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Visualizing Audacious Biblical Women for Our Times

Jean Bloch Rosensaft
When invited to create work for the Jerusalem Biennale (an international art exhibition held every two years in Jerusalem) last year, artist Archie Rand decided to depict "a grouping of Jewish heroes who are women, appearing in an underreported story that should have a painted monument sampling the collective."

What Message Does the Mezuzah Have Right Now?

Phyllis Freedman
The Heller Museum invited leading contemporary artists to conceive innovative designs for a mezuzah. Seventeen artists imaginatively reenvisioned this traditional Jewish ceremonial object.

Six Oscar-Worthy Jewish Characters

Wes Hopper
The 97th Academy Awards are upon us and the major categories appear wide open. Top contenders have been mired in controversies, including this year's leading Jewish-themed entry, "The Brutalist."

Vashti

Jamie Glaser
This is a poem about Vashti, a queen of Persia and the first wife of Persian king Ahasuerus in the Book of Esther.

Unlock Sephardi Culture and Connection with these 10 Ladino Phrases

Ellie Rudee
Growing up in Seattle, I was fortunate to be surrounded by the city's vibrant Sephardi Jewish community. Seattle, with its large Sephardi population, was the perfect place to grow up immersed in the language and flavors of this unique Jewish culture.

Chutzpah in the Darkness: Finding Strength Through Jewish Resilience

Julie Silverstein
As a college student studying during a year abroad at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem years ago, I participated in programs offered by the Reform Movement’s Religious Action Center (RAC), which trained students to advocate for civil and human rights through a Jewish lens. That experience defined my Judaism as one rooted in action and activism.

The Brutalist: A Jewish Immigrant Saga for the Ages

Wes Hopper
Brady Corbet's "The Brutalist" opens with Hungarian architect, Jewish Holocaust survivor, and soon-to-be freshly minted U.S. immigrant László Toth in the shadowy depths of a ship headed into New York Harbor.

Jewish Stories to Curl Up with This Winter

Alex Graaff
A truly cozy read, in my opinion, is defined by its ability to keep me present. As the definition of cozy reading is subjective, I've compiled a list of Jewish cozy reads spanning a few genres. Wrap yourself up in your favorite blanket, turn the kettle on, and let's get started.

Kinship in Crisis in Jesse Eisenberg's New Movie

Wes Hopper
Fresh off winning an Emmy for his portrayal of Roman Roy in the hit HBO series "Succession," Kieran Culkin finds himself playing another motormouthed man child at the center of Jesse Eisenberg's "A Real Pain."

Is it Okay to Seek Joy?

Phyllis Freedman
In "Seeking Joy," on view at the Heller Museum at HUC-JIR/New York through June 26, 2025, over 50 artists share moments of happiness they have experienced.