for the 2006 Major League Soccer (MLS) Rookie of the Year award. Not bad for the Los Alamitos native who was not invited to the MLS combine and was chosen in the fourth round (of four) of 2006 MLS SuperDraft (37th pick overall).

Spectator - ‘Devil’ Is in the Details

By Melanie Herschorn
Published on June 29, 2006

An enjoyable chick-lit book, "The Devil Wears Prada," in movie form follows the novel's storyline, with slight modifications to the plot that only enhance our understanding of Andy's dilemma. And for the fashion buff, the insider's view of the inner workings of a haute couture, albeit fictional, fashion magazine are amusing.

A Young Violinist With a Lot of Pluck

By Beverly Gray
Published on April 13, 2006

As a 9-year-old violinist performing for world-renowned cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, Camilla Tsiperovich was told to call herself Camilla Gadjieva. Her headmaster at the Azerbaijan Conservatory considered this a more suitable name, one that reflected the Muslim heritage of her country. While representing Azerbaijan in international music competitions and spending her first year of high school at the famed Moscow Conservatory, she always understood that "there was something wrong because you were Jewish."

Another Tendler Steps Down

By Amy Klein
Published on April 6, 2006

Tendler's resignation comes shortly after his nephew, Rabbi Aron Tendler, resigned under pressure as rabbi of Shaarey Zedek Congregation in Valley Village.

At ‘Beauty’ School, Looks Could Kill

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on March 30, 2006

Liz Mermin's curiosity began after she read a 2002 New York Times article about the proposed school, which was backed by the magazine Vogue and volunteer Americans stylists:"I thought, 'Of all the things Afghanistan needs, how could a beauty school be anywhere but near the bottom of the list.'"

Friedan: Universal Woman, Particular Jew

By Blu Greenberg
Published on February 9, 2006

Betty Friedan, who died last weekend at age 85 at her home in Washington, D.C., was both universal woman and particular Jew. The word Jewish does not appear at all in "The Feminine Mystique," her seminal work, yet every heartbeat was a Jewish one. Once, in her 50s, after fame, fortune and independence had filled her life, she asked one favor of friends -- to find her a nice Jewish husband.

Elliott Gould Thrives as Work in Progress

By Tom Tugend
Published on February 9, 2006

Elliott Goldstein grew up in a two-and-a-half room apartment in a section of Brooklyn populated by Jews, Syrians and Italians, the only child of a garment industry production manager and his wife. Both parents were born in the United States, but his grandparents emigrated from Russia, the Ukraine and Poland.

Midlife Reinvention Not So Uncommon

By Ellie Kahn
Published on February 2, 2006

John F. Kennedy once said, "When written in Chinese, the word 'crisis' is composed of two characters. One represents danger, and the other represents opportunity."
Life is full of change -- in fact, one of the only things we can predict and count on in life is that things won't stay the same. For many of us, this is exemplified in our work. Indeed, statistics suggest that most adults will experience five to 12 careers or job changes in a lifetime.

Not All Wish Sharon Well

By Jewish Journal Staff
Published on January 12, 2006

An Israeli commission of inquiry held Sharon, who was Israel's defense minister at the time, indirectly responsible for not anticipating the carnage. Sharon was forced to resign, which, at the time, seemed to end his political career.

A Line Drive Down Jewish History

By Sandee Brawarsky
Published on January 5, 2006

In an interview, Jeffrey Gurock, a New York City-area resident, says that this is a book he has been thinking about for almost his entire adult life and spent the last five years working on. His passion for the subject is clear.

Written in the Jewish Stars

Published on December 29, 2005

We're not saying we believe any of this, mind you, but, yes, Jews, too, like to peek at horoscopes. But up until now, something's been missing -- that Jewish touch. Sure, you could count on Bubbe and Zayde to dispense career advice and to forecast general doom, but that hardly suffices. And, yes, there are always those well-meaning, pushy relatives to talk up eligible singles as the man or woman of your future.

Jews Who Can Hit

By Jewish Journal Staff
Published on December 1, 2005

The 2006 edition of Jewish baseball cards features "newly discovered" Jewish players and Jewish players from the 1940s women's league. The set of 55 also includes cards for the 13 Jews who played last year in the major leagues

Dancer’s Second Act as Pilates Instructor

By Judy Gruen
Published on November 24, 2005

As the owner of Studio 613 -- located on South Robertson Boulevard, between Olympic and Pico boulevards -- Friedman has found her niche. Her women-only Pilates venue is providing a safe space for Jews and others to get in shape while maintaining their modesty.

There’s a New Deputy in Town

By Tom Tugend
Published on November 3, 2005

Competition for postings to Los Angeles is fierce within the Israeli Foreign Ministry, and two young diplomats who made the grade, Yaron Gamburg and Gilad Millo, have joined the staff of the consulate general here.

Still Smarting

By Amy Klein
Published on November 3, 2005

Dowd's basic theory posits that "The Rules" -- that once-silly guidebook on how to entrap a man, which is now read nonironically, as in The Torah of dating -- was just the beginning.

Retiring Cal Tech Chief Reflects on Roots

By Tom Tugend
Published on October 13, 2005

During his nine-year tenure as Caltech president, 67-year old David Baltimore translated many of his family's principles into practice, on top of raising the university's already elite level of scientific research and education. He showed a keen interest in the quality of student life through improved housing and a multimillion dollar student activities fund, and raised the profile and number of women on the faculty and in the student body.

Schneider’s Deuce Is Wild Again

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on August 11, 2005

In his grossout-doofus comedies, Rob Schneider plays the ultimate schlimazel.

Moving Forward Passover

By Rabbi Karen Deitsch
Published on April 28, 2005

I was sitting at lunch with my best friend the other day discussing life. This is her tsuris at the moment: she is involved with a guy who loves her very much, accepts her unconditionally, is cute, bright, Jewish, healthy, loyal.

‘Aida’ Not So Tragic for Israeli Maestro

By Tom Tugend
Published on January 27, 2005

Dan Ettinger looks nothing like the popular image of a classical conductor. The Israeli is making his American debut with the Los Angeles Opera in Verdi's "Aida."

Q & A With Al Pacino

By Ivor Davis
Published on January 6, 2005

"The Godfather's" Michael Corleone has taken a crack at Shylock. Oscar-winner Al Pacino -- always a daring actor -- steps into the shoes of Shakespeare's notorious moneylender in the latest big-screen version of the Bard's classic, "The Merchant of Venice."

Singing Klezmer Isn’t Hard to Do

By David Finnigan
Published on December 2, 2004

Neil Sedaka has had a noteworthy place in American music for four decades; he became a comfortable perennial who did not let himself turn into a tortured titan like Sinatra or a forgettable one-hit wonder like The Imperials, Haircut 100 or Luscious Jackson.

How the Maccabees Reshaped Jerusalem

By Bill Gladstone
Published on December 2, 2004

Less well-known, according to a leading Israeli archaeologist, is that the Maccabees also were major builders who transformed the face of Jerusalem and restored the centrality of the Temple in Jewish life.

A Jewish Visit to Guthrie’s Land

By Tom Tugend
Published on December 2, 2004

Arlo Guthrie, the son of the legendary folk singer and composer, says that his father's mother-in-law, Yiddish poet Aliza Greenblatt, inspired Woody's largely unknown lyrics for Chanukah, Holocaust and Jewish children's songs.

Fibber Seeks Same

By Andrea Gappell
Published on November 11, 2004

If there's any truth to the Yiddish proverb "a half truth is a whole lie," then there is a whole lotta lyin' going on in the Jewish dating scene.

You’ll Do Lunch in This Town Again

By Amy Klein
Published on October 21, 2004

Powerful women in Hollywood, back in 1978, were as prevalent as communists during the blacklist. Probably even less so. That's when Loreen Arbus came to town.

Mizrahi Music Travels West

By Loolwa Khazzoom
Published on September 16, 2004

Business at Eitan Salman's music store has fallen 80 percent over the last decade, but it's not altogether a bad thing: Mizrahi music has grown so popular in Israel that it no longer is the exclusive domain of mom-and-pop shops like Salman's but is sold even at Israel's Tower Records outlets.

20-Somethings

By Amy Klein
Published on August 26, 2004

Do you remember what it's like to be in your 20s?

Nathan’s Voice

By Rob Eshman
Published on August 19, 2004

At a time when Jews have unprecedented access to money and political power, it's a fair question to ask: What do we bring to the table as Jews?

Midlife Calling

By Julie G Fax
Published on August 19, 2004

For years, Min Kantrowitz resisted the pull. Sure, the books on her nightstand were more likely to be a reference guide to the Talmud rather than the latest best-seller. But a rabbi?

Expert Wants Israel Quake Forecast Role

By Tom Tugend
Published on July 1, 2004

The man hailed by many of his fellow scientists as the world's leading earthquake predictor has proven his mettle in California and Japan and now wants to help Israel become the forecasting center for the Middle East.

‘Shrek 2’ Writer Gets His Happy Ending

By Gaby Wenig
Published on July 1, 2004

Before David Weiss came to Hollywood as a 24-year-old screenwriter hopeful, the elders of his church put their hands on him to entrust him with a Godly mission.

Two Educators Earn Honors

By Journal Report
Published on July 1, 2004

Barry Koff earned a state teaching credential and completed a master's degree in Jewish education through Chicago's Spertus College. Yet his first career as an on-air radio broadcaster comes through in his classroom.

Rabbi William Kramer Dies at 84

By Tom Tugend
Published on June 17, 2004

An overflow crowd of nearly 500 mourners attended funeral services last week for Rabbi William M. Kramer, a Los Angeles institution, who died at the age of 84.

One Actor’s Influence

By Bill Boyarsky
Published on June 10, 2004

I can't remember many Jews around Ronald Reagan when I met him at the very start of his political career. Politics were simple. Jews were Democrats. Republicans were from country clubs that didn't admit Jews.

Reagan seemed unconnected to all that. His experience with Jews was far different than that of the country club Republicans who followed him. True, he grew up in small-town Illinois, where Jews were a rarity, and he graduated from Eureka College, a puritanical Disciples of Christ school. But his movie career was nurtured and shaped by Jews, who remained loyal to him through his days in films and politics and shaped his political life.

Psychic Channels Her Gift Into Novel

By Sandee Brawarsky
Published on June 3, 2004

I don't know how many Jewish psychics there are in Great Neck, N.Y., but Rochelle Jewel Shapiro is easy to spot in the lunchtime crowd at Bruce's, a restaurant and bakery in the heart of the Long Island town.

Russian Singer’s Star Shines Again

By Lea Silverman
Published on April 29, 2004

The waitress at Canter's Deli looks vaguely annoyed as Aida Vedischeva makes herself at home in a back booth, spreading her memorabilia across the table.

Vocational Service Gains Career Center

By Marc Ballon
Published on April 29, 2004

To Vivian Seigel, Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) is a living, breathing entity that must grow with the times or risk irrelevance.

A One-ManRevolution

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on March 18, 2004

When Soviet film schools banned Vladimir Alenikov due to anti-Semitism, he risked arrest to make his own movies in 1973.

Chaos Comes to Town

By Leora Alhadeff
Published on March 18, 2004

Merhav Mohar never lost a match until a Latvian at the Sheraton Plaza in Israel took away his winning streak.

Stanford’s Grunfeld Flies High

By Carin Davis
Published on March 11, 2004

Clarinetist Finds His Klezmer Voice

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on March 11, 2004

"I came to klezmer quite by accident," said virtuoso clarinetist David Krakauer.

He was a noted classical musician around 1987 when a chance encounter on a Manhattan bus changed the direction of his career.

Study of Federations Finds Job Sexism

By Rachel Pomerance
Published on March 11, 2004

While a new report says that sexism pervades the North American Jewish federation system, in Los Angeles, the facts paint a much more positive picture of gender equality.

Rabbi Leaving Beth Jacob for Israel

By Andrea Adelson
Published on March 4, 2004

With entrée in both spheres and his own bent for community involvement, Joel Landau's influence is felt far beyond Beth Jacob, which was his first full time pulpit 11 years ago.