By showing hunger, deprivation, starvation and brutality, as well as endurance and nobility, documentaries inform, prod our memories, even stir us to action. Such films do battle for our very soul.

Despite a large body of work in films, TV, theatre and concerts, I am viewed by many as a Jewish artist. I do not resent the label, except for the fact that I disapprove of labels in general.

I have always striven to raise the voice of hope for a world where hate gives way to respect and oppression to liberation.

We Jews have a special attachment to the Book. The study of page after page in tomes yellowing with age was obligatory.

I remain convinced that I can be a true universalist only when I am a better Jew.

On the stage you're there, it's live. There's a beginning, a middle, an end. When something is funny you hear it right away.

I am first, and foremost, an actor. That's what I am. To me, a song is a mini-drama. My musical ability informs the actor as well because it gives me a sense of timing that non-musicians don't have. So, one hand washes the other.