Something new and important for your bookshelf: “On Being Jewish Now” comes out in ebook and audiobook on Oct. 1 from Zibby Books. It’s a collection of essays about what it means to be Jewish, how Jewish life has changed since Oct. 7, and the bonds and culture that this group shares. It’s edited by publisher and literary convener Zibby Owens. All proceeds from the book will be donated to Artists Against Antisemitism.
“The idea of this collection came in late June after another depressing news day when I felt, again: What can I do to help?! Perhaps collecting voices and telling stories of what it means and how it feels to be Jewish could? I asked, and Jewish authors answered—75 women and men of all different backgrounds shared their funny, sad, heartbroken and meaningful experiences in a way that makes me cry and gives me goosebumps. I’m honored to be shepherding this project into the world,” says Owens.
The anthology features some of my favorite writers, and probably yours, too: humorists Bess Kalb (“Nobody Will Tell You This But Me”) and Jenny Mollen (“I Like You Just the Way I Am”); Real Housewife Jill Zarin (remember New York, season one?); rabbis from across the country; National Jewish Book Award finalist Dr. Beth Ricanati, a physician working with the underserved in Los Angeles and author of “Braided: A Journey of a Thousand Challahs“; New York Times fertility diarist Amy Klein; O writer-at-large Lisa Kogan and dozens more.
The book’s subject is heavy: living Jewishly in an era where it’s fraught to do so. But the reading itself is breezy; each essay is just a few pages, sharply written and with plenty of humor (of course) and even challah recipes (again, of course) mixed in with sadness and reflection.
If we’ve learned anything over the past year, it’s that being Jewish isn’t a monolith or a universal state of perspective; each writer has their own experience and opinion. Essays are grouped by theme: “Jewish Pride and Joy”; “You Have to Laugh”; “I Thought We Were Friends” (Toby Rose’s “On Being the Token Jewish Friend” is a short essay, but memorable); “An Unlikely Activist”; “Jewish Mom Life”; “Bling” (wearing the Star of David and other Jewish markers, that is); “Am I A Good Enough Jew?” and “In Loving Memory.”
Some essays are funny. Others are serious. They contain a mix of outlooks and histories; trauma and hope. The anthology itself is a sweeping emotional touchstone. The authors themselves read their works in the audio version; a paperback edition follows on Nov. 1.
Order your copy here.
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