Features

Off the Shelf: Discovering the “why” in biblical stories

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

When we seriously study stories from the biblical books of Genesis and Exodus, we are often left with questions. Why did the characters act that way? Wasn’t there any better way for God to have handled that problem? Is there something we’re missing? The ancient …

Spotlight: Wallenstein takes the stage solo

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

Josh Wallenstein will appear in “Buyer and Cellar” by Jonathan Tolins at the Cider Mill Stage from April 7-10. The play was the winner of the 2014-2015 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Solo Show. For additional information about the performances, visit their…

Television Review: “The Kominsky Method”: Izzy’s son and Jewish legacy

By Bill Simons

A few years ago, I decided to take an economy-class tour of Hollywood. The spiel of a seasoned gentleman, commanding a vintage van with its top removed, intrigued me. A threadbare sportscoat covered his lean frame. Light makeup appeared to burnish his once handsome face. 

Television Review: “The Kominsky Method”: Izzy’s son and Jewish legacy

By Bill Simons

A few years ago, I decided to take an economy-class tour of Hollywood. The spiel of a seasoned gentleman, commanding a vintage van with its top removed, intrigued me. A threadbare sportscoat covered his lean frame. Light makeup appeared to burnish his once handsome face. 

On the Jewish food scene: Passover without the food-ceremonial or otherwise

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

A group of friends and I gather for an off-night seder each year. We usually hold it on a Sunday afternoon so people can attend family seders on the first nights of the holiday, and those of us still working don’t have to worry about a late night. Sometimes, the …