JANUARY 2016
A-WA GOES GLOBAL: THE ISRAELI SISTERS TAKE ON THE WORLD
The start of 2016 meant the 500th anniversary of the founding of the world’s first ghettto – in Venice – so we explore the history, literature, art and food that emerged from this remarkable place. Plus Howard Jacobson discusses his novel Shylock is My Name and why it has the Venetian merchant emerging in a satirised Alderley Edge. Elsewhere Prospect Magazine founder David Goodhart and JCore director Edie Friedman challenge each other’s diametrically opposed views on how to tackle the refugee crisis. And you’ll find an interview with A-Wa, an extraordinary band of Yemeni-heritage Israelis who are making waves throughout the Middle East. Plus articles on Jewish drag queens, the amazing Peggy Guggenheim and the surprising post-war cabaret photos of Roman Vishniac.
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WHAT'S NEW
Art Kibbutz Creativity is blooming at a New York initiative featuring the world's first Jewish artist colony. • The only Jew in town Steven Derby is a novelty at an interfaith conference in Islamabad
SOAPBOX
Should we welcome more refugees? David Goodhart and Edie Friedman debate the thorny issues around Europe's refugee crisis
FEATURES
The queens of big hair and gefilte fish Rachel Delia Benaim uncovers the surreal world of Orthodox Jewish drag queens. • A haven of Schubert and chickens A new book sheds light on the WW2 European refugees who found a haven in rural Buckinghamshire
PASSPORT
Venice: 500 years of ghetto life JR editor Rebecca Taylor visits the Venice ghetto as its residents prepare to mark 500 years since its founding. • 21st century Shylock Judi Herman speaks to Howard Jacobson about recalcitrant teenagers, bereaved fathers and memories of Cheshire, which all form the background to his new novel, Shylock is My Name. • Inky waters Printmakers Sophie Herxheimer and Andi Arnovitz embark on a remarkable trip to recreate a contemporary haggadah
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Listings Our exclusive three month guide to art, books, film, music, theatre and cultural events in the UK and beyond
Try this!
Liam Hoare joins the feisty discussion at the Abraham Debating Club
ART
Warhol's Jews David Herman deciphers Andy Warhol’s pictures of Liz Taylor and Marilyn Monroe at New York’s Jewish Museum. • A tale of two cities Monica Petzal’s striking images of Dresden and Coventry also mark the history of her family’s own journey
MUSIC
Desert rock Danielle Goldstein interviews all-girl band A-Wa as they break with tradition and go global with their Yemenite beats
FILM
Priceless Peggy Jason Solomons speaks to the director of a new film about the life of the rebellious Peggy Guggenheim
BOOKS
Thou shalt read! We highlight the best events of this year’s Jewish Book Week. • From shtetl to burlesque A new book uncovers surprising photos of New York nightlife by Roman Vishniac. • The invention of the Nazis Rebecca Wallersteiner reviews a clutch of books focusing on the personalities who created the Nazi image. • Red Rosa A new graphic novel reveals the complex life of the revolutionary Rosa Luxemburg. • Tough love Liz Cashdan reviews the collected poems of Jon Silkin
FOOD
Vilna veggie Agi Erdos reports on a pioneering 1930s vegetarian cookbook
LAST WORDS
Ghetto talk David Herman traces the dark history of the word ‘ghetto’
