Sarah Hurwitz - Reclaiming Jewish Identity and Peoplehood episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 17, 2025 · 52 MIN

Sarah Hurwitz - Reclaiming Jewish Identity and Peoplehood

from What Gives? The Jewish Philanthropy Podcast · host Jewish Funders Network

Episode 71 of What Gives?—the Jewish Philanthropy Podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, our guest is Sarah Hurwitz, former speechwriter for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, and the author of two widely discussed books about Jewish life and identity. Her newest book, As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us, challenges us to rethink how centuries of prejudice have shaped Jewish self-understanding, and why now is the time for a more confident and substantive embrace of Jewish tradition and peoplehood. Sarah spoke about what it means to live as a Jew “without apology,” why shallow or self-deprecating Jewish identities aren’t enough in this moment, and how young Jews especially can ground themselves in real content and community. Take a listen.

Episode 71 of What Gives?—the Jewish Philanthropy Podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, our guest is Sarah Hurwitz, former speechwriter for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, and the author of two widely discussed books about Jewish life and identity. Her newest book, As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us, challenges us to rethink how centuries of prejudice have shaped Jewish self-understanding, and why now is the time for a more confident and substantive embrace of Jewish tradition and peoplehood. Sarah spoke about what it means to live as a Jew “without apology,” why shallow or self-deprecating Jewish identities aren’t enough in this moment, and how young Jews especially can ground themselves in real content and community. Take a listen.

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Sarah Hurwitz - Reclaiming Jewish Identity and Peoplehood

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This episode is 52 minutes long.

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This episode was published on September 17, 2025.

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Episode 71 of What Gives?—the Jewish Philanthropy Podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, our guest is Sarah Hurwitz, former speechwriter for President Barack Obama and First Lady...

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