ON BEING JEWISH NOW

So much love for On Being Jewish Now, an essay collection compiled by @zibbyowens , written by authors and advocates who address what it means to Jewish today. And with 75 writers on board, there are at least that many perspectives: pride, fear, joy, loss, nostalgia, humor, sometimes in quick succession and sometimes all at once. My favorite essays were based on vivid childhood memories that became powerful in retrospect, like meeting an elderly stranger with tattooed numbers on their arm, or panicking at a theater audition where the only words that came to mind were in Hebrew.
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Throughout all is a common thread of connection that feels reassuring and important, never more so than when I attended events for this book last fall. The venues felt electric with people excited to listen, share and exchange a hug. A sense of community was forged, with all of us nodding our heads at current concerns, or chuckling at familiar family dynamics. One poignant moment was a shared acknowledgment that some in the room had been conditioned to whisper or slightly lower their voices when saying the word “Jewish” in public places. On Being Jewish Now is a modern celebration of Not-Whispering - because no one should have to lower their voice about who they are.
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It is a fact that I can never, will never, make two challahs that are identical. Just when I think I’ve perfected my braiding technique, the next one looks like a different species. Whyyyyy?! I suppose that’s the beauty of homemade challah but just once I’d love two identical ones for a photo! Have I made challah for this page before? Yes! Will I continue to make challah for posts from time to time? YES! I love making and gifting challah, it is labor intensive and requires patience, but that’s what makes the results so delicious and so worth it. Special thanks to my @cuisinart bread maker which is my favorite kitchen appliance, I love love love you breadmaker! Not an ad, it is just perfect and wanted to share in case there are other challah bakers out there!