Related Blog Posts on Arts and Culture, Racial Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion, and Jewish Music

an image of a person staring at the stars in the sky
Arts and Culture

Siman Tov U’Mazal Tov: Astrology and Judaism

Crystal Hill
 March 9, 2023
Judaism's relationship with astrology is one that has many twists and turns. Jewish interest in the zodiac can be traced back to the time of the Babylonian exile, which is evidenced by the fact that many of the Hebrew names of the constellations are actually Hebraicized versions of the original Assyrian names.
TOBI KAHN, "ZAHRYZ III," 2022; Acrylic on wood; 8.5"x 12" x 9"
Jewish Rituals and Symbols

Thinking Outside the (Tzedek) Boxes

Andrew Kaplan Mandel
 January 26, 2023
A camel carrying a load. A golden pair of balanced scales. An open heart and an open mind. These are three of more than two dozen artists' visions of justice and righteousness featured in the invitational exhibition, "Tzedek Boxes: Justice Shall You Pursue."
A container of popcorn in front of a red background
Film

The Best Jewish Film and TV of the Past Year

Wes Hopper
 December 28, 2022

 

As 2022 draws to a close, it’s time to highlight some of the best Jewish content of the past year. Art, marriage, coming of age, healing, history, and antisemitism are all on display in a year that has had its fair share of public tumult.

Anthony Hopkins in the film Armageddon Time
Arts and Culture

Portrait of the Artist as a Young Jewish Man

Wes Hopper
 November 29, 2022
Two films from acclaimed Jewish filmmakers have debuted during award season this year, each taking semi-autobiographical looks at troubled childhoods. Each picture delivers award-worthy performances from many well-known actors, including Anthony Hopkins and Michelle Williams as sure bets to score Oscar nominations.
female and male symbol combined and written with chalk
Classes and Learning

Affirming and Loving Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Expansive Grandchildren

November 22, 2022
The Union for Reform Judaism, Jewish Grandparents Network, and Keshet are collaborating on a series of conversations to support grandparents and other loving adults who are interested in providing affirming spaces for gender expansive, non-binary, and transgender young people. These sessions provide grandparents with foundational knowledge, shared language, and inclusive practices.
Waning crescent moon on black background
Secular Holidays

4 Spooky Mystical Jewish Figures

Crystal Hill
 October 24, 2022
Even though Halloween began as a pagan holiday, it now brings spooky fun to children and adults of all backgrounds, including many Jews who view it more as a traditional holiday than a religious holiday.