Jewish Crossroads: Jewish Identity in Times of Crisis

Jewish Crossroads: Jewish Identity in Times of Crisis
Podcast Description
Renowned Israeli journalist Tamar Ish Shalom will embark on a journey to engage with leaders and key figures in American Jewry to analyze how the war in Israel is reshaping American Jewish identity. Together, they will explore the challenges and opportunities facing American Jews and what the future holds for their relationship with Israel, especially against the backdrop of political developments in both the U.S. and Israel. If you would like to be in touch with us contact: [email protected] on X: https://x.com/tamarishshalomTamar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamarishshalom/JPPI on X: https://x.com/JewishPolicyJPPI on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewishpeoplepolicyinstitute/
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
Explores the evolving relationship between American Jews and Israel, focusing on themes such as Jewish identity, political dynamics, and generational changes. Episodes include discussions like Rabbi Ammi Hirsch on the challenges facing young Jews in relation to Israel and Nicole Krauss reflecting on the difficulties of expressing Jewish identity post-October 7th.

Renowned Israeli journalist Tamar Ish Shalom will embark on a journey to engage with leaders and key figures in American Jewry to analyze how the war in Israel is reshaping American Jewish identity. Together, they will explore the challenges and opportunities facing American Jews and what the future holds for their relationship with Israel, especially against the backdrop of political developments in both the U.S. and Israel.
If you would like to be in touch with us contact: [email protected]
Tamar on X: https://x.com/tamarishshalom
Tamar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamarishshalom/
JPPI on X: https://x.com/JewishPolicy
JPPI on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewishpeoplepolicyinstitute/
In this episode of Jewish Crossroads, we sit down with Sarah Hurwitz—former chief speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama and senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama—to discuss her upcoming book, As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us.
Sarah opens up about how a personal breakup sparked an unexpected intellectual and emotional journey into Judaism—not through traditional religious practice, but through a deep engagement with Jewish texts, history, and ideas. She challenges the concept of “cultural Judaism,” advocating instead for a more informed, substantive connection to Jewish heritage.
We also delve into how centuries of antisemitism have shaped Jewish self-perception, and hear Sarah’s candid and deeply disappointed reflections on how her alma mater, Harvard University, has responded to recent events.
If you would like to be in touch with us contact: [email protected]
Tamar on X: https://x.com/tamarishshalom
Tamar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamarishshalom/
JPPI on X: https://x.com/JewishPolicy
JPPI on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewishpeoplepolicyinstitute/

Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.