The Bagel Report

Erin and Esther went to see Theater Camp together and spoiler alert, everything is adorable, especially Molly Gordon and Ben Platt. This week was all about unpacking the film’s cinematic influences while reminiscing about our own camp/theater camp experiences at Camp Tamarack and Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. Even though the bagels attended camp at different times and places, their life lessons were similar. Lessons include how any musical number can be translated into Hebrew, and that there are no small roles, only small child actors.  Have a favorite camp movie? We do, but advise you not to google “popular camp movies” or you might find yourself in the middle of WW2. As the WGA strike continues well past 100 days, we give a shout-out to Hannah Einbinder’s Jewish activist presence, good Mandy Patinkin vibes and Marnina Schon’s Jewy comments on protesting. Later, Jewish erasure in Oppenheimer takes on a new angle, and, as two unrelated movies come out the same day, we have to ask ourselves: is You Are So Not Invited to Golda’s Bat Mitzvah the new Barbenheimer?

Hi Broadway!! (Hi Broadway!) Welcome to Season 3 of The Bagel Report!   Our episode recorded after the Tonys — recorded in June, but new to you! — gets a new Barbenheimer intro to an episode about Jewy Broadway, with an exploration of Alex Edelman's "Just for Us," which Esther saw in New York. Erin breaks down the importance of "Parade," plus mentions for "Leopoldstadt" and "Rent," and Erin asks Esther to define "TV Gone Jewy." Shabbat pajamas, what?? (Visit https://midrashmanicures.com/ and use the code JWEEKLY!)    SHOW NOTES/LINKS: Midrash Manicures (for Shabbat pajamas, Barbie-inspired challah cover and more!) Washington Post article about Alex Edelman getting advice from famous comedy people Just For Us - get tickets for Alex Edelman's Broadway show here Golda film - TRAILER You are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah! - https://www.netflix.com/title/81416306    Visit us on socials!  IG: @TBRthepod, @estherkustanowitz @ebenmoche X? Is that really what we're calling it? Oh fine: @TheBagelReport, @EstherK @ebenmoche

After the fully loaded nachos of Superbowl Sunday and any heart-shaped candy you might have consumed on Valentine's Day, it's time for the Bagels to get back to their Newy and Jewy pop culture rundown and speed round of upcoming stories. Get our review of Superbowl commercial highlights and a deep dive on what Esther and Erin are looking for in their rom-coms. This episode of The Bagel Report is sponsored by the Jewish Film Institute, whose WinterFest event is coming up Feb. 25-26 at the Vogue Theater in San Francisco. Connect with us on socials! Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReport Instagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.com Links: All the Superbowl ads: https://tvline.com/lists/best-worst-super-bowl-commercials-2023/tubi/ Paul Rudd and son video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtvVi3Z89Dc Your Place or Mine (Netflix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JyfgkPMXk0 Wedding Singer (HBO Max/TNT/TBS) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy-TwYB1UQw 50 First Dates (Peacock) My Big Fat Greek Wedding (HBOMax) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2mecmDFE-Q Kissing Jessica Stein (Hulu) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc3bnMSk7SI 80 for Brady (in theaters) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UeGXB2NjR8 Carole King’s WashPo in memoriam of Burt Bacharach https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/02/10/carole-king-burt-bacharach-songwriting/ Poker Face (Peacock) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x2NzusLAqk Reboot (Hulu) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x2NzusLAqk

After seeing it opening weekend in theaters and then again on Netflix amid a swirl of wildly inconsistent reviews, the Bagels become review people taking on "You People," the cringey romcom (cringe-com?) starring Jonah Hill, Lauren London, Eddie Murphy and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Overall observations, questions about content choices and missed opportunities to explore faith, meaning and connection. As the Bagels cruise through a million hot takes on "You People" from all corners, keep your ears peeled for terms like "consensus-building," "calling in vs. calling out," "the oppression Olympics," and "zero-sum game." The discourse is THICK this week! Connect with us on socials! Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReport Instagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.com Selected reactions to "You People": https://people.com/podcasts/people-every-day-podcast/lauren-london-jewish-roots-you-people/ https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/you-people-netflix-55-million-hours-viewed-opening-weekend-1235508210/ https://www.buzzfeed.com/morganmurrell/you-people-netflix-twitter-reactions https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/arts-letters/articles/you-people-antisemitism https://jweekly.com/2023/01/31/you-people-is-a-step-back-for-black-jewish-relations-worse-its-not-even-funny/ https://www.jta.org/2023/02/01/culture/netflixs-you-people-wasnt-funny-at-all-to-my-black-and-mexican-jewish-family Dialogue and representation organizations: https://blackjewishentalliance.com/ https://mjnewground.org/ Reactions to Farrakhan's claims: www.washingtonpost.com/archi...avery/ https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/jews-and-the-african-slave-trade/ Previous Bagel Reports: https://jweekly.com/2023/02/03/bagels-on-set-talking-you-people-with-its-jewish-consultant-todd-shotz/ https://www.spreaker.com/user/jewfolk/background-bagels

People certainly do have opinions about "You People," the interracial, interfaith Netflix romcom scripted by Kenya Barris and Jonah Hill. But we're putting reviews on hold (tune in next week!) to go behind the scenes with Todd Shotz, the Jewish consultant on this controversial production. He's also a film producer and founder of the b'nai mitzvah prep company Hebrew Helpers. How did Todd land this gig? How did he advise the producers on creating the big Yom Kippur scene from the beginning of the movie? And why is there a Yiddish consultant in the credits, but no Yiddish scene in the movie? This episode of The Bagel Report is sponsored by the Jewish Film Institute, whose WinterFest event is coming up Feb. 25-26 at the Vogue Theater in San Francisco. Connect with us on socials! Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReport Instagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.com Other links for this episode: Background Bagels — our episode last year recapping our days as background actors Hebrew Helpers Recipe for Change The Grotto (film) Lazy Eye (film) Latter Day Jew (film) Kevin Misher (You People producer)

The Oscar nominations are here! In this week's Bagel Report, the Bagels break down nomination trends, talk about Jewish nominees (as well as films they just enjoyed), and speculate about why "She Said" was left out of the awards conversation. They're also talking about "The Fabelmans," what's Newy (an Amy Winehouse biopic!) and Jewy (Josh Malina, always), and a speed round of stories ranging from a movie for Holocaust Remembrance Day to a possible extension of the Shtisel-verse. Plus, just for fun, how a Jewish "SNL" star is rescuing M&Ms. This episode is sponsored by the Jewish Film Institute, whose WinterFest event is coming up Feb. 25-26 at the Vogue Theater in San Francisco. Connect with us on socials! Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReport Instagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.com Articles referenced in this episode: Forward article about Josh Malina Jodi’s Oscar Blog 2MovieJews Oscars roundup @ J. Miriam Haart International Holocaust Remembrance Day Shochten Maya Rudolph M&Ms spokesperson

Join the Bagels as they take a deep dive (with some spoilers, so watch first, then listen!) into Hunters Season 2. The gang is now in Argentina looking for Hitler — so the Bagels are pondering the proper punishment for a genocidal maniac, examining the line between vigilantes and heroes, and wondering about why this series grabbed us and wouldn't let us go. We'll tell you about TV shows featuring pop songs in Hebrew and Yiddish; what might be happening to the movie Maestro; plus some quick mentions of the Mandalorian and Fauda. You might call this episode a bit of an "everything Bagel" Report. With more to come in the weeks ahead! DISCLAIMER: Hunters references 11 million people who died in the Holocaust (6 million Jews plus 5 million others). But there's an issue – that number was invented by famous Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal to create more sympathy for Jews. Here's more on the 11 million figure, which we look forward to discussing in the weeks ahead: https://www.jta.org/2017/01/31/united-states/remember-the-11-million-why-an-inflated-victims-tally-irks-holocaust-historians Connect with us on socials! Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReport Instagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.com More links: Esther's Hunters article in J: https://jweekly.com/2020/02/21/in-hunters-al-pacino-and-his-gang-of-vigilantes-target-nazis-in-1970s-america/ "Say Shalom to My Little Friends" TBR's first Hunters episode: http://tinyurl.com/bagel-hunters Variety piece about Hebrew "Fight Song": https://variety.com/2023/music/news/hebrew-version-fight-song-fleishman-is-in-trouble-1235488452/ The Jewish Experience at TCM: https://www.tcm.com/articles/Programming-Article/021714/special-theme-the-jewish-experience

The Bagel Report is launching season 2 starting this Friday, now supported by J. The Jewish News of Northern California. Connect with us on socials! Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReport Instagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.com

After a rough few weeks, people are showing their support for Jews in big and small ways! Taylor Swift swiftly corrected her tour schedule to include non-Shabbat dates, and Amy Schumer wore her Judaism on SNL. The Bagels are in trouble for not having read "Fleishman's In Trouble" in advance of its premiere on Hulu next week, and are anticipating the end of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" by suggesting spinoffs for our favorite characters. It's fall folks so Erin has decided it's sweater weather in L.A, and Esther makes the case for "Manifest"'s hidden Jewish concepts. Plus, an existential question about artists' obligations to their work and to their fans.

The Jeopardy category is JEWISH PODCASTS. Fresh from the Celebrity Jeopardy studio audience, Esther and Erin jump into the intricacies of trying to make Sabra happen. It has barely been a week since Marvel announced that Israeli actress Shira Haas is playing Israeli superhero Sabra, and the world is on fire with controversy. Esther and Erin go down the anxiety rabbit hole about this announcement, wonder what having an Israeli superhero in the MCU might mean and what Marvel is thinking. Erin gets animated about how American Jews do or don't talk about Israel; Esther makes an impression of a car speeding away and makes up a fake sponsor for the episode. The Bagels anticipate the arrival of The Storybergs, er, The Fabelmans by Stevie Shtetlheimer (a. k.a. Steven Spielberg). Plus, the return of our speedier-than-usual Speed Round, covering: Armageddon Time, What We Do in the Shadows, Counting Crows in Israel, and a new Israeli reality show about Haredi women. The Bagel Report remains your only podcast likely to give shoutouts to Paper Bag Dramatics, George Lucas in Love, and a Bracha Bee all in one episode!

At The Bagel Report, anything can happen: like learning about human behavior and Jewish ethics with Nathan Fielder on "The Rehearsal" which leads to a conversation about how to clone Hitler. Erin is anticipating Nick Kroll’s new standup special and although she's under a reviewer embargo, Esther can't wait for "Reboot," starring Rachel Bloom and Paul Reiser. Plus, a convo about which sitcoms from our respective youths we would reboot. Erin unexpectedly comes down hard on actors doubling themselves for roles. Plus, [Seinfeld voice] what is the deal with Larry David?

From Adam Sandler's new bat mitzvah movie to 1"3: The Musical: The Movie" (both coming to Netflix), the Jewish coming of age ritual is taking center stage. Erin breaks down Jason Robert Brown's contributions to musical theater, while Esther wants to know more about the Jewish meaning in both of these movies. Erin drops knowledge about Josh Peck and Esther appreciates the education. Inspired by P!nk's newest song and video, "Irrelevant," the Bagels talk about the connections between art and politics; how culture can create empowerment and activism; how people should use their pulpits, and what people expect from their Jewish community. Check out some links! Pink's Jewish Life  13 The Movie Musical Jewish Emmys nods 

This week we talk about....everything, including a madcap review of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Phase 4. Mostly Ms. Marvel and her fascinating background, delightfully constructed world, and her particular resonance for people with immigration stories in their family history. Mel Brooks makes headway toward becoming the 2000-year-old man. Transparent comes to LA —as a musical, of course—to display complicated families and secular Jewish meaning on stage in 2023. Erin—now post-wedding and post-COVID—goes full Broadway in explaining the Beanie-Lea Michele fight over Funny Girl and why Broadway was unfair to Beanie. Natalie Portman's upcoming new Jewy (non-Thor) role and more!

Just because "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" is between seasons doesn't mean we're not going to talk about the recent casting notice looking for "Jewish types," or what it means that there are scenes in the upcoming season set in Israel. This week, Esther gives a light review of "The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem" and Erin makes a case for Randall as the Jewish sibling in "This Is Us." Plus, Esther engages in a discussion of when "Star Wars" Day actually is and explores some of "Star Wars'" Jewish elements in honor of Shabbat Shabobiwan as Erin politely nods and smiles.

With so much content hitting theaters, networks, and streamers, we had to make some hard choices about what to cover in our first pod after our unintentional hiatus. Esther confronts her "WeCrashed" issues; Erin gets frustrated by missed Jewish opportunities in Marvel's "MoonKnight" series. Both take a moment to appreciate "Grace & Frankie" and how they show new paths into friendship while growing older. Plus, Erin and Esther are happy to be back onboard "Russian Doll's" regressive therapy train to take apart the new season until we reach the vulnerable inner child at the center.

This week, Erin and Esther noted a new trend in storytelling: Girls and women coming of age. "Encanto" and "Turning Red" (Disney+) narrow the lens further with ethnic specificity, which doesn't stop either from being relevant regardless of cultural identity. Plus, some initial talk about Amy Schumer's new series "Life and Beth" (Hulu); "Heritage Day" featuring two of our fave "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" alumni; and the cartoon in live-action that is Jared Leto playing an Israeli in WeCrashed (AppleTV+).

A magician is suddenly a hypnotist and changes everything! Imogene is Dody! Moishe falls off a barstool! This week the bagels recap the highs and lows of the last few episodes of Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Esther and Erin try to find all their words and mostly succeed in their recap and make a few guesses about the final season. Also, in case we still have listeners who don't watch Maisel, loving “Better Things” leaning into the Jewyness, wondering why Hollywood is all-in on Jared Leto and made him an Israeli con-man in “WeCrashed,” and a quick mini-review of the play “TRAYF,” now at the Geffen Playhouse in L.A.

This week, the Bagels reflect on Ukraine, recap "CODA" moments at the SAG Awards, understand the many layers of Larry David after he canceled/ postponed his own HBO special, and dissect John Mulaney’s sober SNL patchwork musical, including those Fiddler Jews. Later, during Maisel Moments, they psychoanalyze Midge’s urge to drag everyone into progress whether they like it or not. They also praise Susie’s eulogy tour de force and — unfortunately for Esther —offer another “What’s going on with Joel” segment.  Stay connected with The Bagel Report on social @thebagelreport, on Instagram @TBRthepod, and by email at thebagelreport@gmail.com

After taking a spin through celebrity genealogy with Pamela Adlon and Kathryn Hahn who co-starred in the latest episode of "Finding Your Roots," the Bagels tackle Jewish erasure in "How I Met Your Mother/Father" and in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (in advance of the forthcoming "Moon Knight" TV show on Disney+). Plus, the Bagels get fashiony (is that how we say it?) and talk about Zendaya's Hebrew dress, Jeff Goldblum's Chasidic couture, and how David Beckham's son has a possibly very Jewish wedding coming up.

Years ago, "The Wonder Years" featured a bar mitzvah episode; it was one of the most prominent examples of on-screen Jewish ritual done well. Now "The Wonder Years" has been rebooted, and aired a bar mitzvah episode of its own. So we're thrilled to welcome special guest Yael Galena—who wrote the episode!—for the inside scoop about creating this instantly-famous episode. While celebrating the love and unusually positive feedback from the Jewish community surrounding the show, we talk about how the writers used subtlety and subtext to convey difference, and what goes into selecting a Torah portion for a fictional character. Plus, dissecting the family influences (twin brothers!) and school snacks (the full tomato!) that powered her development as a comedy writer.