Jews invariably differ on their feelings toward Israel, whether discussing its place in their hearts or the policies of the current government or the rightful borders of the nation. But nothing unifies quite like military conflict. War awakens Diaspora communities and arouses Israeli affinities.\n
About 60 members of the orchestra at the Sinai Akiba Academy, ranging from second grade through eighth grade and joined by some alumni, were invited to play a short concert on June 20 as part of Carnegie Hall\’s World Projects Program.
As a child in Israel, soccer was Menachem Shoval\’s religion and Torah was his playbook. Devoutly committed to both, he eventually wanted to own enough land to build his own soccer field and, if possible, a synagogue in the Orthodox fashion of his native Yemen.
In a new documentary, \”A Hero in Heaven,\” directed by Sally Mitlas, a nation mourns the loss of a son. Trucks roved the streets of Jerusalem announcing the death of a holy man — 22-year-old Michael Levin, who had immigrated to Israel to fulfill a dream. A procession walked for miles, during a holiday fast, to reach the hill where thousands of mourners gathered to bury their hero.
\”The Bubble\” is one of two Israel-centered features scheduled for the 25th Outfest, Los Angeles\’ gay and lesbian film festival, July 12-23. The film is being shown in collaboration with Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion\’s Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation, as well as JQ International.
Classical virtuosos, like golden-age movie stars, are often thought to lead charmed lives in which the sundry benefits of celebrity accrue without cost. Lives of endless glamour are a fantasy, of course, yet the suggestion persists, in part because of musicians like Gil Shaham, the American Israeli violinist who comes to the Hollywood Bowl on Tuesday, July 10, to perform Tchaikovsky\’s Violin Concerto with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and guest conductor Leonard Slatkin.
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