Sarah Hurwitz and Rav James Jacobson-Maisels in Conversation
Oct 2, 2020
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In this enlightening conversation, Sarah Hurwitz, former head speechwriter for Michelle Obama and author on Judaism, joins Rav James Jacobson-Maisels. They delve into her journey from politics to personal faith, revealing how her traditional upbringing sparked a profound exploration of Judaism. They discuss the role of mindfulness in fostering compassion amidst today's reactive environment and share insights on the evolution of Jewish identity, particularly through virtual retreats and community practices during the pandemic.
The speaker's journey from political speechwriting to exploring Jewish wisdom reflects a transformative quest for personal meaning and connection.
A contrasting experience of writing for Michelle Obama versus President Obama highlights the importance of collaboration and emotional resonance in effective communication.
Mindfulness practices serve as essential tools in navigating today's reactive political landscape, promoting constructive dialogue and deeper understanding among individuals.
Deep dives
The Journey to Becoming a Speechwriter
The speaker recounts their journey to becoming a speechwriter for former President Obama, beginning as an intern in Vice President Al Gore's office. Early experiences included challenging roles, such as working for the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, which involved a long commute and a working environment that was far from ideal. Through failures in their subsequent positions, they learned valuable lessons about writing and found mentorship from a classmate who had experience in presidential speechwriting. This eventually led to working on multiple presidential campaigns, culminating in being hired by the Obama campaign, where they transitioned to writing for Michelle Obama, discovering a voice that resonated more with their style.
Transitioning to Writing for Michelle Obama
The speaker found that writing for Michelle Obama brought them greater satisfaction compared to writing for President Obama. They noted that while Obama often focused on economic matters during his presidency, Michelle's speeches were more personal and emotionally engaging. This stark contrast in styles led the speaker to prefer the collaborative process with Michelle, where she would share her ideas and themes, resulting in a more enjoyable writing experience. The speaker highlighted that the effectiveness of a speech often depends on the principal delivering it, emphasizing how writing for someone like Michelle made their work shine.
The Unexpected Shift to Writing About Judaism
After leaving the White House, the speaker faced skepticism regarding their decision to write a book about Judaism instead of a politically-themed book. They reflected on their childhood experiences with Judaism, which felt boring and unappealing, leading to disconnection from their faith. A pivotal moment occurred when they attended an 'Intro to Judaism' class at a community center, sparking a profound interest in the rich and meaningful aspects of Jewish traditions. This newfound appreciation motivated the speaker to write a book aimed at explaining Jewish wisdom in an accessible way, surprising them with the interest it received from both engaged and disengaged Jews.
Experiences at a Life-Changing Retreat
The speaker shares a transformative experience they had during a retreat focused on spirituality and understanding the divine. Initially skeptical, they were introduced to a form of neo-Hasidic mystical theology that expanded their perception of spirituality beyond conventional beliefs. Through meditation and engaging with Jewish texts, they experienced a profound connection with their emotions and a deeper understanding of life. This retreat marked the beginning of a journey toward personal and spiritual growth, illustrating how such experiences can significantly alter one's perspective.
The Importance of Mindfulness in Politics
The speaker discusses the relevance of mindfulness practices in today’s fast-paced political landscape, noting how they help manage reactivity and cultivate thoughtful responses. They observed a decline in measured discourse due to the instantaneous reactions enabled by social media, leading to a more emotionally charged atmosphere. By practicing mindfulness, the speaker found they could better navigate challenging interactions, using skills developed through their meditation experiences. They believe that integrating mindfulness into political engagement can foster healthier discussions and ultimately lead to more constructive outcomes in society.
