Naomi Seidman, the Chancellor Jackman Professor of the Arts at the University of Toronto and winner of the National Jewish Book Award, dives into the exploration of Freud's Jewish identity. She discusses the intriguing phenomenon of scholars seeking to uncover Freud's concealed Jewishness through translations into Hebrew and Yiddish. Seidman critiques traditional views, emphasizing Freud’s authentic connections to his heritage. The conversation also touches on the role of Jewish languages in shaping identity and cultural expression, linking these themes to contemporary socio-political discussions.

Naomi Seidman, a Chancellor Jackman Professor of the Arts at the University of Toronto, dives into the intricate connections between psychoanalysis and Jewish identity. She challenges the popular obsession with Freud's Jewishness, spotlighting the motivations behind this scholarly pursuit. Seidman discusses the role of Hebrew and Yiddish in psychoanalytic literature and examines personal influences on her writing. The conversation also touches on the identity struggles of Jews in the context of Freud's theories, revealing the complexities of assimilation and cultural heritage.