Somehow, this most blatant form of self-promotion, this venue that, until a couple of hours ago, had looked to me like a literary meat market, has suddenly reminded me of the reason I started writing in the first place: to tell a good story; a story about Jews; a story that in its own small way continues the tale of this people who have had to struggle, in every generation, to ensure that their story doesn\’t end.
Andrew Speaker is home again. The international TB-carrier was released last week from a Denver hospital, where he was quarantined, and allowed to return to Atlanta after health officials deemed that he was no longer contagious.
Rhoda, Mary, Laverne or Rachel would feel instantly at home in Donna Marquet\’s quirky-cute set for \”The Idiot Box,\” a play currently at the Open Fist Theatre in Hollywood. The cloying \”anyplace and no place\” flatmates in the big city vibe is spot-on for \”The Idiot Box,\” a shrewd, bittersweet pop-culture critique of American sensibilities post-Sept. 11.
News Briefs.
Kirk Douglas is not done yet, not by a long shot. Just out is his ninth book, \”Let\’s Face It: 90 Years of Living, Loving and Learning.\” It is a mix of reminiscences, anecdotes, tributes to Hollywood luminaries now faded or gone, a critique of America\’s present leadership and somber thoughts on the drug-induced suicide of Eric, the youngest of his four sons.
An Israeli treatment that could alleviate discomfort for a quarter of women over 60 years old is currently undergoing clinical trials. Pelvic organ prolapse is a weakening of the hammock of muscles in the pelvic floor, caused by childbirth or simply due to aging. Endogun, a young high-tech start-up in Israel has identified the need, pinpointed the problem, and is providing a solution.
Steve Kaplan had just finished sitting shiva for his mother when he was dealt another blow: He had been written out of her will.
The milchama with lechem stops when we can eat it proportionately and spiritually. When we enjoy our fill — rather than demonizing, avoiding or sinfully binging on it — we are redeemed. By the mouth of God, bread was created, as was light, as were we, in His image. Our purest source of nourishment is Divine love, manifest in our capacity to lift up the vital force in all foods through our own utterances of gratitude.
Herb Goldberg has now returned to his lifelong themes in the recently published, \”What Men Still Don\’t Know About Women, Relationships, and Love\” (Barricade Books, 2007).
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.