Sixteen years ago this month; Jeff Bernhardt came out of the closet to his family, to free himself from the bondage of keeping this huge and personal part of him from them.
While a student at Columbia School of Journalism, Rachel Boynton saw a film about the history of 20th century nonviolent conflict that included a segment on how American consultants had gone to Chile in 1990 to produce TV ads for a successful campaign to end Gen. Augusto Pinochet\’s long autocratic presidency.
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.\”
Ameenah Kaplan, who calls herself a \”hybrid\” — the product of an African American mother who converted to Judaism and a Jewish father — is directing, choreographing and co-producing \”Everyman for Himself.\” Appearing weekends at the Unknown Theatre in Hollywood, the show is a hybrid itself, in that it blends music, dance, theater and capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian dance form that incorporates self-defense maneuvers.
What I Like About Jew is more irreverent than unorthodox, which is typical of artists immersed in what critics call the bourgeoning \”hipster Heeb\” movement. Like Jewcy T-shirts and the \”Jewsploitation\” flick, \”The Hebrew Hammer,\” their work sets out to replace images of the neurotic nebbish with an new persona: the cocky, hard-ass Jew.
The release of \”Absolute Convictions\” could not be more auspiciously timed, given the recent passage in South Dakota of the most far-reaching anti-abortion legislation nationwide. That law, and proposed bills in other states, has reignited debate over the future of Roe vs. Wade. The case, decided in 1973, \”would turn tens of thousands of Americans, some of them housewives, others previously disengaged evangelical Christians, into full-fledged crusaders,\” Press writes.
Boteach enters the picture on a mission, although we are not sure from the outset what it is. He introduces himself as having counseled thousands of families and being the author of a best-selling book on family life.
It\’s not that glitz, glamour and secular themes at b\’nai mitzvah are inherently problematic, like in the soon-to-be-released one-upsmanship film, \”Keeping Up With the Steins,\” but when they\’re inadequately balanced with Jewish values we can be left with an empty shell of a party that undermines the entire point of these meaningful milestones.
Whether you\’re trying to capture a wedding, b\’nai mitzvah or 50th anniversary celebration, the day will come and go whether you\’re ready for it or not. Unless you\’re prepared, the opportunity to capture family history can easily slip through your fingers.
Selecting an environmental mitzvah project is a good starting point. But consider adding eco-friendly substitutes for white plastic tableware, Styrofoam centerpieces, Mylar balloons and elaborate banners. Are your invitations printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks?
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