With retirement of founders, Kar-Ben publishers turning a page

December 17, 2013

BOSTON (JTA) — The founders of Kar-Ben, a publisher of Jewish children’s books that includes the “Shalom Sesame” series and “Six Million Paper Clips,” are retiring after 40 years.

Judye Groner and Madeline Wikler, who started Kar-Ben in 1974, will...

Chagall found in Munich stash believed looted from Latvian Jews

December 13, 2013

BERLIN (JTA) – A painting by Marc Chagall discovered in a sensational art trove found in Munich is believed to have been looted by the Nazis from a Latvian Jewish family.

According to the German newspaper Bild, evidence was uncovered...

Jewish artists pushing the technological frontier

December 13, 2013

By TALIA LAVIN

NEW YORK (JTA) — Jazz music drifts from speakers down to the cherry wood tables of the West Cafe in Brooklyn as the Israeli artist Nurit Bar-Shai prepares to show examples of her latest work. With deft,...

Russian pianist Evgeny Kissin granted Israeli citizenship

December 11, 2013

JERUSALEM (JTA) — Renowned Russian classical pianist Evgeny Kissin received Israeli citizenship, saying now he could fight for Israel as an Israeli.

“I am with you, State of Israel, I am with you, my people,” Kissin, 42, said in Hebrew...

Billy Joel’s monthly gig, Tila Tequila’s Hitler defense, Gadot as Wonder Woman

December 11, 2013

By JANA BANIN

HOLLYWOOD, FL. (JTA) — Can’t get enough Billy Joel? You’re in luck — at least if you live in the New York area and have a hefty concert ticket budget.

Beginning in January, the legendary singer will...

Gaga returning to Israel, Dylan incites Croats, Gadot grieves for Paul Walker

December 04, 2013

By JANA BANIN

HOLLYWOOD, FL. (6NoBacon) — Pop superstar Lady Gaga has plans to perform in the Holy Land this summer, Israel’s Channel 2 reported. The show, which will be Gaga’s second in Israel, will likely take place at Tel...

‘Fiddler on the Roof’ approaches 50th anniversary, shows staying power

December 03, 2013

By MICHELE ALPERIN

(JNS.org) — Worldwide performances of “Fiddler on the Roof” attest to its cultural power, as it evokes the yearning for tradition in a changing world. What is behind its staying power? According to Alisa Solomon, author of...

Israeli film wins best documentary at International Emmys

November 28, 2013

(JTA) — An Israeli film directed by a Palestinian and an Israeli was named best documentary at the 41st annual International Emmy Awards.

“5 Broken Cameras,” which was nominated for an Academy Award in 2012, was directed by Palestinian Emad...

Adam Levine is ‘Sexiest Man,’ Beastie Boys-Goldieblox tangle, Drake-Zoe Kravitz dating (maybe)

November 28, 2013

By JANA BANIN

HOLLYWOOD

Hoffman-Sandler comedy, a Seinfeld bat mitzvah, Cowell thinking conversion

November 21, 2013

By JANA BANIN

HOLLYWOOD, FL (JTA) — Adam Sandler is a Jewish comic actor with a serious streak. Dustin Hoffman is a serious Jewish actor who can be pretty freakin’ funny. Put them both together and what do you get?...