2008 Woodie Awards
If you find yourself in Las Vegas and are able to tear yourself away from the Strip, an hour or two at the "Liberace Plaza" strip mall housing the Liberace Museum, dedicated to the life of famously flamboyant pianist and Las Vegas showman Liberace (1919-1987), is imperative.
Jews have never treated children with disabilities in quite the same way as the rest of the world. While ancient Spartans, Romans, and others killed children who were unhealthy, the Jewish people have always had the tradition of cherishing human life and possibility.
While circuses usually have a reputation to target an audience comprised mostly of children - and adults with a childish tendency - the Cirque du Soleil company has never subscribed to the standard set by its predecessors. An homage to the human body and much of its hidden capabilities, this brand of circus combines the regular ingredients with an unparalleled artistry, made to utterly transcend its genre.
In "The Search Committee," Rabbi Marc Angel explores dangerous territory. Grappling with the mine-ridden terrain of Orthodox Judaism, Angel attempts to compare and contrast Modern Orthodoxy with its Haredi counterpart. The overarching message must be that of nuance, and one must wonder whether it is possible for him to be successful at so difficult a task.