Call Me Back - with Dan Senor Reclaiming the Jewish Story - with Sarah Hurwitz
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Sep 8, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Sarah Hurwitz, a former senior speechwriter at the White House and author of 'As a Jew', dives into the complexities of Jewish identity in today's world. She explores how antisemitism shapes this identity, the vital connection between Jewish tradition and modern values, and the challenges faced by Jewish students on college campuses. Hurwitz also reflects on the historical narrative of Jewish culture under communism and the importance of embracing one’s heritage amidst societal pressures, advocating for a deeper understanding of Israel's significance in Jewish identity.
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Thin Jewish Identity Leaves Gaps
- Many American Jews define Jewishness primarily by Holocaust memory and a few universal values.
- That thin identity leaves people defenseless and disconnected from deeper Jewish tradition.
A Late Discovery Sparked Her First Book
- Sarah took an intro to Judaism class in her mid-30s and found profound ethical teachings that transformed her view.
- That discovery motivated her to write a first book celebrating Jewish wisdom.
Campus Tours Revealed Hostile Atmospheres
- After one campus visit, Sarah toured 27 campuses and found extreme moral atmospheres where Israel was likened to Nazis.
- Jewish students felt silenced when being critical of Israeli policies still excluded them from campus discussion.
