Exploring the Yivsektsia and Jewish Identity Conflict

This chapter explores the Yivsektsia's role in the Soviet Union, where Jewish individuals suppressed their cultural traditions in the face of communism. It examines the internal struggles of identity and the complexities of anti-Semitism within a revolutionary context.

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Today’s Episode:

On today’s episode we are joined by Sarah Hurwitz, author of the new book As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story From Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us. It is an urgent exploration of how antisemitism has shaped Jewish identity and how Jews can reclaim their tradition. Sarah was a senior speechwriter in the White House under President Obama, including as Chief Speechwriter for Michelle Obama from 2010-2017.

(00:00) Introduction

(05:30) How American Jews identify with Judaism

(08:35) Sarah’s Jewish journey

(11:36) Why “cultural Judaism” isn’t enough

(13:00) What prompted Sarah to write As a Jew

(18:00) The phenomenon of antizionist Jews

(25:12) Blaming Jews for antisemitism

(29:00) Normalizing Israeli history

(33:08) How Jewish kids will experience Israel

(38:47) Antisemitism on the Right

(40:35) Using Jewish wisdom in modern American life

CREDITS: