The Bagel Report

With ultra-Orthodox protests against mask-wearing in New York, and election anxiety nationwide, Erin "Snuffy" Ben-Moche and Esther "Gal Gadot" Kustanowitz have a lot on their plate. Finally, Erin (and HBOMax subscribers) received the restaged, "Hartsfield's Landing" episode of the "West Wing." The Josiah Bartlet megafan shares her reactions and Esther Debbie Downers it with a dose of realism. Eventually, the Bagels discuss Israeli TV shows like "Tehran" on AppleTV+ and the forthcoming "Valley of Tears" on HBO; the prospect of Wonder Woman and representation of Israel in Hollywood; Gal Gadot as Cleopatra launches a representation conversation; and why "Shtisel" gets all the love and "Fauda" gets criticised. Plus, our question of the week: "Are you a TV binger, or a series savorer?". Grab a bag of Twizzlers (or Red Vines, if you must) as the co-hosts revisit the value of weekly episode releases over streaming a series in one sitting.   Helpful Links: Vanity Fair: Gal Gadot on Wonder Woman 1984, Feminism   Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!

We took a break from post-Rosh Hashanah doom-scrolling to talk Emmys: Schitt's Creek overflowed with statues, Succession succeeded and Watchmen, um, won. Erin and Esther talk about some of the big issues - are creative people prophets? -  get stoked for the month of Sacha Baron Cohen-tober, and marvel at how compelling storytelling can elevate cultural conversation into activism. Plus, reimagining Netflix's Calm meditations show, which features  celebrity voices, from a Jewish perspective. Because that's what we do. Relevant Links: Kieran Culkin & Dan Levy - Actors on Actors - Full Conversation Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!

How long has this pandemic been? This week we're giving a big Shofar Wave to 5780 as it exits the building; reviewing some Jewy TV highlights and disappointments in time for the Emmy Awards; and considering new Oscar inclusion/diversity guidelines and how to apply them in other areas of life. Plus, loving the honesty and humor of "Big Mouth"; appreciating Tiffany Haddish's love for Judaism; delighting in more Mandy Patinkin; and appreciating the philosophy education we got from "The Good Place." And Rosh Hashanah reflections as the Bagels think about 5781 and wish you a Shana Tova.   Relevant links: -Words of Light: 27 Voices, 27 Messages and Countless Blessings for 5781 -Mayim Bialik Joins L.A. Shofar Wave that Aims to Bring Jewish Community Together For Rosh Hashanah -Follow Mandy Patinkin and his adorable Twitter presence @PatinkinMandy   Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, the Bagels are hunkering down with some new Jewy series, and getting contemplative about redemption. Esther, who grew up watching Holocaust movies in school, considers whether documentaries— including one about Iron Dome from new streaming service IZZY—might be #toosoon or #tooclose to reality for her, and Erin geeks out over Instagram posts from Broadway actors doing fun impressions including one of Mandy Patinkin. Both are looking forward to a Black Jew in space in the new show "Away" (on Netflix) and exploring how the BBC series "The Jewish Enquirer" (on Amazon) channels "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and trolls Jewish journalism at the same time. And in anticipation of the new season of "The Boys" (on Amazon and from Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg) arriving just before the High Holy Days, Esther and Erin make it Jewy.   Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!

The Bagels are back, talking High Holy Days prep, anticipating Rachel Bloom's new book, and parsing the news from the Shtiselverse. Esther objects to a "Dirty Dancing" sequel and Erin can't conceive Zac Efron in a "Three Men and a Baby" remake. Plus, our first-ever podcast mention of Steve Guttenberg, and our hopes and dreams that Olivia Wilde's Marvel movie will feature a Spider-Beanie Feldstein. Relevant Links:   Preparing for the High Holy Days in Pandemic Times
Rachel Bloom's Book News New Website Celebrates the Creatives Behind ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ ‘Mrs. Maisel’ Celebrates the Apollo Theater in Virtual Tribute   Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!

The Bagels have met their match: the Bubbies who Know Best. Two journalists meet three matchmaking grandmothers who have opinions about dating, chemistry, who should make the first move-- and having reasonable expectations in relationships, and having the humility to know what they don't know. Plus, talking about diversifying the Jewish experience beyond Ashkenormativity, onscreen and off, and pronouncing Shtisel every possible way (except the right one).    Esther spends time on the Bubbie's Know Best Podcast   Check out the Bubbies here.   Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!

Erin and Esther dive right into the barrel and pickle their minds in the majestic, artisanal brine that is Seth Rogen's "An American Pickle," now streaming on HBOMax. As the Bagels embrace the Pickle, they unpack its origins and themes and examine some of the most flavorful moments.   Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!

Esther's already seen "An American Pickle" and Erin is still waiting; until the Bagels are brined and ready to discuss it, they join in the conversation about Seth Rogen's comments on Israel and Judaism on Marc Maron's podcast, and consider the failures of the American Jewish educational system. Later, Esther reviews some newly available Israeli TV shows and Erin's roommates support her ongoing "Jojo Rabbit" obsession.   Helpful Links: WTF With Marc Maron Podcast- SETH ROGEN   Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!

No, they're not actually bringing bagels to you, but the Bagels are giving it their all this week. Rolling out some regular segments, Esther and Erin still manage to make their regular mentions of shows they love while taking a delightful diversion into the weird world of "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga." Plus, the Bagels take time to appreciate Josh Gad, tackle Twitter's #JewishPrivilege conversation, celebrate Erin finally having challah for Shabbat and debate whether "Dirty Dancing" is the most Jewish movie of all time. Esther also connects Jewish fast day Tisha b'Av to popular culture and her summer camp experience.   Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!    What we talked about on this week's episode:   Reunited Apart   Maisel S3 E6: "Let's Face the Music & Dance"    Stars in the House Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Reunion   Learn about the Challah Back Girls!

In our 18th episode (Chai!), we're in the Zoom where it happens with our first episode since May. We're recommitting to thoughtful conversations on representation; looking forward to Amy Schumer's docuseries on HBOMax and Seth Rogen's "American Pickle"; dissecting Ryan Murphy's "The Politician"; and celebrating the life of the late Carl Reiner.    The Bagels also attempt a lightning round that (spoiler!) doesn't seem that lightning fast. From #Hamilfilm and how COVID-19 may force a Broadway pivot to segments like "What? No! Why??" and "What'd We Miss?" we're happy to be back. Here's to the next chai!   Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!      Resources on Race and the Jewish Community:   Education at Home: Online Anti-Racist Resources Available for All Ages   Nearly 7,000 People Attend Juneteenth Shabbat Commemoration How Jews Can Be Better Allies to Black Americans Diverse Jewish TV Shows and Movies to Watch with Your Family   Rabbi Sandra Lawson Opens Up on Finding Connection in Unprecedented Times   Jews of Color Initiative   Jews in ALL Hues   GlobalJews.org   “Believe Us”: Black Jews Respond to the George Floyd Protests, in Their Own Words   The Tribe Herald, Multicultural Media   13 Jews of Color to follow on Twitter   Rabbi Isaiah Rothstein’s takeover of Mayim Bialik’s social channels   How Jews Became White Folks: And What That Says About Race in America    So You Want to Talk About Race