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As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us
New York Times BestsellerNatan Notable Book Award WinnerRabbi Sacks Book Prize FinalistINCLUDED IN PUBLISHERS WEEKLY HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDECHOSEN AS PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST BOOKS OF 2025, RELIGIONHonorable Mention, Religion News Service 10 Top Religion & Spirituality Books of 2025
An urgent exploration of how antisemitism has shaped Jewish identity and how Jews can reclaim their tradition, by the celebrated White House speechwriter and author of the critically acclaimed Here All Along.
At thirty-six, Sarah Hurwitz was a typical lapsed Jew. On a whim, she attended an introduction to Judaism class and was astonished by what she thousands of years of wisdom from her ancestors about what it means to be human. That class sparked a journey of discovery that transformed her life.
Years later, as Hurwitz wrestled with what it means to be Jewish at a time of rising antisemitism, she
Where had the Judaism she discovered as an adult been all her life?Why hadn’t she seen the beauty and depth of her tradition in those dull synagogue services and Hebrew school classes she’d endured as a kid?And why had her Jewish identity consisted of a series of caveats and apologies
Seeking answers, she went back through time to discover how hateful myths about Jewish power, depravity, and conspiracy have worn a neural groove deep into the world’s psyche, shaping not just how others think about Jews, but how Jews think about themselves. She soon realized that the Jewish identity she’d thought was freely chosen was actually the result of thousands of years of antisemitism and two centuries of Jews erasing parts of themselves and their tradition in the hope of being accepted and safe.
In As a Jew, Hurwitz documents her quest to take back her Jewish identity, how she stripped away the layers of antisemitic lies that made her recoil from her own birthright and unearthed the treasures of Jewish tradition. With antisemitism raging worldwide, Hurwitz’s defiant account of reclaiming the Jewish story and learning to live as a Jew, without apology, has never been timelier or more necessary.
An urgent exploration of how antisemitism has shaped Jewish identity and how Jews can reclaim their tradition, by the celebrated White House speechwriter and author of the critically acclaimed Here All Along.
At thirty-six, Sarah Hurwitz was a typical lapsed Jew. On a whim, she attended an introduction to Judaism class and was astonished by what she thousands of years of wisdom from her ancestors about what it means to be human. That class sparked a journey of discovery that transformed her life.
Years later, as Hurwitz wrestled with what it means to be Jewish at a time of rising antisemitism, she
Where had the Judaism she discovered as an adult been all her life?Why hadn’t she seen the beauty and depth of her tradition in those dull synagogue services and Hebrew school classes she’d endured as a kid?And why had her Jewish identity consisted of a series of caveats and apologies
Seeking answers, she went back through time to discover how hateful myths about Jewish power, depravity, and conspiracy have worn a neural groove deep into the world’s psyche, shaping not just how others think about Jews, but how Jews think about themselves. She soon realized that the Jewish identity she’d thought was freely chosen was actually the result of thousands of years of antisemitism and two centuries of Jews erasing parts of themselves and their tradition in the hope of being accepted and safe.
In As a Jew, Hurwitz documents her quest to take back her Jewish identity, how she stripped away the layers of antisemitic lies that made her recoil from her own birthright and unearthed the treasures of Jewish tradition. With antisemitism raging worldwide, Hurwitz’s defiant account of reclaiming the Jewish story and learning to live as a Jew, without apology, has never been timelier or more necessary.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2025
455 people are currently reading
1527 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
September 13, 2025
This book should be required reading for everyone.
Sarah Hurwitz shares her personal journey as a Jew who grew up a lot like I did: we went to hebrew school, memorized some prayers, attended some services, didn’t know what anything meant, had a bat mitzvah, and that was that. We celebrated the big holidays, and we grew up in neighborhoods with enough Jews that we never felt othered. We also grew up in a sort of golden time in America where we personally did not feel the effects of antisemitism.
Of course, a lot has changed over here and Sarah, who has been studying Jewish texts after rediscovering Judaism at age 36, seeked to understand why. Why are Jews persecuted everywhere they go, since ancient times? What exactly happened to cause the diaspora? Why, in all aspects of antisemitism around the globe, does it always come back to these three same tropes (power depravity, conspiracy), and where did those come from? How did Israel really get formed? Why do Jews argue over such specific scenarios in the Talmud over how to be a decent person? And what happens if we find ourselves, once again, with no place to go?
Sarah did so much research and cites countless sources throughout. Some of this information I knew, but a lot was new to me and incredibly eye-opening. I urge everyone to read this book. You will get a history lesson, a memoir, an education, and insight into a situation that is not nearly as black-and-white as many make it seem.
She also inspired me to take action within my own local Jewish community and my commitment to learning Jewish texts. I take greater notice and feel awe of the room all reciting the same prayers knowing our ancestors have been reciting them for more than 5,000 years. I no longer take for granted the sheer miracle of the large group of Jews around me still existing, still a community. I feel a greater responsibility to myself and my family to make sure my son grows up knowing about Judaism what no one ever told me.
Sarah also weaves in her chaplaincy training and experiences throughout, which creates a beautiful narrative thread.
The book is certainly depressing at many times, but Sarah does a great job at making it hopeful as well. Because if there is one thing Jews do, it is go on.
I am looking forward to reading her previous book, Here All Along.
Thank you HarperOne and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Sarah Hurwitz shares her personal journey as a Jew who grew up a lot like I did: we went to hebrew school, memorized some prayers, attended some services, didn’t know what anything meant, had a bat mitzvah, and that was that. We celebrated the big holidays, and we grew up in neighborhoods with enough Jews that we never felt othered. We also grew up in a sort of golden time in America where we personally did not feel the effects of antisemitism.
Of course, a lot has changed over here and Sarah, who has been studying Jewish texts after rediscovering Judaism at age 36, seeked to understand why. Why are Jews persecuted everywhere they go, since ancient times? What exactly happened to cause the diaspora? Why, in all aspects of antisemitism around the globe, does it always come back to these three same tropes (power depravity, conspiracy), and where did those come from? How did Israel really get formed? Why do Jews argue over such specific scenarios in the Talmud over how to be a decent person? And what happens if we find ourselves, once again, with no place to go?
Sarah did so much research and cites countless sources throughout. Some of this information I knew, but a lot was new to me and incredibly eye-opening. I urge everyone to read this book. You will get a history lesson, a memoir, an education, and insight into a situation that is not nearly as black-and-white as many make it seem.
She also inspired me to take action within my own local Jewish community and my commitment to learning Jewish texts. I take greater notice and feel awe of the room all reciting the same prayers knowing our ancestors have been reciting them for more than 5,000 years. I no longer take for granted the sheer miracle of the large group of Jews around me still existing, still a community. I feel a greater responsibility to myself and my family to make sure my son grows up knowing about Judaism what no one ever told me.
Sarah also weaves in her chaplaincy training and experiences throughout, which creates a beautiful narrative thread.
The book is certainly depressing at many times, but Sarah does a great job at making it hopeful as well. Because if there is one thing Jews do, it is go on.
I am looking forward to reading her previous book, Here All Along.
Thank you HarperOne and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 26, 2025
Sarah writes with heart. I had the pleasure of spending time with her and her passion came through in spades.
This is her latest book.
This is her latest book.
February 26, 2026
“As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us – A Defiant Memoir of Heritage, Identity, and Antisemitism” by Sarah Hurwitz was the most recent pick for my Still-As-Yet-Unnamed Jewish book club. And I LOVED reading this book.
Hurwitz focuses on the use of weaponized shame via three themes, namely, power, depravity, and conspiracy. For me, this book already confirmed everything that I already believed. After October 7th, when (another) explosion of antisemitism occurred, it was heartbreaking for me to witness, particularly seeing many people having to come to the reality that their “friends” and “allies” had completely turned against them.
The ladies in my book club are extremely kind, and they have made it clear to me that they consider me Jewish. It is wonderful knowing that I’m accepted by them, but I know that I’m a mischling; it’s something that I’ve never denied nor do I wish to.
Living on my family’s farm in an extremely rural part of the country and being secular, I was (and am) spared most of the antisemitic vitriol found in cities. But in the past, I had the misfortune to be targeted by a KKK group for an extended period of time that resulted in the same heart wrenching treatment: loss of friends (and even some relatives), loss of police protection, bullying and abuse, slander, defamation, ostracism, betrayal, humiliation; I could go on and on. I ended up all alone, and through those life changing experiences, I quickly learned that I had to grow a backbone. Because nobody—gentile or Jew—did, or was, going to help me, let alone save me.
Whereas I learned to fight bullies, embraced bold action, and developed a get-in-their-faces-and-take-no-prisoners approach, Hurwitz encourages a more nuanced (dare I say healthier) approach by advocating for education and fully embracing both Jewish history and traditions.
Hurwitz’s response to the nastiness on social media even mirrored my own approach:
“…As for social media, we’re dealing with what’s known as Brandolini’s law (also referred to as the “bullshit asymmetry principle”), which holds that “the amount of energy needed to refute bullshit is an order of magnitude bigger than that needed to produce it.”…” (pg. 265),
and I avoided the vast majority of social media traps set by people that were purposefully meant to “set me off.” I will add that while we should endeavor to treat people with gentleness and kindness, that, eventually, a time comes when enough is enough. And this truth holds forth regardless of a person’s ethnicity or religion.
This is a really well-written book with lessons that are applicable not just to the Jewish community, but to everyone in this country. This book is a perfect gift for anyone and I encourage everyone to read it.
Hurwitz focuses on the use of weaponized shame via three themes, namely, power, depravity, and conspiracy. For me, this book already confirmed everything that I already believed. After October 7th, when (another) explosion of antisemitism occurred, it was heartbreaking for me to witness, particularly seeing many people having to come to the reality that their “friends” and “allies” had completely turned against them.
The ladies in my book club are extremely kind, and they have made it clear to me that they consider me Jewish. It is wonderful knowing that I’m accepted by them, but I know that I’m a mischling; it’s something that I’ve never denied nor do I wish to.
Living on my family’s farm in an extremely rural part of the country and being secular, I was (and am) spared most of the antisemitic vitriol found in cities. But in the past, I had the misfortune to be targeted by a KKK group for an extended period of time that resulted in the same heart wrenching treatment: loss of friends (and even some relatives), loss of police protection, bullying and abuse, slander, defamation, ostracism, betrayal, humiliation; I could go on and on. I ended up all alone, and through those life changing experiences, I quickly learned that I had to grow a backbone. Because nobody—gentile or Jew—did, or was, going to help me, let alone save me.
Whereas I learned to fight bullies, embraced bold action, and developed a get-in-their-faces-and-take-no-prisoners approach, Hurwitz encourages a more nuanced (dare I say healthier) approach by advocating for education and fully embracing both Jewish history and traditions.
Hurwitz’s response to the nastiness on social media even mirrored my own approach:
“…As for social media, we’re dealing with what’s known as Brandolini’s law (also referred to as the “bullshit asymmetry principle”), which holds that “the amount of energy needed to refute bullshit is an order of magnitude bigger than that needed to produce it.”…” (pg. 265),
and I avoided the vast majority of social media traps set by people that were purposefully meant to “set me off.” I will add that while we should endeavor to treat people with gentleness and kindness, that, eventually, a time comes when enough is enough. And this truth holds forth regardless of a person’s ethnicity or religion.
This is a really well-written book with lessons that are applicable not just to the Jewish community, but to everyone in this country. This book is a perfect gift for anyone and I encourage everyone to read it.
September 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperOne for providing me with an audiobook ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I hadn’t heard of Sarah Hurwitz before, but when I saw the full title of this book, I needed to get my hands on it. Fortunately, I got approved for an audiobook copy of this, and it was a deceptively fast read. I am a sucker for nonfiction writers narrating their own books—it gives it a more personal feel in my opinion.
To start with, Hurwitz gives us a little background on her Jewishness, and everyone goes through their own process. Mine happened to be kind of similar to her own, where the cultural aspects of Judaism played a bigger role than the religious or spiritual aspects. I was fortunate to grow up with a father who made sure that we understood why we do the things we do on holidays, while Hurwitz seems a bit less knowledgeable about Judaism in her younger years than I did.
This is remedied through intensive amounts of research and study. I was really impressed with her ability to focus and really take in all of the information she was learning. The book is impeccably researched, even if it is a fairly top-level summary of the subject matter. Although this isn’t a comprehensive book about Judaism, she does a great job of sharing information that she learned with her readers, and touches on some of the most important values that Judaism offers.
I enjoyed her journey towards learning more about who she is, as a person and as a Jew. She offers plenty of information in digestible chapters, so that the book never felt dry, boring, or overwhelming. Seeing Hurwitz move from a ‘cultural Jew’ to learning what it really means to be Jewish was beautiful, and it is a very meaningful book.
Each chapter is about a different relevant topic within Judaism, and she even delves into talking about Israel. There is a lot of common ground between the author and myself, and reading this gave me the feeling of being seen and understood. She also clears up plenty of misconceptions, and I think the part of the book that was most meaningful to me was when she discusses Dara Horn’s idea of Hanukkah antisemitism and Purim antisemitism. The concept comes from two of our holidays and refers to how antisemitism affects Jews: Purim antisemitism is all about wiping out the Jews of a city in Persia (spoiler alert: we survived) and is most recently embodied when calls to wipe out the state of Israel are shouted and during the Holocaust. At Hanukkah, Jews faced a more insidious type of antisemitism: this holiday comes from the Roman occupation of Israel and manifests by pushing Jews to assimilate and lose their Judaism, and can be seen when we think we’ll be safe if we become more like the dominant, non-Jewish population where we live.
Overall, this is a fantastic book. The concepts were made easy to understand despite the complexity of the subject matter, and her statements align with what I’ve already learned from primary, reliable sources. I would have liked her to go a bit more in depth about Jewish history, but for an introduction to Judaism and a better understanding of Jewishness this got the job done. I’m very comfortable recommending this book to everyone, and it is a strong start to learn about Judaism and the Jewish people. If this isn’t enough, I can also strongly recommend Noa Tishby’s Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth for a deeper dive into Israeli history that is very factual and informative, while the audiobook version is narrated by Tishby and is a fantastic follow up to this book.
I hadn’t heard of Sarah Hurwitz before, but when I saw the full title of this book, I needed to get my hands on it. Fortunately, I got approved for an audiobook copy of this, and it was a deceptively fast read. I am a sucker for nonfiction writers narrating their own books—it gives it a more personal feel in my opinion.
To start with, Hurwitz gives us a little background on her Jewishness, and everyone goes through their own process. Mine happened to be kind of similar to her own, where the cultural aspects of Judaism played a bigger role than the religious or spiritual aspects. I was fortunate to grow up with a father who made sure that we understood why we do the things we do on holidays, while Hurwitz seems a bit less knowledgeable about Judaism in her younger years than I did.
This is remedied through intensive amounts of research and study. I was really impressed with her ability to focus and really take in all of the information she was learning. The book is impeccably researched, even if it is a fairly top-level summary of the subject matter. Although this isn’t a comprehensive book about Judaism, she does a great job of sharing information that she learned with her readers, and touches on some of the most important values that Judaism offers.
I enjoyed her journey towards learning more about who she is, as a person and as a Jew. She offers plenty of information in digestible chapters, so that the book never felt dry, boring, or overwhelming. Seeing Hurwitz move from a ‘cultural Jew’ to learning what it really means to be Jewish was beautiful, and it is a very meaningful book.
Each chapter is about a different relevant topic within Judaism, and she even delves into talking about Israel. There is a lot of common ground between the author and myself, and reading this gave me the feeling of being seen and understood. She also clears up plenty of misconceptions, and I think the part of the book that was most meaningful to me was when she discusses Dara Horn’s idea of Hanukkah antisemitism and Purim antisemitism. The concept comes from two of our holidays and refers to how antisemitism affects Jews: Purim antisemitism is all about wiping out the Jews of a city in Persia (spoiler alert: we survived) and is most recently embodied when calls to wipe out the state of Israel are shouted and during the Holocaust. At Hanukkah, Jews faced a more insidious type of antisemitism: this holiday comes from the Roman occupation of Israel and manifests by pushing Jews to assimilate and lose their Judaism, and can be seen when we think we’ll be safe if we become more like the dominant, non-Jewish population where we live.
Overall, this is a fantastic book. The concepts were made easy to understand despite the complexity of the subject matter, and her statements align with what I’ve already learned from primary, reliable sources. I would have liked her to go a bit more in depth about Jewish history, but for an introduction to Judaism and a better understanding of Jewishness this got the job done. I’m very comfortable recommending this book to everyone, and it is a strong start to learn about Judaism and the Jewish people. If this isn’t enough, I can also strongly recommend Noa Tishby’s Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth for a deeper dive into Israeli history that is very factual and informative, while the audiobook version is narrated by Tishby and is a fantastic follow up to this book.
January 31, 2026
weird, this one. It could so easily be a 5 star book, but sadly she ruined it all for me with one thing she clearly knows nothing about - Israeli politics and her uneducated opinions about it.
It’s a crash course in antisemitism, jewish history, anti-zionism, and a pretty good one. Her main point is that she was ashamed (personally and socially) of her being jewish, but only later in life did she reclaim her jewish identity. So far, so good. Then she is ashamed of the conflict and barely wants to talk about Israel, and behold - after researching about that history she’s not ashamed anymore!
She’s well read and researched, and so I don’t understand why she writes in a style of "I was ignorant about this and that and wadda ya know, I was wrong!". Well then, if you’re so willingly admit to be ignorant on so many things, how come you are so sure about your big states on Israel’s politics. The truth is, I must conclude, it seems like she’s not really over her shame. She’s not really over about how her far-left environment in america are judging her. so did she really made the whole step?
Many people will find this book great, and it is and I might be a little harsh, but I just couldn’t ignore those points that automatically ruined it for me even if I’ve read it fascinated. In other words - you got so many things right, but so many things very wrong.
this book was written post oct. 7th. seems like the audience for this book are american jews. they should know this: there are no more excuses. you're a part of the story now.
It’s a crash course in antisemitism, jewish history, anti-zionism, and a pretty good one. Her main point is that she was ashamed (personally and socially) of her being jewish, but only later in life did she reclaim her jewish identity. So far, so good. Then she is ashamed of the conflict and barely wants to talk about Israel, and behold - after researching about that history she’s not ashamed anymore!
She’s well read and researched, and so I don’t understand why she writes in a style of "I was ignorant about this and that and wadda ya know, I was wrong!". Well then, if you’re so willingly admit to be ignorant on so many things, how come you are so sure about your big states on Israel’s politics. The truth is, I must conclude, it seems like she’s not really over her shame. She’s not really over about how her far-left environment in america are judging her. so did she really made the whole step?
Many people will find this book great, and it is and I might be a little harsh, but I just couldn’t ignore those points that automatically ruined it for me even if I’ve read it fascinated. In other words - you got so many things right, but so many things very wrong.
this book was written post oct. 7th. seems like the audience for this book are american jews. they should know this: there are no more excuses. you're a part of the story now.
September 16, 2025
I feel like I wasn’t the target audience for this, it was a lot of information I already knew and the book also repeated the same concepts over and over. I think someone who knows less about modern anti-Semitism/Jewish culture in general would get more out of this, but I found myself bored. Too bad because I read Here All Along and remember liking it.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book.
September 1, 2025
I had never heard of Sarah Hurwitz prior to receiving this audio book ARC, but after a quick google search, I knew this book was something I had to get my hands on! As a liberal Jewish Zionist, I have felt social justice organizations have left us behind following October 7th. This has been something I have been struggling with ever since. Hurwitz describes these feelings perfectly, and also discussed our history and resilience. I encourage everyone to read this book, there is something everyone would benefit from knowing. Israelis can learn more about the Jewish experience outside of Israel. Non-Israeli Jews can understand more about our history to the land. Non-Jews would benefit from understanding more about Jewish history and nuance. Our world would look like a totally different place if more people took Hurwitz' empathetic and considerate points of view for all people. I will definitely be purchasing a hard copy for my personal library!
April 22, 2025
“As a Jew” is a wise and honest reflection and exploration of Jewish identity and culture. Hurwitz does an amazing job of sharing her personal experiences, theology and in depth history. The book made me reflect on my own experiences and me feel very at home. Her insights are both intellectually stimulating and deeply emotional. I can’t recommend this enough.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for this ARC.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for this ARC.
September 27, 2025
Everyone - Jew and gentile - should read this book.
October 1, 2025
Having read Sarah Hurwitz's previous book, and knowing how smart and engaging her writing is, I had high expectations for this book. But even I wasn't prepared for how truly important and outstanding it is. No wonder it won the latest Natan Notable Book award. It should win many more honors. But for now, my wish is simply for as many people as possible—Jews and non-Jews—to read it.
November 29, 2025
Sarah Hurwitz is a very talented author - no
real surprise considering she is Harvard educated and former speech writer for VP Hillary Clinton and both the Obamas.
She reconnects to her Judaism in her mid 30s and this book tells of her journey, with understanding, scholarship and great empathy.
It is a very important work.
Personally, I never disconnected with my Jewish heritage and scholarship like she did, so that factually I didn’t learn much that was new but her insights and the story of her personal journey are extremely inspiring.
real surprise considering she is Harvard educated and former speech writer for VP Hillary Clinton and both the Obamas.
She reconnects to her Judaism in her mid 30s and this book tells of her journey, with understanding, scholarship and great empathy.
It is a very important work.
Personally, I never disconnected with my Jewish heritage and scholarship like she did, so that factually I didn’t learn much that was new but her insights and the story of her personal journey are extremely inspiring.
October 24, 2025
I listened to this on audiobook. Usually I listen to audiobooks in short segments over the course of many days, while I'm cooking or driving, and if they're from the library I have to constantly keep an eye on the return date. Not this book; I couldn't stop listening and finished it less than 30 hours after I started it.
I should write a longer review, and probably will after I've had time to think about it more. For now, suffice it to say I highly recommend it.
I should write a longer review, and probably will after I've had time to think about it more. For now, suffice it to say I highly recommend it.
January 8, 2026
Found this insightful in some ways and unbearable in others.
October 4, 2025
Amazing. Will write a more detailed review later.
February 27, 2026
Man, I wish every non Jew would read this.
Hurwitz and I share many similarities and many differences, but she expertly summarizes the Jewish experience across thousands of years. I was blown away by how objective she was able to stay when discussing many hot topic issues. This is a take on Judaism and Zionism that is honest and showcases the good, the bad, and the ugly of our history and the histories of many cultures around us.
Fantastic book. Read it if you’re Zionist or anti Zionist, Jewish or non Jewish. There is something valuable here for everyone, and a call to unity and accountability anyone can get behind.
Hurwitz and I share many similarities and many differences, but she expertly summarizes the Jewish experience across thousands of years. I was blown away by how objective she was able to stay when discussing many hot topic issues. This is a take on Judaism and Zionism that is honest and showcases the good, the bad, and the ugly of our history and the histories of many cultures around us.
Fantastic book. Read it if you’re Zionist or anti Zionist, Jewish or non Jewish. There is something valuable here for everyone, and a call to unity and accountability anyone can get behind.
October 23, 2025
Excellent book. This would be good for many American Jews to read to help them understand their own tradition and historical context. Other folks can also benefit, if interested—she’s a good guide. You can benefit from Hurwitz’ telling of the tradition and of her own learning, starting from self-described cluelessness to rich knowledge.
Her past as a speech writer shows, or so I imagined, because she condenses a lot of information into clear, readable and compelling language. This is a short book that is very easy to read, but it contains a lot without sacrificing complexity.
One summary of the book could basically be that it is about Hurwitz admitting she was completely ignorant of her own Jewishness, but crucially also that she paired that ignorance with an arrogant assumption that she knew everything, had nothing to learnm and could speak to it all knowledgeably. If Hurwitz’ self-description of herself as some kind of avatar of generic liberal American Jews is accurate, it is very frightening, because the stuff she didn’t know or understand is… everything? The stuff she “discovered” is mind-boggling. The very basics of Israel or Jewishness. This is a highly accomplished and educated person, clearly talented and thoughtful—it almost doesn't make sense, how she could not even realize how little she knew. She should be commended for such a mea culpa, but it is frightening to think how many people out there speaking on behalf of Jews might be how she was, ignorant yet believing themselves to be authoritative.
One other thought:
Hurwitz talks a lot about how Jews have been forced to efface and shrink themselves and their traditions to fit more safely or easily into the Christian and Muslim worlds they inhabited, and explains how that led to a lot of issues for non-Orthodox American Jews today—how cutting off deep aspects of the tradition led to something inert or at least less engaging that it could be.
But she does her own version of effacement, of saying “pick me, I’m one of the good ones”, in her repeated and repetitive insistences on highlighting how monstrously, historically, mythically, implacably terrible and really super no good and very (very!) bad, the current Israeli government is. How desperately she seeks to reassure the reader that, while she is now a knowledgeable full-throated Zionist and proud Jew, she’s one of the good ones! This grated on me. Setting aside the substance of the points she raises, the very fact she feels the need to keep doing this, and doesn’t seem to realize how it is another form of what she is talking about… it made me wonder if she understood her own argument. The impulse to pick out the current government and use Netanyahu as a boogie man — again, substance aside — is itself a form of the “pick me” impulse she writes about so much and so clearly here.
Her past as a speech writer shows, or so I imagined, because she condenses a lot of information into clear, readable and compelling language. This is a short book that is very easy to read, but it contains a lot without sacrificing complexity.
One summary of the book could basically be that it is about Hurwitz admitting she was completely ignorant of her own Jewishness, but crucially also that she paired that ignorance with an arrogant assumption that she knew everything, had nothing to learnm and could speak to it all knowledgeably. If Hurwitz’ self-description of herself as some kind of avatar of generic liberal American Jews is accurate, it is very frightening, because the stuff she didn’t know or understand is… everything? The stuff she “discovered” is mind-boggling. The very basics of Israel or Jewishness. This is a highly accomplished and educated person, clearly talented and thoughtful—it almost doesn't make sense, how she could not even realize how little she knew. She should be commended for such a mea culpa, but it is frightening to think how many people out there speaking on behalf of Jews might be how she was, ignorant yet believing themselves to be authoritative.
One other thought:
Hurwitz talks a lot about how Jews have been forced to efface and shrink themselves and their traditions to fit more safely or easily into the Christian and Muslim worlds they inhabited, and explains how that led to a lot of issues for non-Orthodox American Jews today—how cutting off deep aspects of the tradition led to something inert or at least less engaging that it could be.
But she does her own version of effacement, of saying “pick me, I’m one of the good ones”, in her repeated and repetitive insistences on highlighting how monstrously, historically, mythically, implacably terrible and really super no good and very (very!) bad, the current Israeli government is. How desperately she seeks to reassure the reader that, while she is now a knowledgeable full-throated Zionist and proud Jew, she’s one of the good ones! This grated on me. Setting aside the substance of the points she raises, the very fact she feels the need to keep doing this, and doesn’t seem to realize how it is another form of what she is talking about… it made me wonder if she understood her own argument. The impulse to pick out the current government and use Netanyahu as a boogie man — again, substance aside — is itself a form of the “pick me” impulse she writes about so much and so clearly here.
September 27, 2025
This is a terrific book for Jews who didn't have a particularly "Jewish" upbringing or haven't generally considered themselves to be Jewish -- as well as for non-Jews who want to better understand their Jewish friends, Jewish culture, history and traditions, as well as why the modern state of Israel was created and why it must continue to thrive.
There were so many moments when I had to put this book down to reflect upon what I was reading. My yellow hi-liter got a great workout because I kept on marking up sentences and paragraphs that I wanted to absorb deeply and remember.
One particularly strong lesson in this book is how antisemitism works--from both the right and the left. In essence, the Jews are seen as the sole reason X (something) isn't happening (social justice, progress, whatever the big societal project may be at the moment for any particular community). Totally changed how I see the challenges I am worried about as a Jew in America today.
The upshot for Hurwitz is this: Be whatever kind of Jew you want, but whatever path or identity you choose, know your facts, history, culture and traditions. Because doing all that makes us stronger. #JewishPride
There were so many moments when I had to put this book down to reflect upon what I was reading. My yellow hi-liter got a great workout because I kept on marking up sentences and paragraphs that I wanted to absorb deeply and remember.
One particularly strong lesson in this book is how antisemitism works--from both the right and the left. In essence, the Jews are seen as the sole reason X (something) isn't happening (social justice, progress, whatever the big societal project may be at the moment for any particular community). Totally changed how I see the challenges I am worried about as a Jew in America today.
The upshot for Hurwitz is this: Be whatever kind of Jew you want, but whatever path or identity you choose, know your facts, history, culture and traditions. Because doing all that makes us stronger. #JewishPride
December 21, 2025
One of the most important books I’ve read all year.
“Jewish tradition tends to speak in both-and shades of gray, insisting that we balance competing claims and honor seemingly contradictory truths…None of this makes for good social media posts or signs at protests. I still smile when I think about a young woman I met during one of my Hillel college visits who told me how uneasy she felt walking through campus protests. The signs were all so strident and simplistic, she said. She couldn’t imagine how she would fit everything she thought…on a sign.
We joked about how her sign would be in a tiny font, thousands of words typed onto posterboard articulating the various arguments and ideas with which she was wrestling.
I cannot think of a more Jewish image than that thoughtful girl standing amidst her screaming classmates, her sign crammed with so many words.”
~
“Israel is a country. Like my own country, America, it is both highly flawed and extraordinary. I will never stop criticizing either country when they go wrong. But I will also never apologize for their very existence—or my own.
I will not let haters or purists or those smugly at home in their magnificent detachment lay waste to Israel’s story or turn my people into their thought experiment. I will not let them gaslight me into forgetting the Jewish past or ignoring the Jewish present. I will not let them do to the Jewish country what people have for thousands of years done to Jews.
The shame is on them, not on me.
I am no longer ashamed.”
“Jewish tradition tends to speak in both-and shades of gray, insisting that we balance competing claims and honor seemingly contradictory truths…None of this makes for good social media posts or signs at protests. I still smile when I think about a young woman I met during one of my Hillel college visits who told me how uneasy she felt walking through campus protests. The signs were all so strident and simplistic, she said. She couldn’t imagine how she would fit everything she thought…on a sign.
We joked about how her sign would be in a tiny font, thousands of words typed onto posterboard articulating the various arguments and ideas with which she was wrestling.
I cannot think of a more Jewish image than that thoughtful girl standing amidst her screaming classmates, her sign crammed with so many words.”
~
“Israel is a country. Like my own country, America, it is both highly flawed and extraordinary. I will never stop criticizing either country when they go wrong. But I will also never apologize for their very existence—or my own.
I will not let haters or purists or those smugly at home in their magnificent detachment lay waste to Israel’s story or turn my people into their thought experiment. I will not let them gaslight me into forgetting the Jewish past or ignoring the Jewish present. I will not let them do to the Jewish country what people have for thousands of years done to Jews.
The shame is on them, not on me.
I am no longer ashamed.”
January 25, 2026
Very good. Fir me, a non-Jew, this book resonated more the further along I read. I simply love the Jewish commitment to education, and the rest of us have so much to learn from them.
One distinctive point came up through the entire book that I found critically important. The author quores someone else in saying Jews are bound together by a textline not a bloodline. That will stick with me.
And I love her perspective on Israel. Perfect!
One distinctive point came up through the entire book that I found critically important. The author quores someone else in saying Jews are bound together by a textline not a bloodline. That will stick with me.
And I love her perspective on Israel. Perfect!
January 23, 2026
A little long winded for me. I wanted a little more personal reflection/stories interspersed. The constant history facts left my attention wandering, and I wasn’t as engaged as I hoped I would be. I had high hopes for this book and it left a lot to be desired.
December 26, 2025
Sarah very eloquently put in words what I've been trying to articulate for the past two years. thank you.
March 18, 2026
As A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame and Try to Erase Us, A Defiant Memoir of Heritage, Identity and Antisemitism-Sarah Hurwitz-author and narrator
After the horrendous attack on the Jews of Israel, on October 7th, 2023, Susan Hurwitz found that she needed to examine her own Jewish background and beliefs. She needed to understand why she had had such a visceral reaction to the indiscriminate, wanton murder and torture of Jews in a place she had not had an actual relationship with, to an attack that was carried out by Hamas and the people of Gaza, a people whose plight she had sympathized with in the past. She wanted to understand why people that she believed were her friends did not support her thoughts on this subject. Yet, these were the very people she believed would stand by her. So, she set about to learn why Jews were so consistently reviled. She embarked on an intense study of the history of Judaism, going as far back as Pontius Pilate. She studied the Jews and their lives wherever they existed. She studied the Rabbinic Texts, the Torah, the Talmud, the Mishnah and more. She read about Jewish law.
She had been aware of antisemitic rhetoric like Jews are Christ killers which is in the Gospel of Matthew. She knew about the Spanish Inquisition and The Holocaust, etc. Now, she wanted to know why these things were part of our collective Jewish history. What was it about the Jews that caused such animosity, that aroused such hostility?
When she learned about her own Judaic history, she set out to fight for her people armed with knowledge. She wanted to educate others and to refute the lies and the myths that she had learned were told about them. Eventually, she weaponized herself to do the job. She began to travel and lecture in schools on the very subject she had once known so little about. She traveled to different places like West Point, College campuses like Berkeley, and to High Schools. She engaged in conversation with anyone willing to talk and listen. She finally understood that we must talk and listen to each other, to everyone willing, and we must not insist that we are always right, no matter what, because there are people out there willing to listen to new ideas, if given the opportunity to have a discussion. Conversation is necessary if we were ever going to be able to teach our history to others and change their views about Jewish people.
This idea is laudable, but unfortunately, I know for a fact that in the current political climate, while that is good advice, the people on her side of the political aisle are not often willing to engage in any conversation that does not echo their own left-wing ideas. In this book, although rarely, at times she could not stop herself from inserting her progressive ideas into the narrative. She believes that it is right for Jews to mobilize to promote the danger of climate change, to support LGBTQ+ rights, to advocate for redistribution, etc., but to me, those causes paled in the face of what Jews were actually facing today, and perhaps would divide us further. There are people marching and chanting to eliminate Jews from the river to the sea, so I thought we would be better served if we challenged the protesters instead. Still, her book does expose many of the lies and myths perpetuated about the Jews, like the blood libel and the book, “The Protocols of Zion”, like explaining what the Nakba really represents. The Nakba does not refer to an ethnic cleansing of Arabs. It did not occur in a vacuum. It was the result of an unprovoked Arab invasion into Israel, an invasion meant to end Israel’s existence not the Arab’s. The Arabs attacked, hoping to destroy Israel, but they failed and the Israelis won that war. The Arabs have not forgiven them for winning.
In the book she reveals that historically, Jews have never stolen any land from the Arabs, but rather, when the Zionist movement began, they purchased it. Later on, however, after the wars that the Arabs started, their land mass was increased by other means, largely by winning in battle. She admits that on rare occasions there have been atrocities committed by some Jewish factions in the early history of the Jewish fight for an identity and a country and in the present. However, far more atrocities seem to have been committed against the Jews, which is why they are so often forced to retaliate. They are illogically condemned for defending themselves in the United Nations and in the press, but what choice do Jews have but to fight to the death. They have no other place to go if they fail to protect their homeland and themselves.
The book she has written is eye-opening as it succinctly traces the history of the Jewish people, explaining why it is necessary for Jews to educate themselves, and more importantly others, about what Judaism really represents. They need to dispel the falsehoods generally believed about them. She does, nevertheless, also believe that regardless of what Israel has recently suffered, they must end the Gaza war. There has been too much death and destruction. I feel differently because I believe that if they quit and do not finish the job of eliminating their enemy, they will be forced to do it again down the road and will continue to suffer unprovoked attacks from an enemy the world somehow supports, an enemy that will live to fight another day. These fanatics also interpret their religion as demanding that they rid the world of infidels. This enemy has never wanted knowledge. They have only wanted the land of Israel for themselves.
Hurwitz is on the left side of the political spectrum, and some of her ideas in the book reflect her background. She worked as a speechwriter for both the Obamas and is a staunch member of a political party that has become increasingly antisemitic, if one considers many of its elected Congressmen and Congresswomen. I believe that in the same way that the left believes in a living Constitution, this author may also believe in a living Bible. As she writes, she informs the reader that she abhors the far-right and the far-left, and she infers that she hates the leaders and policies of anyone on the far-right, including the policies coming from our current President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu. Yet, in her research as she looked back over how the Jewish people have been treated for the past 2000 years and as she learned about the atrocities committed against them, she laid waste to the myths and lies about Judaism, Jews and Israel, and admits that she realizes that dialogue must exist for knowledge to be shared. I am not sure if she realizes that her abhorrence of the opposition stifles the very conversation and sharing of necessary knowledge she hopes to inspire in others.
In spite of all of this, her book is really well sourced with research, footnotes and quotes from scholars and religious experts on Judaism and its history, and it outlines and offers the knowledge we all need. In all honesty, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It made me proud to be Jewish. I never found that her politics really interfered that much with her message, a message I agreed with. Jews have always stressed the value of education, and it seems we have lapsed in that area. We took our eye off that ball and neglected to educate our own on their Jewish history and values. We have not instilled a love for Israel or Judaism. We must rectify this.
I did question some of the author’s conclusions, advice and suggestions, because at times they seemed to contradict her very own analysis. For instance, although she supports the Jews and their religious beliefs, and she understands they have been unjustly attacked and recognizes the need for Israel to fight to maintain the rights of the Jewish people to live in peace in order to survive, she still abhors, ridicules and condemns the actions they have been forced to take to survive, like the intense fighting and the harsh leadership. She believes that much of it has been excessive, and while it has, I believe it has been necessary for success. So, there were a few times when it was hard for me to square her circle that voiced the idea that the reaction of the United States to 9/11 and of Israel to 10/7, went too far, especially when she openly admits that she hates what they have done and dislikes their leadership, the very view of the Democrats very progressive left-wing, a wing that does not support Israel, though it proclaims to support Jews. That, I believe is an antisemitic trope that needs to be silenced. I believe that she also thinks the behavior of both enemy and victim were distinctions without a difference, at times, but I judge the attacker far more harshly. I do not feel that the retaliation was anything but justified. The number of deaths, the torture and the amount of destruction caused by Osama Bin Laden and Hamas were mind-boggling and required a violent and massive response to signal that if it happens again, worse might even follow. Even so, attacks still occur. Overall, in spite of her political views, her narrative seemed even-handed unless she was attempting to create a false equivalence between the actions of the far-left and the far-right regarding antisemitism and their approach to it. The current research seems to indicate that the far left has increased their hateful activity exponentially.
The book clearly defines the Jewish experience in the past and in the diaspora. Hurwitz has created a concise narrative that is easy to read. She believes that the knowledge of our true story can enlighten uninformed Jews and help to expel the hate from many of those who protest against our very existence and our very country. This includes the very secular Jews who seem to be marching with those who support annihilating us and Israel. Beyond defining our right to exist, it justifies that right, and it provides the tool of knowledge to help change minds and reactions. First, the Jewish people must return to their roots, to some degree. They must learn about their own heritage and history so that they can teach it to others. They must live it so that others will see it is beneficial to everyone, Jew and non-Jew alike, so that they can see that the Jews are not their enemies. The myths and the lies will be peeled away like an onion skin so that the truth will be known.
The rules that the Jews live by support love and life, family and community. Are we not all entitled to that environment? In conclusion, while I understand how someone who is not immersed in the religion might question their devotion to it, or to the land of Israel, for me, basically a non-observant Jew, that question has never arisen. I have always been proud to be a Jew and have never hidden it. I never will. I understand my history and the laws that govern my life. I hope to live in peace with compassion for others. I hope to help others do the same.
After the horrendous attack on the Jews of Israel, on October 7th, 2023, Susan Hurwitz found that she needed to examine her own Jewish background and beliefs. She needed to understand why she had had such a visceral reaction to the indiscriminate, wanton murder and torture of Jews in a place she had not had an actual relationship with, to an attack that was carried out by Hamas and the people of Gaza, a people whose plight she had sympathized with in the past. She wanted to understand why people that she believed were her friends did not support her thoughts on this subject. Yet, these were the very people she believed would stand by her. So, she set about to learn why Jews were so consistently reviled. She embarked on an intense study of the history of Judaism, going as far back as Pontius Pilate. She studied the Jews and their lives wherever they existed. She studied the Rabbinic Texts, the Torah, the Talmud, the Mishnah and more. She read about Jewish law.
She had been aware of antisemitic rhetoric like Jews are Christ killers which is in the Gospel of Matthew. She knew about the Spanish Inquisition and The Holocaust, etc. Now, she wanted to know why these things were part of our collective Jewish history. What was it about the Jews that caused such animosity, that aroused such hostility?
When she learned about her own Judaic history, she set out to fight for her people armed with knowledge. She wanted to educate others and to refute the lies and the myths that she had learned were told about them. Eventually, she weaponized herself to do the job. She began to travel and lecture in schools on the very subject she had once known so little about. She traveled to different places like West Point, College campuses like Berkeley, and to High Schools. She engaged in conversation with anyone willing to talk and listen. She finally understood that we must talk and listen to each other, to everyone willing, and we must not insist that we are always right, no matter what, because there are people out there willing to listen to new ideas, if given the opportunity to have a discussion. Conversation is necessary if we were ever going to be able to teach our history to others and change their views about Jewish people.
This idea is laudable, but unfortunately, I know for a fact that in the current political climate, while that is good advice, the people on her side of the political aisle are not often willing to engage in any conversation that does not echo their own left-wing ideas. In this book, although rarely, at times she could not stop herself from inserting her progressive ideas into the narrative. She believes that it is right for Jews to mobilize to promote the danger of climate change, to support LGBTQ+ rights, to advocate for redistribution, etc., but to me, those causes paled in the face of what Jews were actually facing today, and perhaps would divide us further. There are people marching and chanting to eliminate Jews from the river to the sea, so I thought we would be better served if we challenged the protesters instead. Still, her book does expose many of the lies and myths perpetuated about the Jews, like the blood libel and the book, “The Protocols of Zion”, like explaining what the Nakba really represents. The Nakba does not refer to an ethnic cleansing of Arabs. It did not occur in a vacuum. It was the result of an unprovoked Arab invasion into Israel, an invasion meant to end Israel’s existence not the Arab’s. The Arabs attacked, hoping to destroy Israel, but they failed and the Israelis won that war. The Arabs have not forgiven them for winning.
In the book she reveals that historically, Jews have never stolen any land from the Arabs, but rather, when the Zionist movement began, they purchased it. Later on, however, after the wars that the Arabs started, their land mass was increased by other means, largely by winning in battle. She admits that on rare occasions there have been atrocities committed by some Jewish factions in the early history of the Jewish fight for an identity and a country and in the present. However, far more atrocities seem to have been committed against the Jews, which is why they are so often forced to retaliate. They are illogically condemned for defending themselves in the United Nations and in the press, but what choice do Jews have but to fight to the death. They have no other place to go if they fail to protect their homeland and themselves.
The book she has written is eye-opening as it succinctly traces the history of the Jewish people, explaining why it is necessary for Jews to educate themselves, and more importantly others, about what Judaism really represents. They need to dispel the falsehoods generally believed about them. She does, nevertheless, also believe that regardless of what Israel has recently suffered, they must end the Gaza war. There has been too much death and destruction. I feel differently because I believe that if they quit and do not finish the job of eliminating their enemy, they will be forced to do it again down the road and will continue to suffer unprovoked attacks from an enemy the world somehow supports, an enemy that will live to fight another day. These fanatics also interpret their religion as demanding that they rid the world of infidels. This enemy has never wanted knowledge. They have only wanted the land of Israel for themselves.
Hurwitz is on the left side of the political spectrum, and some of her ideas in the book reflect her background. She worked as a speechwriter for both the Obamas and is a staunch member of a political party that has become increasingly antisemitic, if one considers many of its elected Congressmen and Congresswomen. I believe that in the same way that the left believes in a living Constitution, this author may also believe in a living Bible. As she writes, she informs the reader that she abhors the far-right and the far-left, and she infers that she hates the leaders and policies of anyone on the far-right, including the policies coming from our current President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu. Yet, in her research as she looked back over how the Jewish people have been treated for the past 2000 years and as she learned about the atrocities committed against them, she laid waste to the myths and lies about Judaism, Jews and Israel, and admits that she realizes that dialogue must exist for knowledge to be shared. I am not sure if she realizes that her abhorrence of the opposition stifles the very conversation and sharing of necessary knowledge she hopes to inspire in others.
In spite of all of this, her book is really well sourced with research, footnotes and quotes from scholars and religious experts on Judaism and its history, and it outlines and offers the knowledge we all need. In all honesty, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It made me proud to be Jewish. I never found that her politics really interfered that much with her message, a message I agreed with. Jews have always stressed the value of education, and it seems we have lapsed in that area. We took our eye off that ball and neglected to educate our own on their Jewish history and values. We have not instilled a love for Israel or Judaism. We must rectify this.
I did question some of the author’s conclusions, advice and suggestions, because at times they seemed to contradict her very own analysis. For instance, although she supports the Jews and their religious beliefs, and she understands they have been unjustly attacked and recognizes the need for Israel to fight to maintain the rights of the Jewish people to live in peace in order to survive, she still abhors, ridicules and condemns the actions they have been forced to take to survive, like the intense fighting and the harsh leadership. She believes that much of it has been excessive, and while it has, I believe it has been necessary for success. So, there were a few times when it was hard for me to square her circle that voiced the idea that the reaction of the United States to 9/11 and of Israel to 10/7, went too far, especially when she openly admits that she hates what they have done and dislikes their leadership, the very view of the Democrats very progressive left-wing, a wing that does not support Israel, though it proclaims to support Jews. That, I believe is an antisemitic trope that needs to be silenced. I believe that she also thinks the behavior of both enemy and victim were distinctions without a difference, at times, but I judge the attacker far more harshly. I do not feel that the retaliation was anything but justified. The number of deaths, the torture and the amount of destruction caused by Osama Bin Laden and Hamas were mind-boggling and required a violent and massive response to signal that if it happens again, worse might even follow. Even so, attacks still occur. Overall, in spite of her political views, her narrative seemed even-handed unless she was attempting to create a false equivalence between the actions of the far-left and the far-right regarding antisemitism and their approach to it. The current research seems to indicate that the far left has increased their hateful activity exponentially.
The book clearly defines the Jewish experience in the past and in the diaspora. Hurwitz has created a concise narrative that is easy to read. She believes that the knowledge of our true story can enlighten uninformed Jews and help to expel the hate from many of those who protest against our very existence and our very country. This includes the very secular Jews who seem to be marching with those who support annihilating us and Israel. Beyond defining our right to exist, it justifies that right, and it provides the tool of knowledge to help change minds and reactions. First, the Jewish people must return to their roots, to some degree. They must learn about their own heritage and history so that they can teach it to others. They must live it so that others will see it is beneficial to everyone, Jew and non-Jew alike, so that they can see that the Jews are not their enemies. The myths and the lies will be peeled away like an onion skin so that the truth will be known.
The rules that the Jews live by support love and life, family and community. Are we not all entitled to that environment? In conclusion, while I understand how someone who is not immersed in the religion might question their devotion to it, or to the land of Israel, for me, basically a non-observant Jew, that question has never arisen. I have always been proud to be a Jew and have never hidden it. I never will. I understand my history and the laws that govern my life. I hope to live in peace with compassion for others. I hope to help others do the same.
January 15, 2026
This was so wonderful.
September 30, 2025
From the review of Zibby Owens (because its perfect):
'The author unpacks the internal shame Jews carry—shame born of history, of social pressure, of false stories—and replaces it with grounded teaching, personal stories, and honest struggle. This book invites Jews to stand without apology, to reclaim what was muted or ignored, and to move forward with a sense of rootedness. This book offers light for us to see our own reflection—and strong enough to make you say, “No more hiding.” - Zibby Owens.
This book packs a ton of information, as Sarah Hurwitz takes us through her own personal journey to study Jewish history. This is a book that can be constantly referred back to, when these details suddenly are required (for reference).
There are many meaningful sections, where Sarah becomes very personal and you could feel it through her words. I will quote from the beginning of the book:
"There is no one "right" way to practice Judaism: there are countless ways to be a passionate committed Jew. And no matter how far you may feel from your tradition, it is still yours- your birthright, your inheritance. ..... This tradition is yours, too, and there are no prerequisites for beginning the process of claiming it, and letting it claim you back."
"Jewish thought and moral wisdom have both shaped and challenged Western culture, and Jewish impact has been wildly DISPROPORTIONATE to our numbers. Of te ancient Near Eastern civilizations in existence at the birth of the Jewish people - the Hittites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, and so many others - none remain, lost to history long ago. But Jews are still here, and I believe Jewish civilization still has something important to say, to us and to the world.This book is the storyof howI learned to listen and understand. - Sarah Huwitz.
Great read and this book is a keeper. Five stars.
March 14, 2026
When I saw the title, I was a bit afraid that I was going to read a screed from one of those vocal, anti Israel Jews who need to prove their worth in the social justice left world by denouncing Jewish ties to our ancestral homeland. You know the type! Those who start their critique with, AS A JEW and then throw bombs and separate and criticize. But that is not what this book was at all. The author, Sarah Hurwitz, shares my experience as a leftist "social justice" Jew, feeling bereft of the connections in the justice community, having to deal with especially non Jewish leftists trying to prove their street cred by denouncing Israel as "apartheid, nazi, oppressor." In this worldview, that the author delineates, those who are white, powerful are the "oppressors" and there are only two roles - oppressor and oppressed. Author states, "Israel is a country. Like my own country, America, it is both highly flawed and extraordinary. I will never stop criticizing either country when they go wrong BUT I will also never apologize for their very existence -- or my own."
Sarah Hurwitz, the author and former speech writer for Michelle Obama, is an incredibly knowledgeable and astute writer. She digs deeply into her own studying and has nuanced and complex understanding of the joys and oys of being a Jew in today's world especially after October 7. She grew up as a "cultural" Jew or social justice Jew with very little Jewish education beyond the tepid Hebrew school and some watered down holiday celebrations. Growing up, she often distanced herself from those "Jewy" Jews who practiced and lived their Judaism. This all changed after she had a bad break-up and ended up signing up for an INtro To Judaism class that opened the joys of Jewish study where she got to dive into complex moral arguments in the Talmud and explore nuanced ways of how to live in the world as a Jew. She talks about becoming a chaplain and having a deeper understanding of the ways to be in presence in "thin" times, hard times. So yes, the book is not all about zionism or antisemitism but undoubtedly tackles that issue deeply. She mourns the fact that after 10/7, she no longer feels like she belongs in many of the leftist justice spaces where she always had a home. (I can relate to much of this AND the despair that I did not stumble on the power of Jewish study and practice until I too was an adult!). After 10/7, she did a tour to meet with college students at over 100 college visits and heard student stories of the kind of abuse and discrimination Jewish students are facing on college campuses. She addresses the question about whether anti-zionism is the new face of anti-semitism. (She believes it is and gives proof!) and poses (though doesn't answer the question, How should we live as Jews in this new era? Her answer: We should be proud of our peoplehood, of our capacity to survive, of our Torah living and not just try to uphold our victimhood. She writes, " If you spend your days surrounded by people who believe all human beings fit into one of two categories (oppressors - bad) or (powerless and oppressed, good), I understand the instinct to try to get yourself into the latter category. I've done that myself at times, emphasizing Jews'historic oppression, our tiny numbers, how often societies have turned on us." But she says the path of victimhood and just focusing on fixing anti semitism is not the path of wholeness. And this liberal, Social justice, cultural Jew focuses on what makes our tribe so incredible - our dedication to learning and being Jewy with pride even if it makes us a people apart.
I loved this book. Why? Because I did not feel as alone. I was able to share my bereavement for a world that simply does not understand or want to understand especially when it comes to the importance of our connection of a home and a need for national self determination. When she was told by myriad of college students that they were no longer welcome in spaces like LGBTQ, environmental, women's groups on campuses, she empathized and then advised them to start new orgs that are welcoming and inclusive of all. "Instead of devoting club time and resources to condemning Israel, go ahead and work on climate change, reproduction justice and LGBTQ rights. Join forces with Jews on other campuses.... Make your new club the most effective, inclusive club that ever existed. " I felt stronger and less alone reading this book.
Another interesting concept that I hope to incorporate going forward are the two kinds of anti-semitism. "Purim anti-semitism" based on the story in Persia where we were able to evade a plot to kill us all, is the kind of anti -semitism where we can do nothing to stop others from hating us. Think of pogroms or the holocaust. "Hanukah anti-semitism" is based on the story of Hanukah where Jews could assimilate to Greek life to become palatable. (And there were Jews then who tried to reverse circumcision to participate in Greek sports/games.). In this kind of anti-semitism, you can change who you are to evade being hurt or killed. Example of Hanukah anti-semitism right now -- you can be one of those "ok" Jews especially in justice circles if you denounce Israel and any claim to connection to the land. All you have to do to be ok is speak against Israel, against zionism, against having any sort of national homeland or connection to our national identity. Fascinating!
Sarah Hurwitz, the author and former speech writer for Michelle Obama, is an incredibly knowledgeable and astute writer. She digs deeply into her own studying and has nuanced and complex understanding of the joys and oys of being a Jew in today's world especially after October 7. She grew up as a "cultural" Jew or social justice Jew with very little Jewish education beyond the tepid Hebrew school and some watered down holiday celebrations. Growing up, she often distanced herself from those "Jewy" Jews who practiced and lived their Judaism. This all changed after she had a bad break-up and ended up signing up for an INtro To Judaism class that opened the joys of Jewish study where she got to dive into complex moral arguments in the Talmud and explore nuanced ways of how to live in the world as a Jew. She talks about becoming a chaplain and having a deeper understanding of the ways to be in presence in "thin" times, hard times. So yes, the book is not all about zionism or antisemitism but undoubtedly tackles that issue deeply. She mourns the fact that after 10/7, she no longer feels like she belongs in many of the leftist justice spaces where she always had a home. (I can relate to much of this AND the despair that I did not stumble on the power of Jewish study and practice until I too was an adult!). After 10/7, she did a tour to meet with college students at over 100 college visits and heard student stories of the kind of abuse and discrimination Jewish students are facing on college campuses. She addresses the question about whether anti-zionism is the new face of anti-semitism. (She believes it is and gives proof!) and poses (though doesn't answer the question, How should we live as Jews in this new era? Her answer: We should be proud of our peoplehood, of our capacity to survive, of our Torah living and not just try to uphold our victimhood. She writes, " If you spend your days surrounded by people who believe all human beings fit into one of two categories (oppressors - bad) or (powerless and oppressed, good), I understand the instinct to try to get yourself into the latter category. I've done that myself at times, emphasizing Jews'historic oppression, our tiny numbers, how often societies have turned on us." But she says the path of victimhood and just focusing on fixing anti semitism is not the path of wholeness. And this liberal, Social justice, cultural Jew focuses on what makes our tribe so incredible - our dedication to learning and being Jewy with pride even if it makes us a people apart.
I loved this book. Why? Because I did not feel as alone. I was able to share my bereavement for a world that simply does not understand or want to understand especially when it comes to the importance of our connection of a home and a need for national self determination. When she was told by myriad of college students that they were no longer welcome in spaces like LGBTQ, environmental, women's groups on campuses, she empathized and then advised them to start new orgs that are welcoming and inclusive of all. "Instead of devoting club time and resources to condemning Israel, go ahead and work on climate change, reproduction justice and LGBTQ rights. Join forces with Jews on other campuses.... Make your new club the most effective, inclusive club that ever existed. " I felt stronger and less alone reading this book.
Another interesting concept that I hope to incorporate going forward are the two kinds of anti-semitism. "Purim anti-semitism" based on the story in Persia where we were able to evade a plot to kill us all, is the kind of anti -semitism where we can do nothing to stop others from hating us. Think of pogroms or the holocaust. "Hanukah anti-semitism" is based on the story of Hanukah where Jews could assimilate to Greek life to become palatable. (And there were Jews then who tried to reverse circumcision to participate in Greek sports/games.). In this kind of anti-semitism, you can change who you are to evade being hurt or killed. Example of Hanukah anti-semitism right now -- you can be one of those "ok" Jews especially in justice circles if you denounce Israel and any claim to connection to the land. All you have to do to be ok is speak against Israel, against zionism, against having any sort of national homeland or connection to our national identity. Fascinating!
October 30, 2025
Every page is a testament to everything I've felt over the last two years. And every page also feels like a revolution. This will be the definitive text about what it means to live As A Jew during this impossible time. I am so grateful for this book.
September 22, 2025
I start with some statistics I have pulled from the scrupulous research (more than 350 footnotes) that underpins this book.
• There 15.7 million Jews in the world.
• There are 7.5 million Jews in the United States today, including 5.8 million adults.
• Of these Jewish adults, 1.5 million consider themselves atheist, agnostic or nothing in particular, but have a Jewish parent or were raised Jewish. For them, being Jewish is tied to family, ethnicity or culture, not religious practice.
• Just 7 percent of these non-religious Jews report that being Jewish is very important to them and just 4 percent of them think it is very important for their grandchildren to be raised Jewish.
• 2.6 million American adults with a Jewish parent or parents were raised Jewish but identify as a member of another religion or don’t identify with any religion and don’t consider themselves Jewish in any other way.
• So, if you add those 5.8 million adults who identify as Jews to the 2.6 million who have a Jewish family background but don’t consider themselves to be Jewish, there really are 8.4 million American adults who are in some way Jewish. But nearly a third of them reject that label entirely or practice a non-Jewish religion, and nearly 20 percent more don’t think being Jewish is all that important
• And of those American Jews who do identify as Jewish, when asked what aspect of their Jewishness are essential, the number one answer was remembering the Holocaust, then “leading an ethical and moral life,” working for justice and equality in society, being intellectually curious and continuing family traditions, and also having a good sense of humor.
• Of married Jews today, just 18 percent who wed before 1980 have a non-Jewish partner, compared with 61 percent of Jews who got married between 2010 and 2020.
• Of the non-Orthodox Jews who married during that decade, 72 percent wed someone who is not Jewish.
• The largest Zionist organization in America is Christians United for Israel, which has more than ten million members.
These statistics made a strong impression on me and helped me (and may help you) understand why Hurwitz wrote this valuable book, a candid account of her journey to becoming a “knowing” Jew.
A knowing Jew is one who is Jewish by choice and not just by birth, who has more than a sketchy knowledge of the history of the Jewish people, including the history of Zionism, and has learned that as a Jew you are part of a peoplehood brought together not by its shared bloodline but, as Amos Oz and Fania Oz-Salzberger have pointed out, by its shared “textline.”
Knowing the textline is crucial because it entails a commitment to learn from Judaism’s foundational texts: the Torah, the Talmud, the Mishnah-- and from the subsequent line of texts produced during the history of the Jews by the most learned and/or insightful rabbis and other writers (a great number of them cited in the book). Hurwitz acknowledges that there are any number of ways to live as a Jew. But Hurwitz wants us to see that a Jewish life must be built on at least a basic knowledge of these texts.
More than that Hurwitz wants us to see that she has found a truer identity and a more meaningful life because of her continuing engagement with the history and the textline of Judaism.
Hurwitz certainly realizes that her commitment as an American to a life that embraces Judaism must also grapple with her and the world’s feelings about Zionism and Israel. Her book was written after October 7th. She does not ignore what happened on that day or what Israel has done in and to Gaza in the days since. But she has not written this book to attack or defend Israel’s actions. She just wants us to see why the state of Israel must continue to exist.
The value of this book then is its offer to Jewish Americans who have lost touch with or are estranged from their Jewish identity, and to other Americans who are seeking an approachable introduction to contemporary Judaism, that--if they are in search of a meaningful life, and they choose to allow her—Hurwitz can provide a path to living proudly, gratefully and joyfully as a Jew.
Thank you HarperOne for providing an advance copy in galley form for review consideration via NetGalley. Please note: Quotes taken from a galley may change in the final version.
All opinions are my own.
• There 15.7 million Jews in the world.
• There are 7.5 million Jews in the United States today, including 5.8 million adults.
• Of these Jewish adults, 1.5 million consider themselves atheist, agnostic or nothing in particular, but have a Jewish parent or were raised Jewish. For them, being Jewish is tied to family, ethnicity or culture, not religious practice.
• Just 7 percent of these non-religious Jews report that being Jewish is very important to them and just 4 percent of them think it is very important for their grandchildren to be raised Jewish.
• 2.6 million American adults with a Jewish parent or parents were raised Jewish but identify as a member of another religion or don’t identify with any religion and don’t consider themselves Jewish in any other way.
• So, if you add those 5.8 million adults who identify as Jews to the 2.6 million who have a Jewish family background but don’t consider themselves to be Jewish, there really are 8.4 million American adults who are in some way Jewish. But nearly a third of them reject that label entirely or practice a non-Jewish religion, and nearly 20 percent more don’t think being Jewish is all that important
• And of those American Jews who do identify as Jewish, when asked what aspect of their Jewishness are essential, the number one answer was remembering the Holocaust, then “leading an ethical and moral life,” working for justice and equality in society, being intellectually curious and continuing family traditions, and also having a good sense of humor.
• Of married Jews today, just 18 percent who wed before 1980 have a non-Jewish partner, compared with 61 percent of Jews who got married between 2010 and 2020.
• Of the non-Orthodox Jews who married during that decade, 72 percent wed someone who is not Jewish.
• The largest Zionist organization in America is Christians United for Israel, which has more than ten million members.
These statistics made a strong impression on me and helped me (and may help you) understand why Hurwitz wrote this valuable book, a candid account of her journey to becoming a “knowing” Jew.
A knowing Jew is one who is Jewish by choice and not just by birth, who has more than a sketchy knowledge of the history of the Jewish people, including the history of Zionism, and has learned that as a Jew you are part of a peoplehood brought together not by its shared bloodline but, as Amos Oz and Fania Oz-Salzberger have pointed out, by its shared “textline.”
Knowing the textline is crucial because it entails a commitment to learn from Judaism’s foundational texts: the Torah, the Talmud, the Mishnah-- and from the subsequent line of texts produced during the history of the Jews by the most learned and/or insightful rabbis and other writers (a great number of them cited in the book). Hurwitz acknowledges that there are any number of ways to live as a Jew. But Hurwitz wants us to see that a Jewish life must be built on at least a basic knowledge of these texts.
More than that Hurwitz wants us to see that she has found a truer identity and a more meaningful life because of her continuing engagement with the history and the textline of Judaism.
Hurwitz certainly realizes that her commitment as an American to a life that embraces Judaism must also grapple with her and the world’s feelings about Zionism and Israel. Her book was written after October 7th. She does not ignore what happened on that day or what Israel has done in and to Gaza in the days since. But she has not written this book to attack or defend Israel’s actions. She just wants us to see why the state of Israel must continue to exist.
The value of this book then is its offer to Jewish Americans who have lost touch with or are estranged from their Jewish identity, and to other Americans who are seeking an approachable introduction to contemporary Judaism, that--if they are in search of a meaningful life, and they choose to allow her—Hurwitz can provide a path to living proudly, gratefully and joyfully as a Jew.
Thank you HarperOne for providing an advance copy in galley form for review consideration via NetGalley. Please note: Quotes taken from a galley may change in the final version.
All opinions are my own.
January 18, 2026
This book both represents an enormously positive development for assimilated jews in recognizing and rejecting the sustained cultural violence to which they have been subjected and also showcases just how deep a hole they still have to climb out of. Even as Sarah explains precisely how she is the product of a 200 year effort by antisemitic society to erase her existence as a jew, even as she makes the connection to the similar attempted cultural genocide of native americans, at times she still cannot help but continue to justify and reproduce the logic of that very violence she is calling to reverse, wherein the destruction of her own culture is equated with "progress" and "modernization" (are orthodox jews incapable of progress? Do we not live in the modern world? Or is it simply that we insist on doing so on our own terms and not that of antisemitic non jews). In one instance, reform judaism is obscenely presented as the modern equivalent of the pharisees, as an evolution of judaism rather than its destruction, even as Sarah herself traces how that movement's culmination was the utterly deracinated jewish identity she now decries that she and too many others were given. In another, she presents the successful assimilation of many jews in America as evidence America posed no problem of antisemitism seeming not to understand that that assimilation was itself a product of antisemitism; she is able to understand that antisemitism does not register as such to today's assimilated anti-zionist jews because they have obediently amputated the aspects of jewish identity their antisemitic environment deems problematic but she does not apply that insight to her own optimistic portrayal of American jewish history.
Similarly egregiously, Sarah feels the need to whitewash arab and muslim oppression of, and intentions for, the jews in Israel as reasonable, something she herself might engage in in the circumstances, and even writes of palestinian arab support for nazism apologetically. Sarah trashes white nationalist great replacement theory and if confronted with revisionism that the confederacy was actually about states rights would surely know to respond "states rights to do what?" but she can't condemn palestinian arab anti-zionism as an expression of these same reactionary politics; only here does the desire of a derivative-imperial population to re-establish the caste system that previously restricted the rights of minorities become credible. One is left to wonder if these were simply two competing nationalisms with similar goals (an interpretation that cuts against the sources she herself presents in this book) why would only one's victory have resulted in genocide? Sarah decidedly does not view the October 7th attack with similar sympathetic understanding but the Hebron massacre a century earlier was not meaningfully different. Mention of the similar situation of the german refugees of world war II does not similarly elicit her sympathy for their subsequent warmongering against Poland. In pointing out palestinian arabs were granted an exceptional form of refugee status not granted to those involved in any other conflict anywhere in the past century, she says she "admires their determination" as though rather than anti-jewish political expediency, all other displaced peoples were simply not strong or adamant enough to demand such institutional support. Dispossessed stateless jews for example simply could not expect to be tolerated let alone justified and supported in committing suicide bombings in Iraq demanding property that they didn't even lose in the course of a war they started.
All that said, this book is a large if halting step in the right direction; I simply don't think Sarah has gone far *enough*. I make these comments from a place of compassion for her and jews like her; none of this is their fault and what frustration I experienced is entirely on their behalf rather than directed against them.
Similarly egregiously, Sarah feels the need to whitewash arab and muslim oppression of, and intentions for, the jews in Israel as reasonable, something she herself might engage in in the circumstances, and even writes of palestinian arab support for nazism apologetically. Sarah trashes white nationalist great replacement theory and if confronted with revisionism that the confederacy was actually about states rights would surely know to respond "states rights to do what?" but she can't condemn palestinian arab anti-zionism as an expression of these same reactionary politics; only here does the desire of a derivative-imperial population to re-establish the caste system that previously restricted the rights of minorities become credible. One is left to wonder if these were simply two competing nationalisms with similar goals (an interpretation that cuts against the sources she herself presents in this book) why would only one's victory have resulted in genocide? Sarah decidedly does not view the October 7th attack with similar sympathetic understanding but the Hebron massacre a century earlier was not meaningfully different. Mention of the similar situation of the german refugees of world war II does not similarly elicit her sympathy for their subsequent warmongering against Poland. In pointing out palestinian arabs were granted an exceptional form of refugee status not granted to those involved in any other conflict anywhere in the past century, she says she "admires their determination" as though rather than anti-jewish political expediency, all other displaced peoples were simply not strong or adamant enough to demand such institutional support. Dispossessed stateless jews for example simply could not expect to be tolerated let alone justified and supported in committing suicide bombings in Iraq demanding property that they didn't even lose in the course of a war they started.
All that said, this book is a large if halting step in the right direction; I simply don't think Sarah has gone far *enough*. I make these comments from a place of compassion for her and jews like her; none of this is their fault and what frustration I experienced is entirely on their behalf rather than directed against them.
November 20, 2025
Five stars for this extraordinary and eloquent indictment of anti-Semitism in America and how extreme anti-Zionism has become the cover for more traditional anti-Semitic hate. It's also a remarkable personal story of how Hurwitz came to a deeper understanding of her faith and her own identity in relation to Judaism and Israel.
It's a deeply emotional book and a deeply personal one, and yet, her story of witnessing the shocking resurgence of Jewish hate from communities she thought were her own, is the story of all American Jews in the last few years.
I quote her extensively to make her points clearly and to convey the level of betrayal felt by many in the Jewish community.
"Anti-Semitism is dangerous regardless of who it's coming from, and it comes from people of all backgrounds and beliefs. But what I saw on college campuses and in other elite spaces unsettles me in a way that no white supremacist possibly can.
There is nothing shocking to me about white supremacists hating Jews. I expect nothing else from them - hatred is their brand. And these are not my people. I do not personally know anyone who believes in the great replacement theory, or engages in Holocaust denial, or thinks highly of Nazis.
But people who work in academia, publishing, and mental health are my people - or at least they should be. We have the same education, live in the same communities, and care about the same issues. These are the respectable people.... They are supposed to be the ones who stand up when others turn on minorities."
As she begins to explain how anti-Zionism has turned into Jew hatred, she starts with what she doesn't think anti-Zionism it. It's not:
- criticism of the Israeli government or its policies, or
- a belief that major changes should be made to the current political arrangement, like a two-state solution or confederation (but which does not include a belief that Israel should be stripped of its sovereignty).
But there is a strain of anti-Zionism that is "opposed to Jews having self-determination in their ancestral homeland the way that Poles have self-determination in Poland and Japanese people have self-determination in Japan."
She goes on to say "Anti-Zionists are highly critical of Israel but believe that it's not sufficient for Israel to make fundamental changes to its policies or laws, or even to its map through diplomacy or negotiations. The only appropriate solution is to unfound the state, to strip it of its sovereignty such that Jews no longer have political power."
To put a finer point on it, Hurwitz notes that this proposal is radical in the extreme. "I could not find another example of a country that's officially recognized by the United Nations and more than 160 other countries, and that's existed for so many years, being stripped of its sovereignty against its will."
What's clear from her narrative (and she makes this explicit) is that this type of extreme penalty is proposed only for the nation that represents the homeland for the Jews. It is because it is the Jewish state and is a "colonial, oppressor state" that this action must be taken. This is, of course, complete rubbish. The Jews have been persecuted for thousands of years. The crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, the pogroms in Eastern Europe and Russia, the Holocaust, the list goes on and on. So much for being the oppressors. But those who espouse these extreme anti-Zionist/antisemitic beliefs are not interested in history. They have a tale to tell, and they want it to fit into their skewed world view.
Sarah Hurwitz has written a brilliant book that identifies and calls out the new form of anti-Semitism. Everyone, Jew and non-Jew alike should read this compelling and eloquent condemnation of an ancient hatred that has resurfaced in America from some of the most unlikely places.
It's a deeply emotional book and a deeply personal one, and yet, her story of witnessing the shocking resurgence of Jewish hate from communities she thought were her own, is the story of all American Jews in the last few years.
I quote her extensively to make her points clearly and to convey the level of betrayal felt by many in the Jewish community.
"Anti-Semitism is dangerous regardless of who it's coming from, and it comes from people of all backgrounds and beliefs. But what I saw on college campuses and in other elite spaces unsettles me in a way that no white supremacist possibly can.
There is nothing shocking to me about white supremacists hating Jews. I expect nothing else from them - hatred is their brand. And these are not my people. I do not personally know anyone who believes in the great replacement theory, or engages in Holocaust denial, or thinks highly of Nazis.
But people who work in academia, publishing, and mental health are my people - or at least they should be. We have the same education, live in the same communities, and care about the same issues. These are the respectable people.... They are supposed to be the ones who stand up when others turn on minorities."
As she begins to explain how anti-Zionism has turned into Jew hatred, she starts with what she doesn't think anti-Zionism it. It's not:
- criticism of the Israeli government or its policies, or
- a belief that major changes should be made to the current political arrangement, like a two-state solution or confederation (but which does not include a belief that Israel should be stripped of its sovereignty).
But there is a strain of anti-Zionism that is "opposed to Jews having self-determination in their ancestral homeland the way that Poles have self-determination in Poland and Japanese people have self-determination in Japan."
She goes on to say "Anti-Zionists are highly critical of Israel but believe that it's not sufficient for Israel to make fundamental changes to its policies or laws, or even to its map through diplomacy or negotiations. The only appropriate solution is to unfound the state, to strip it of its sovereignty such that Jews no longer have political power."
To put a finer point on it, Hurwitz notes that this proposal is radical in the extreme. "I could not find another example of a country that's officially recognized by the United Nations and more than 160 other countries, and that's existed for so many years, being stripped of its sovereignty against its will."
What's clear from her narrative (and she makes this explicit) is that this type of extreme penalty is proposed only for the nation that represents the homeland for the Jews. It is because it is the Jewish state and is a "colonial, oppressor state" that this action must be taken. This is, of course, complete rubbish. The Jews have been persecuted for thousands of years. The crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, the pogroms in Eastern Europe and Russia, the Holocaust, the list goes on and on. So much for being the oppressors. But those who espouse these extreme anti-Zionist/antisemitic beliefs are not interested in history. They have a tale to tell, and they want it to fit into their skewed world view.
Sarah Hurwitz has written a brilliant book that identifies and calls out the new form of anti-Semitism. Everyone, Jew and non-Jew alike should read this compelling and eloquent condemnation of an ancient hatred that has resurfaced in America from some of the most unlikely places.
August 20, 2025
The author of As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story From Those Who Shame, Blame, and Try to Erase Us was a speech writer for Michelle Obama. She now makes her own speeches about Judaism, Israel, and antisemitism. Her previous book described her decision to engage more directly with the religion of her ancestors. This one details her reasons for doing so with a specific focus on history and contemporary society.
Sarah Hurwitz had a fairly typical upbringing as the child of suburban Jews. Her family emphasized education, liberal politics, a vague feeling of superiority, and Holocaust remembrance over religious observance. She attended Hebrew school as a preteen and celebrated the "important" Jewish holidays (Chanukah, Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) but never engaged too deeply with any of it. She knew she was a good person with decent secular values and felt embarrassed by the apparent irrationality of more devout Jews. As a Jew is her attempt to explain how modern American Jews grew to become ashamed of their origins. It offers a corrective to that unfortunate attitude.
This book has been carefully researched, considered and written. It contains valuable information with which too many otherwise intelligent and well-meaning people are unfamiliar. The analysis of the difference between "Purim antisemitism" and "Chanukah antisemistism" is brilliant. Her descriptions of the history of Israel and the contemporary State are obviously born of intensive research and personal experience. She is proud to be a Jewish American and loves both her native and ancestral countries without losing sight of their faults.
There is a tremendous amount of compelling material in this book but I wish it were not weakened by flaws that might not be apparent to all readers.
While I share the author's early experiences (although from a previous generation), I spent six years living as a practicing member of an Orthodox Jewish community. As such, I take issue with some of her ideas..
The rhapsodic descriptions of happy Hasidim fail to mention that the children running around loose during worship services are all boys. Their sisters are sitting quietly behind the mechitzah (partition between men and women in a synogogue) with their mothers, grandmothers, and aunts. Similarly, she applauds the female rabbis among Reform and Reconstructionist Jewish congregations as well as their looser definition of anyone with even one Jewish parent who is raised as a Jew without explaining the very real rejection those children will face if they try to join a more traditional branch. She also glosses over the issue of Jewish atheists, explaining that she doesn't have to believe that God gave the Ten Commandments at Sinai to believe they are, in some nebulous way, "sacred." This feels disingenuous.
Also, there is some self-aggrandizement in the author's glomming onto the virtues of Michelle Obama's late mother when she attends her funeral. This is not a case of showing respect to her former boss; it appears to be her way of claiming Jewish universality when she writes about a woman she has neverr met.
This book held my interest, taught me some facts I didn't know, and gave me much to think about. I would caution prospective readers not to rely on it as a single source.
I would like to thank NetGalley and HarperOne for the opportunity to access a free advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Sarah Hurwitz had a fairly typical upbringing as the child of suburban Jews. Her family emphasized education, liberal politics, a vague feeling of superiority, and Holocaust remembrance over religious observance. She attended Hebrew school as a preteen and celebrated the "important" Jewish holidays (Chanukah, Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) but never engaged too deeply with any of it. She knew she was a good person with decent secular values and felt embarrassed by the apparent irrationality of more devout Jews. As a Jew is her attempt to explain how modern American Jews grew to become ashamed of their origins. It offers a corrective to that unfortunate attitude.
This book has been carefully researched, considered and written. It contains valuable information with which too many otherwise intelligent and well-meaning people are unfamiliar. The analysis of the difference between "Purim antisemitism" and "Chanukah antisemistism" is brilliant. Her descriptions of the history of Israel and the contemporary State are obviously born of intensive research and personal experience. She is proud to be a Jewish American and loves both her native and ancestral countries without losing sight of their faults.
There is a tremendous amount of compelling material in this book but I wish it were not weakened by flaws that might not be apparent to all readers.
While I share the author's early experiences (although from a previous generation), I spent six years living as a practicing member of an Orthodox Jewish community. As such, I take issue with some of her ideas..
The rhapsodic descriptions of happy Hasidim fail to mention that the children running around loose during worship services are all boys. Their sisters are sitting quietly behind the mechitzah (partition between men and women in a synogogue) with their mothers, grandmothers, and aunts. Similarly, she applauds the female rabbis among Reform and Reconstructionist Jewish congregations as well as their looser definition of anyone with even one Jewish parent who is raised as a Jew without explaining the very real rejection those children will face if they try to join a more traditional branch. She also glosses over the issue of Jewish atheists, explaining that she doesn't have to believe that God gave the Ten Commandments at Sinai to believe they are, in some nebulous way, "sacred." This feels disingenuous.
Also, there is some self-aggrandizement in the author's glomming onto the virtues of Michelle Obama's late mother when she attends her funeral. This is not a case of showing respect to her former boss; it appears to be her way of claiming Jewish universality when she writes about a woman she has neverr met.
This book held my interest, taught me some facts I didn't know, and gave me much to think about. I would caution prospective readers not to rely on it as a single source.
I would like to thank NetGalley and HarperOne for the opportunity to access a free advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
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