Meet & greet esteemed author - popular Israeli blogger and writer Barry Shaw (pic) will be in SA for a few weeks to launch his new book, ‘Israel – Reclaiming the Narrative’ in 3 centres. Shaw is a no-nonsense advocate for Israel.

Bursary in Brett's honour established with help from Sir Antony Sher, Dame Janet Suzman, Dorothy-Anne Gould and two theatre companies sends 2 young SA actors to train at the Royal Shakespeare Company. There were 60 applicants.

The SA Heritage Resource Agency made a decision last week to grant a permit allowing Irma Stern’s painting recently sold to Qatar to leave the country temporarily. This may result in the piece coming & going between SA & Qatar in future.

Qatari govt pay record price for an Arab painted by a Jew. SA heritage authorities refuse to allow export of Irma Stern’s ‘Arab Priest’ so new owners are scrambling to find a place to hang their new piece. How about the embassy?

National Arts Fest director says Israelis’ “work goes beyond advancing public diplomacy for Israel,” and that “it would be more beneficial to engage with the artists.” Read his insightful argument against boycotting arts.

The eagerly anticipated annual Israeli Film Festival - presented by the Israeli Embassy & SA-Israel Culture Fund, Tararam – kicks off in Joburg tomorrow. Then its off to C-Town, Durban & Pretoria for a week each. See all the dates & films!

“William Kentridge: Five Themes” expo does New York, Paris, Vienna & Jerusalem - off to Moscow & Melbourne. Israel Museum announced yesterday its joint acquisition with the Tate of his acclaimed “I am not me, the horse is not mine.”

So popular & elusive was Jewish songstress Amy Winehouse (27) who died yesterday that she earned £1m a pop as a private attendance fee & won 5 Grammy Awards. Beneath it all was a mixed up girl who could never go straight & never had a chance.

Jonathan Shapiro ensured Madiba & friends (Zuma, Tutu, Zille & Winnie) stopped by to share some birthday cake with Cape Town Jewry yesterday. Some among SA Jewry disagree with Zapiro at times – but nobody can deny him this coup.

Israeli actor/director Roy Horowitz made such an impression on me with his acclaimed one-man show “My First Sony” that I can say without fear of contradiction that if you don’t take in this show, you are just plain stupid!

SA photographic icon founded prestigious school “Market Photo Workshop” over 20years ago but had never held an exhibition there.

The octogenarian’s “Fale le Fale” exhibition is now on at the Market & well worth a visit.

After his success with “The Timekeepers” last year, Roy opens his acclaimed one-man show “My First Sony” - also at the OMToS - this week. “SA Jewish theatre-lovers will appreciate this show,” says SA/Israel Culture Fund.