Latest news with #Russian-Jewish
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
How China's Shaolin ‘CEO monk' suffered a great fall? Under probe for ‘improper relationship' with women, illegitimate kids, and embezzlement
Shi Yongxin , the abbot of China 's iconic Shaolin Temple , is under investigation for alleged embezzlement and violations of Buddhist conduct, the temple's administration confirmed in a statement on Sunday, July 27. The statement said Shi is suspected of misappropriating project funds and temple assets. He is also accused of violating Buddhist precepts by maintaining improper relationships with multiple women over an extended period and fathering at least one child, which the temple authority called illegitimate in their WeChat post, a serious breach of monastic vows that require celibacy. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Data Science Technology CXO others Artificial Intelligence Operations Management Data Analytics Public Policy Healthcare MCA Project Management Design Thinking PGDM Digital Marketing Management Degree healthcare Finance Leadership Data Science MBA Cybersecurity Product Management Others Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK DABS India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Postgraduate Cert in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIT Madras CERT-IITM Advanced Cert Prog in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Prof Cert in DS & BA with GenAI India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 30 Weeks IIM Kozhikode SEPO - IIMK-AI for Senior Executives India Starts on undefined Get Details Also Read: At 58, Adam Sandler revisits Happy Gilmore, but his most personal work still honors his Russian-Jewish heritage by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo Several government departments are jointly conducting the investigation. The temple administration said, 'Relevant information will be announced to the public in a timely manner. " Shi has not commented publicly, and CNN has been unable to reach him. Who is Shi Yongxin? Live Events Shi Yongxin, 59, has led the Shaolin Temple since 1999. Known in Chinese media as the 'CEO monk,' he is widely recognized for commercializing the temple and expanding its global presence. He is the first Chinese abbot to hold an MBA and has been active in politics, serving as a delegate to China's National People's Congress for two decades. He was frequently spotted traveling around the world with an iPhone in hand, meeting influential figures such as the late Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, the late South African President Nelson Mandela, Henry Kissinger, and Apple CEO Tim Cook. In February 2025, Shi led a delegation of monks to meet Pope Francis at the Vatican. Under his leadership, the temple licensed its name to films, games, and cartoons, staged Shaolin kung fu performances globally, and entered into publishing, traditional Chinese medicine, tourism, and real estate ventures. Past criticism Shi's efforts to brand and commercialize Shaolin drew criticism over the years, with some accusing him of undermining the temple's spiritual role. According to a CNN report, in 2006, he accepted a 1 million yuan car from a local government to promote tourism, which sparked backlash. At the time, he told Chinese state media, 'Monks are also citizens… we have fulfilled our duties and made contributions to society.' In 2015, Shi Yongxin faced a wave of allegations posted on Chinese social media by an anonymous user claiming to be a former disciple. The accusations included embezzlement, having multiple identities, and fathering children, charges that made national headlines. The Shaolin Temple denied the claims, calling them 'fabricated and malicious,' and authorities launched an investigation. According to Caixin Global and CNN, the probe concluded in 2017 with no evidence to support the allegations, and Shi was cleared of wrongdoing. Despite that, Shi remained influential and was re-elected in 2020 as deputy head of the Buddhist Association of China . Consequences On Monday, July 28, the Buddhist Association of China announced, citing the Shaolin Temple Management's situation report, that Shi had been stripped of his ordination certificate. In a statement quoted by CNN, the association said his actions were 'of an extremely egregious nature, severely tarnishing the reputation of the Buddhist community.' The Shaolin Temple, founded over 1,500 years ago (AD 495) in Henan province, is revered worldwide for its connection to Zen Buddhism and Shaolin kung fu. It is the birthplace of Chan Buddhism, a precursor to the meditative Zen tradition, and is famous for its 'warrior monks.'
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
At 58, Adam Sandler revisits Happy Gilmore, but his most personal work still honors his Russian-Jewish heritage
Nearly three decades after he first swung a golf club in Happy Gilmore (1996), Adam Sandler , now aged 58, remains an enduring icon in Hollywood, equal parts class clown and cultural curator. That film, a screwball comedy about a failed hockey player turned golfer, made Sandler a household name and set the tone for his brand of absurd yet oddly heartfelt humor. The sequel ( Happy Gilmore 2 ) sees the once-retired golfer return to the sport, this time to fund his daughter's ballet school. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Finance Leadership Operations Management Project Management MCA healthcare Cybersecurity Technology Design Thinking Others Product Management MBA Degree Data Science Management others PGDM CXO Data Science Data Analytics Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Digital Marketing Public Policy Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Fintech & Blockchain India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta SEPO - IIMC CFO India Starts on undefined Get Details Also Read: WWII vet who married at 100 in Normandy, plans Bar Mitzvah at 103 at the Pentagon; still chasing dreams 81 years after D-Day by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ringing in The Ears? Do This Immediately! Live Happier Click Here It brings back familiar faces like Shooter McGavin and Virginia while introducing new cameos from stars like Bad Bunny, Travis Kelce, and pro golfers Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau. Live Events Written by Sandler and longtime collaborator Tim Herlihy and directed by Kyle Newacheck, the film mixes nostalgia with emotional maturity. It revolves around redemption, grief, and legacy amid the familiar chaos of golf. Adam Sandler's Russian Jewish connection But other than his laughs, Sandler's work has often traced back to something far more personal: his Russian-Jewish heritage . Born in Brooklyn and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, Adam Sandler is the son of Judy, a nursery school teacher, and Stanley, an electrical engineer, both of whom are descended from Russian-Jewish immigrants. His Jewish upbringing, which was greatly influenced by his parents, plays a vital role in Adam Sandler's work. Many believe that growing up celebrating Shabbat dinners, Hanukkah, and other Jewish rituals in a home steeped in tradition directly inspired projects like Eight Crazy Nights and The Chanukah Song. In his heartfelt acceptance speech for the 2022 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor , Sandler credited his family for shaping who he is. He said he 'never had a speech from my father… but I learned to be led by example,' recalling how his father introduced him to music icons like Johnny Mathis and imparted a strong sense of humor and resilience. He also spoke lovingly of his mother Judy, who had unwavering faith in his dreams. His reflections sound very similar to 'old‑school Jewish dad energy', a combination of stern love, dry wit, and unspoken lessons rooted in cultural values. Who were these Russian Jews? Russian Jews, like Sandler's ancestors, were part of a large wave of immigration to the US in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fleeing pogroms and persecution under the Russian Empire. Settling in cities like New York and Boston, they preserved their customs while adapting to American life. The tension between old-world roots and new-world ambitions is something Sandler often pokes fun at and celebrates. This cultural inheritance is sometimes displayed in several of his most Jewish-inflected films. Here are five Adam Sandler movies that prominently feature Jewish culture through their themes, characters, or humor, reflecting Sandler's embrace of his Jewish heritage. Eight Crazy Nights (2002) In this animated Hanukkah musical, Sandler brings Jewish holidays and themes front and center in a way rarely seen in mainstream cinema. He not only voices multiple characters but also infuses the film with warmth and irreverence drawn straight from Jewish storytelling traditions. You Don't Mess with the Zohan (2008) As an Israeli commando who ditches war for a new life as a New York hairstylist, Sandler dives into Jewish and Middle Eastern identity with satire and slapstick. The movie playfully tackles Jewish pride, diaspora identity, and cultural misunderstandings. Uncut Gems (2019) In perhaps his most critically acclaimed performance, Sandler plays Howard Ratner, a Jewish jeweler navigating chaos in Manhattan's Diamond District. The Safdie Brothers' thriller immerses viewers in Jewish family life, rituals, and the grit of generational business culture. You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023) Featuring his real-life daughters, this Netflix hit is a heartfelt portrayal of adolescence, friendship, and family within a Jewish context. It's Sandler at his most sincere, spotlighting the bat mitzvah tradition as a celebration of identity and belonging. The He brew Hammer (2003) – Honorary Mention Though Sandler doesn't star in it, this cult classic reflects the same sensibility that marks his best Jewish-themed work: brash humor with a warm embrace of tradition. Its influence and shared spirit earn it a place alongside Sandler's cultural contributions.
Irish Daily Star
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Star
Netflix's hidden gem with Gwyneth Paltrow and Joaquin Phoenix leaves fans in tears
A hidden treasure on Netflix has captivated viewers, with fans urging those who haven't seen it to give it a watch immediately. Two Lovers, featuring Joaquin Phoenix, Gwyneth Paltrow and Vinessa Shaw, narrates the tale of Leonard Kraditor, a man whose engagement has been broken off, forcing him to move back in with his parents in Brooklyn . The film opens with Leonard plunging into the water in what appears to be an attempt at suicide, and traces his journey towards finding happiness. His parents, portrayed by Isabella Rossellini and Moni Moshonov, are desperate to see their son regain his happiness and arrange a date for him with his father's business partner's daughter, played by Vinessa Shaw. However, Leonard begins to harbour strong feelings for his enigmatic neighbour, enacted by Gwyneth Paltrow. The love triangle and the suspense of whom he will choose has fans riveted, with many commenting on the tear-inducing ending, reports the Mirror US . Fans love the Netflix hidden gem Reviews for the movie, helmed by James Gray, the director behind The Yards and We Own the Night, have lauded the intricate relationships depicted in the film. The Guardian wrote: "James Gray's powerfully emotional dramas have such a distinctive, deliberate quality; Gray has always been a craftsman working with heavy materials, very different from Hollywood's lightweight alloy. This, his third feature, is set once again in the Russian-Jewish communities of Brooklyn. Like his other films, The Yards and We Own the Night, it is unafraid of the grand gesture, but this often looks oddly like an adapted stage-play - Two Lovers takes Gray closer to the idiom of Arthur Miller or Tennessee Williams." With a solid 81 percent thumbs up on Rotten Tomatoes, the flick "Two Lovers" is winning hearts across the board. One reviewer said: "No film has captured how we idealize others in relationships better than Two Lovers." Another commentator added: "Gray has made a thoughtful and sensitive chamber piece, and he gets a fine performance from Phoenix, who conveys his character's anguish and heartache with deep feeling." And yet another critic said: "Everything about this quietly beautiful film is understated - the performances, the score and, most of all, the inner turmoil that easily can mean life or death for the most sensitive among us." It wasn't just the critics raving—viewers were deeply moved too, with many admitting the finale nearly brought them to tears. One said: "Maybe I'm biased towards a lot of things in this film, but it really hit home with me. Would definitely recommend it." Another viewer praised the lead actors, saying: "Phoenix and Paltrow deliver strong performances in this beautifully depressive film. Though the ending is sad and frustrating, it's the best outcome for all involved." A third chimed in with high praise for a particular scene: "Strong contender for most emotionally devastating sex scene ever." 'Two Lovers' is available for streaming on Netflix as of now.
Daily Record
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Little-known Netflix tearjerker has fans all saying the same thing
Netflix fans have been left in tears by a 'beautifully depressive' hidden gem on the streaming site, which stars Joaquin Phoenix and Gwyneth Paltrow in a heartbreaking love story A hidden treasure on Netflix, Two Lovers, has left viewers spellbound and they're encouraging everyone who hasn't seen it to give it a watch immediately. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix, Gwyneth Paltrow and Vinessa Shaw, and narrates the tale of Leonard Kraditor, a man whose engagement has been broken off and is compelled to move back in with his parents in Brooklyn. The movie opens with Leonard plunging into the water in what appears to be an attempt at suicide, and traces his journey towards finding happiness. His parents, portrayed by Isabella Rossellini and Moni Moshonov, are desperate to see their son regain his happiness and arrange a date for him with his father's business partner's daughter, played by Vinessa Shaw. However, Leonard begins to harbour intense feelings for his enigmatic neighbour, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. The love triangle and the suspense of whom he will choose has viewers gripped, with many commenting on the tear-jerking ending, reports the Mirror US. Critics have lauded the film, directed by James Gray, known for The Yards and We Own the Night, for its intricate portrayal of relationships. The Guardian has heaped praise on James Gray's cinematic style, saying: "James Gray's powerfully emotional dramas have such a distinctive, deliberate quality; Gray has always been a craftsman working with heavy materials, very different from Hollywood's lightweight alloy. This, his third feature, is set once again in the Russian-Jewish communities of Brooklyn. Like his other films, The Yards and We Own the Night, it is unafraid of the grand gesture, but this often looks oddly like an adapted stage-play - Two Lovers takes Gray closer to the idiom of Arthur Miller or Tennessee Williams." With a stellar 81 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film Two Lovers is making waves among viewers and critics. One reviewer said: "No film has captured how we idealize others in relationships better than Two Lovers." Another lauded the film's intricate production: "Gray has made a thoughtful and sensitive chamber piece, and he gets a fine performance from Phoenix, who conveys his character's anguish and heartache with deep feeling." Meanwhile, a third critic was moved by its subtlety: "Everything about this quietly beautiful film is understated - the performances, the score and, most of all, the inner turmoil that easily can mean life or death for the most sensitive among us." Audience reactions coincide, with many highlighting the emotional impact of the film's finale. One fan shared their personal connection: "Maybe I'm biased towards a lot of things in this film, but it really hit home with me. Would definitely recommend it." A second viewer said: "Phoenix and Paltrow deliver strong performances in this beautifully depressive film. Though the ending is sad and frustrating, it's the best outcome for all involved." Another reviewer added: "Strong contender for most emotionally devastating sex scene ever." The film Two Lovers is currently available to stream on Netflix.
Irish Daily Mirror
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Netflix hidden gem movie with two huge unexpected stars
A hidden treasure on Netflix, Two Lovers, has captivated viewers who are now urging others to watch it immediately. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix, Gwyneth Paltrow and Vinessa Shaw, and tells the tale of Leonard Kraditor, a man forced to move back in with his parents in Brooklyn after his engagement falls apart. The movie opens with Leonard seemingly attempting suicide by jumping into water, and follows his journey towards finding happiness. His parents, portrayed by Isabella Rossellini and Moni Moshonov, are desperate for their son's happiness and arrange a date for him with his father's business partner's daughter, played by Vinessa Shaw. However, Leonard finds himself drawn to his enigmatic neighbour, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. The ensuing love triangle and the suspense of whom Leonard will choose has fans riveted, with many commenting on the tear-jerking ending. Directed by James Gray, known for The Yards and We Own the Night, the film has been praised for its intricate portrayal of relationships. The Guardian praised James Gray's filmmaking style, saying: "James Gray's powerfully emotional dramas have such a distinctive, deliberate quality; Gray has always been a craftsman working with heavy materials, very different from Hollywood's lightweight alloy. This, his third feature, is set once again in the Russian-Jewish communities of Brooklyn. Like his other films, The Yards and We Own the Night, it is unafraid of the grand gesture, but this often looks oddly like an adapted stage-play - Two Lovers takes Gray closer to the idiom of Arthur Miller or Tennessee Williams.", reports the Mirror US. Boasting a solid 81 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Two Lovers is certainly making waves with both fans and critics smitten by the film. One reviewer raved about the movie's relatability, saying: "No film has captured how we idealize others in relationships better than Two Lovers." Another critic admired the film's craftsmanship, adding: "Gray has made a thoughtful and sensitive chamber piece, and he gets a fine performance from Phoenix, who conveys his character's anguish and heartache with deep feeling." And another critique illuminated the film's subtlety, noting: "Everything about this quietly beautiful film is understated - the performances, the score and, most of all, the inner turmoil that easily can mean life or death for the most sensitive among us." Audiences have also taken a shine to Two Lovers, with many viewers finding themselves emotionally stirred by the film's conclusion. A fan admitted to the film's profound effect, saying: "Maybe I'm biased towards a lot of things in this film, but it really hit home with me. Would definitely recommend it." A second viewer added: "Phoenix and Paltrow deliver strong performances in this beautifully depressive film. Though the ending is sad and frustrating, it's the best outcome for all involved." Another reviewer agreed, saying: "Strong contender for most emotionally devastating sex scene ever." The film Two Lovers is currently available to stream on Netflix.
