Passover Crossover - How to Be a Jew ... Like Dara Horn
Apr 17, 2025
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Dara Horn, acclaimed author of 'People Love Dead Jews' and founder of Mosaic Persuasion, joins to discuss the intersection of Jewish identity and contemporary challenges. They delve into the rising antisemitism, the recent tragedy involving the Bibas children, and the importance of solidarity within the Jewish community. Horn also shares insights about her whimsical Passover-themed graphic novel, 'One Little Goat,' exploring the chaos of family Seders through humor. Expect reflections on storytelling and the resilience of Jewish heritage amidst modern crises.
The podcast emphasizes the need for solidarity and recognition within the Jewish community to effectively combat rising anti-Semitism and harmful narratives.
Dara Horn promotes innovative approaches to engaging younger generations in Jewish traditions during Passover, highlighting the importance of interactive storytelling at the Seder.
Deep dives
Reflections on Jewish Identity and Anti-Semitism
The discussion delves into the current state of Jewish identity amidst rising anti-Semitism, emphasizing the need for a collective understanding of experiences and validation within the Jewish community. There is frustration regarding how some Jewish individuals and institutions fail to acknowledge the severity of the situation, leading to harmful narratives and moral equivalencies that undermine the reality faced by Jews today. The speakers express outrage at the lack of support from both the secular world and within their community, ultimately highlighting the importance of solidarity and recognition of the unique challenges that Jewish individuals face. This conversation culminates in a call for a reassessment of Jewish communal responses to anti-Semitism, promoting unity instead of self-blame or division.
The Impact of Social Media on Jewish Discourse
Social media's influence significantly alters discussions surrounding Judaism and anti-Semitism, often allowing harmful narratives to proliferate unchecked while also enabling polarized opinions within the Jewish community. The speakers critique how certain voices, especially those aligned with fringe ideologies, can dominate conversations by presenting skewed perceptions of Jewish identity and responsibilities, further complicating collective efforts to combat anti-Semitism. They express concern over self-victimization within the community, pointing out that some Jews may inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of anti-Semitic stereotypes. The dialogue underscores a pressing need to reclaim the narrative and focus on authentic representations of Jewish life, emphasizing the deep historical roots and the ongoing struggle against tyranny faced by Jews.
Dara Horn's Insights on Jewish Resilience
Amidst the challenges facing Jewish communities, Dara Horn offers a hopeful perspective on resilience, comparing the Jewish narrative to a story filled with 'plot armor' that has repeatedly triumphed over adversities throughout history. She posits that the core of Jewish existence is entwined with the confrontation of tyranny, noting that this can act as a source of strength in current times. Horn's reflections invite a broader understanding of the Jewish collective experience, framing it not just as a historical struggle, but as a contemporary mission to educate others and foster solidarity with those outside the Jewish community. Her insights champion the notion that fostering connections by sharing the Jewish story can unlock opportunities for greater understanding and support.
Creativity and Tradition in Passover Observance
The conversation transitions to the essence of Passover through the promotion of creative and engaging Seder experiences, emphasizing that a modern approach can ignite interest and deeper connections to Jewish tradition among younger generations. Dara Horn shares her innovative approach within her new graphic novel, 'One Little Goat,' which narratively invites children to explore Jewish history while navigating themes of family and identity at the Seder. The importance of involving children in the Seder's storytelling process is underscored, advocating for them to take active roles that can make the observance more interactive and relatable. This creative engagement not only preserves the significance of the holiday but also enriches family connections, helping to maintain the vibrancy of Jewish traditions in an evolving cultural landscape.
Rootless is off this week for Passover, but we wanted to bring you an episode of How to Be a Jew we think you'll like.
Like most Jews, the news of the murder of the Bibas children not only saddened us, but it also made us ANGRY. How do we deal with our own thoughts about the event, and the greater world’s response as well?
Dara Horn, a prolific author known for her book People Love Dead Jews (and the podcast Adventures with Dead Jews) as well as her work fighting antisemitism, joins us to deal with our anger and provide context for why we should be optimistic about the future of Jews. We also talk about her new Passover-themed graphic novel for kids, One Little Goat. How does a seder that won’t end lead to a time-traveling adventure? Have a listen.
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