Sarah Hurwitz served as a White House speechwriter from 2009 to 2017, first as a senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama and then as head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama. She’s with us to discuss her new brilliant book: As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story From Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us, which is a must-read for every Jew who often has mixed feelings about their faith (not that there is anyone like that), as well as non-Jews who want to understand us weirdos better. Honestly everyone should read it, or at the very least buy it. Don’t take our word for it, read what beloved guest Yossi Klein Halevi has to say: “Beautifully written and brilliantly argued, As a Jew is that rare book that defines an historical moment. The American Jewish awakening is upon us, and Sarah Hurwitz is its prophet.” We discuss Jewish peoplehood, how our story is shaped by the outside gaze, and how to have productive conversations. Also, what did Sarah steal from the White House? And what did Chaya Leah steal from Auschwitz??

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Also:

* White House tea

* Meditation, spirituality and being a hospital chaplain

* Every non-Zionist Jew should read this book and learn about their internalized antisemitism.

* Zionism is not an entry point

* Sarah’s campus tour that started on… October 10th, 2023.

* Nobody hates the university’s Russian club

* There’s a Torah for that

* The revolution will not happen in old buildings

* Your gateway Mitzvah

* A day of Jewish difference

* It’s ok if you don’t feel anything at Shul

* Why Sarah couldn’t sell her book in Israel

* Whose antisemites are worst, the left or the right? No need to argue, plenty of hate to go around.

* Where are the politicians with a spine?

* Can you yell at people until they agree with you?

* Well, it’s been a great 80 years!

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