Culture

Cautious optimism at JFF panel on post-October 7 Israeli cinema

“This country is full of remarkable talent… Israel has everything a major film industry needs: great film schools, a strong tradition, outstanding artists," said Israeli director Avi Nesher.

Avi Nesher, Emilio Schenker, and Danny Cohen (on the screen) spoke at a panel on Israeli film at the Jerusalem Film Festival.
Mifal HaPais chairman Itzik Lary, CEO Benny Dreyfuss, Weizmann Institute Vice President Prof. Rony Paz and the recipients of the 2026 Landau Prizes for Arts and Sciences at the award ceremony marking the prize’s 25th anniversary.

Mifal HaPais presented its 2026 Landau Prizes for Arts and Sciences to leading Israeli researchers

Matt Damon plays Odysseus in Christopher Nolan's film adaptation of Homer's "Odyssey."

What Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' can teach Jewish readers about Homer and the Bible- opinion

A centuries-long journey of cultural exchange, where traditions, ideas, and human connections traveled across borders and generations.

The little object that traveled the world: A story of trade, culture, and tradition


United in art: Jerusalem's Manofim Festival returns with art, music, and performance

The 18th edition of the Manofim arts festival maintains its inclusive take on local life.

The Manofim program includes a plethora of live entertainment.

What to watch this week: Larry David's new HBO comedy, talking sheep, and Kim Novak

TV Time: Gitit Fisher, Larry David, Jerry Seinfeld, and Hugh Jackman are just a few names to entertain TV watchers this summer in releases like On Standby and The Sheep Detectives.

US-ENTERTAINMENT-STREAMING-WARNER-NETFLIX-FILM The HBO Max logo is seen outside the Warner Bros. Discovery offices in Culver City, California, on December 5, 2025.

Tzavta Theater to celebrate 70 years with Freedom to Create festival

Supported by top organizations, the event features diverse cultural programming, culminating in a star-studded gala on September 8 featuring prominent Israeli artists, comedians, and performers.

Daily life in Tel Aviv. July 08, 2026.

Culture Minister Zohar releases video skewering the film industry

The Israeli film industry is at its lowest ebb in decades, perhaps ever, as more film festivals around the world openly or covertly boycott Israeli movies.

Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar attends a plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, May 20, 2026.

Why "Mazel Tov" endures as the Jewish World's Favorite Blessing

The tradition of “Mazel Tov” and the belief in luck and fate continue to accompany Jewish life from its ancient roots to the modern world.

Israeli actress Evgenia Dodina triumphs in Or Sinai's ‘Mama’ - review

Speaking in Polish rather than her native Russian, Dodina gives a memorable performance in "Mama" – one of her many unforgettable theatrical accomplishments.

EVGENIA DODINA in ‘Mama.’ She exemplifies the kind of woman who has made the devastating choice to leave her family behind so that she can support them.

Israeli author Amir Tibon wins Sami Rohr Prize for Oct. 7 memoir

“It is an incredible honor to receive the Sami Rohr Prize and join the esteemed list of writers who have won this award over the past two decades,” Tibon said in the Sami Rohr Prize press release.

 Israeli journalist Amir Tibon's "The Gates of Gaza" retells his family's experience on Oct. 7 and his country's experience since.

Designs on Jerusalem: Hansen House hosts event devoted to everyday aesthetics around us

The week, which takes place July 9-16 at its perennial berth of Hansen House, feeds off major sporting events taking place around the globe and even here, this summer.

Alon Rotman’s Ole, in the Here to Cheer exhibition, resonates the wave movement known to soccer crowds around the world.

‘Feelings in Between’: Autistic artists challenge stereotypes in new Jerusalem exhibition

The Feelings In Between exhibition opens on July 8 at the Jerusalem Theatre and will run until August 30.

Many pictures combine abstract designs with more conventional figures.

Jerusalem Film Festival returns with Sundance hits, Cannes winners, and Israeli premieres

The 43rd edition of the festival, which was founded to bring the best international films to Israel and to promote Israeli filmmaking, will be at the Jerusalem Cinematheque and the Lev Smadar theater

CRISTIAN MUNGIU’S ‘Fjord’ won the Palme d’Or at Cannes this year.