On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates

On Being Jewish Now is the warm enveloping hug that I needed at the end of a horrific year
On Being Jewish Now is the warm enveloping hug that I needed at the end of a horrific year. This anthology is a collection of wisdom and experiences from writers who made me feel like I am not alone, that I am not the only one who feels the way that I do in the aftermath of October 7.I met Zibby Owens, the editor, at one of her book tour events earlier this year. I was the Jewish woman who timidly approached her, knowing that we were likely the only two Jewish women at this gathering. I thanked her for speaking out and I am so glad that she has continued to listen and represent our community with her platform.To my knowledge, Zibby is the only writer in the anthology that I have had the pleasure of meeting in person. However, as I read the essays, I felt connected to so many of the authors. You also grew up in Nashville? Did we know each other? You also went to Alexander Muss High School in Israel? Were we there at the same time? You also look at the photographs of young Israeli soldiers who have been killed and ache at how similar they look to your own sons? I’m not the only one. I felt a deep sense of connection and belonging as I read each essay.If you are Jewish, read this book. If you are not Jewish and want to begin to understand what it is like to be Jewish right now, read this book. It is just what I needed. Thank you to the authors for your heartfelt contributions.This book also led me to action. Why have I not updated my LinkedIn profile to share that I am now on the Board of Trustees at my Synagogue when all of my other board appointments are prominently listed? I am changing that. Why am I not more explicit about the importance of Judaism in my life in my forthcoming book? I am changing that too.Thank you Zibby for this outstanding, much needed, supportive collective hug.

Necessary and heart breaking
This is a superb collection of essays compiled by Zibby Owens to both counter and respond to the rising tide of antisemitism out in the open in the arts industry and frankly everywhere since the terrorist attack on 10/7. The book is bingeable – I read it in almost one sitting, but perhaps better digested in smaller bites – both to savour the essays and to protect our psyches. All of it is relevant, piercing and relatable. Ali Rosen noting “this year I lost my closet friend but now I know the power of my tribe.” Debbie Reed Fischer commenting on the pain of antisemitism but the importance of finding laughter. Samantha Ettus writing about the new kind of Jewish warrior, the “unsettling silence of my former friends” and the creation of her new tribe. Lisa Barr relating today’s struggle to the survival of her grandmother in the Holocaust. Rebecca Minkoff trying to understand the “license to hate” that our enemies have unleashed and the deafening silence when we ask for help. Rebecca Raphael on the need to “double down on our Judaism” in the face of hate. David Christopher Kauffman reminding us that it is OK to not return to the progressive spaces that we supported but which have since abandoned us in our time of need. And Rabbi Sharon Brous’ beautiful concluding essay “Invisible Threads of Connection” in which she turned fear into joy and connection. Highly recommend.

Just magnificent and much needed.
Warm, heartbreaking, funny, thought-provoking intimate stories shared by writers and advocates that share a belief that no matter how difficult times might be, we must persevere, and as one of the writers said, “being Jewish matters and showing the world who we really are — matters more than it ever has.” A powerful, loving and thoughtful compilation put together by a woman who has championed books and authors and uses her voice to speak out against antisemitism. I highly recommend this book as a gift to yourself, a family member, or friend. As Zibby Owens said in her eloquent way, “I am not lowering my voice.” Let’s join her and raise ours.

Inspiring and Authentic
This collection of stories are a strong reminder of what it means to be Jewish. Must read!

The struggles of Jews across the world post 10/07 very movingly captured with tales of loss, sadness, Jewish chaim and the true meaning of survivorship interspersed into each unique story.