By Nancy Schulman
United Jewish Federation (UJF) of Stamford, New Canaan and Darien and UJA-JCC Greenwich invite the entire community to enjoy a conversation featuring advocate, actor, and comedian Michael Rapaport. This event, which promises to be exciting and informative, will take place at Rippowam Middle School on Sunday, September 15 at 7 pm. Co-chairs for the evening are Joui Hessel, Meredith and Oren Isacoff, Leslie and Michael Moskowitz, Samantha Himelman and Seth Niedermayer, and Molly and Adam Rafalowicz.
Rapaport’s career has spanned 30 years and more than 60 films. The native New Yorker has starred in the sitcom The War at Home, had roles in Hollywood blockbusters like True Romance, Cop Land, and Beautiful Girls, and made memorable appearances in television hits such as Friends and Atypical. He also directed his award-winning documentary Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest. Currently in Hulu's Life & Beth, he continues to draw acclaim and admiration. He also hosts the worldwide phenomenon I Am Rapaport Stereo Podcast.
In addition to his career success, since the October 7 attack on Israel, Rapaport has become a passionate advocate for Israel and the Jewish people. He continues to be dedicated to combating antisemitism, raising awareness, fostering understanding, and standing in solidarity with the Jewish community. Rapaport has become a critic of misinformation and hate, and this has included defending Israel and Jews in various venues and media outlets. He has also visited Israel several times since October 7.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host Michael Rapaport, a thoroughly loved actor across several generations and an unwavering, brazenly outspoken Zionist and Jewish advocate,” says Molly Rafalowicz, one of the event co-chairs. “He's emboldened individuals to use their online platforms to share pro-Israel content when so many are fearful of backlash and cancel culture. In the darkest year for Jews since the Holocaust, advocates like Mr. Rapaport are a beacon and a constant reminder, we are not Jews with trembling knees.”
Co-chair Leslie Moskowitz adds, “I am looking forward to the upcoming Federation event featuring Michael Rapaport, where he is expected to captivate the audience with his candid and humorous stories from his career in Hollywood. Attendees can anticipate insights on his Jewish heritage and how it has shaped his life and work. The Q&A format will be fun allowing the audience to learn more about his roles and experiences in the entertainment industry and his current views on antisemitism and Israel. I hope to see you there.”
Tickets for A Conversation with Michael Rapaport are available at www.ujf.org/mr. General admission prices are $75 per person through Sept. 3 and $100 per person after Sept. 3. Sponsorship (which includes cocktails, light bites and a meet and greet with Michael) is $500. For additional information, please contact Diane Sloyer at diane@ujf.org.
This article appears in the September '24 issue of The New Jewish Voice. To receive The New Jewish Voice delivered free to your home, sign-up today at www.ujf.org.