OCTOBER 2015
UKRAINE: PAST, PRESENT – FUTURE?
Hear two sides of the fierce debate over the culture boycott of Israel from an Israeli professor and a Palestinian politician. Plus, also in this issue, learn about the Jewish history of Ukraine and meet members of today’s community; and read Jason Solomons on Woody Allen, Steve Berkoff on Kafka and David Herman on Timothy Snyder’s brilliant analysis of war-torn east Europe.
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WHAT'S NEW
Refugees: the big reach-out Rachel Halliburton reports on the Jewish response to the biggest refugee crisis to hit Europe since World War II
SOAPBOX
To boycott – or not? The cultural boycott against Israel has frequently hit the headlines over the past year. Can it ever be justified? • Sound of silence Index on Censorship editor Rachael Jolley discusses the implications of boycotting Jewish and Israeli artists
FEATURES
The town where time stood still When Katya Krausova accompanied Yuri Dojc on a photographic assignment in Slovakia, she had no idea of the astonishing stories they would uncover. • Gothic secrets Agi Erdos encounters devils, owls and fiery furnaces as she discovers a hidden history beneath Lincoln Cathedral’s vaulted ceiling
PASSPORT
Ukraine: past, present, future JR editor Rebecca Taylor met photographer Kris Kulakovska on a trip to Ukraine in May. Kris’ portraits of Ukrainians reveal the deep Jewish connection to this troubled nation. We explore that bond in our special Ukraine section. • On the move again JR speaks to refugees fleeing the fighting in the east. • Odessa tales Jewish gangsters, pimps and thieves populated this legendary southern city and the stories of its greatest writer, Isaac Babel
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!
Find out why David Memel and his Bristol book club are not bowled over by Saul Bellow
ART
A great autumn of art Our critics recommend the season’s best art shows from Frank Auerbach’s London skylines to Naomi Alexander’s messy Gateshead kitchens. • Power of belief The striking work of Israeli photographer Natan Dvir can shock – and provoke
COMEDY
Masters of gloom Comedian Arthur Smith reveals his affinity with arch miserablist Leonard Cohen
FILM
Dynamite ham Woody Allen’s world-view is unmistakably Jewish, says Jason Solomons
Holy zombies! It’s film festival time again! JR reviewers pick their highlights
THEATRE
A bug's life Steven Berkoff tells Judi Herman about the Jewish heart at the centre of Kafka’s famous story.
MUSIC
Future sounds Whatever happened to the winners of the Millennium Music Awards?
BOOKS
A bridge too far Could Nazi Germany and Israel have been allies? A new novel asks the unthinkable question. • Black earth David Herman reviews Timothy Snyder’s illuminating analysis of wartorn east Europe. • Poetic gaze Writer Guillaume Apollinaire felt a surprising kinship with Europe’s Jews, says Lucy Raitz
FOOD
Food of love How did a community blog become a cookery best-seller?
LAST WORDS
Kafka's metamorphosis The Yiddish-theatre-moment.
