Reading Lately

A few people expressed interest in receiving some book recommendations on the topic of antisemitism. I’ve gathered some titles below. All links are non-commissionable (I’m not making money on any of this). Instead, they all point you to Bookshop.org, which is an online bookseller that supports local, independent book stores. And, of course, these are available at your local public library.

1. Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew by Emmanuel Acho and Noa Tishby. This book is always my first recommendation for those who want to learn more about antisemitism in the United States. Acho and Tishby write in a conversational style, making the information accessible and approachable. Some of the questions were so direct, so rooted in stereotypes, they made me uncomfortable; others made me curious about people in my life who have questions they’ve been hesitant to ask. For my Jewish friends, it’s also a worthwhile read, reinforcing the plurality of Judaism.

2. On Being Jewish Now edited by Zibby Owens. This is a collection of essays from authors, compiled and edited by Owens immediately following October 7. This is a less comprehensive look at Judaism; rather, the essays provide a slice-of-life perspective on what it feels like to be Jewish in America. In full transparency, this is one that I pick up intermittently and haven’t completed. In part, it’s hard to read more than two or three essays at a time that describe a lived experience so close to my own.

3. We Need to Talk About Antisemitism by Rabbi Diana Fersko. This book, written and published in August 2023, feels prophetic in a complicated way. Fersko’s critical examination of the rise in antisemitism is more poignant knowing today what she didn’t know then. She parses through microaggressions and overt threats of violence; most importantly, she gives readers actionable tools and skills to combat antisemitism when they encounter it.

4. How to Fight Anti-Semitism by Bari Weiss. Another book published before 2023, this one was published in the aftermath of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting. Weiss takes a hard look at identity politics and how antisemitism became mainstream after long periods of being in the shadows.

5.  The 7 Deadly Myths: Antisemitism from the time of Christ to Kanye West by Alex Ryvchin. This one was published in May 2023. It’s much shorter than the others, giving a high-level overview of seven pernicious myths and how to disrupt them. I like this one as a primer of sorts because it examines myths so pervasive that they’ve become accepted.

And, as a bonus for sticking around, my favorite Jewish cookbook is I Could Nosh by Jake Cohen. It’s no surprise that I love Jewish food (my great aunt, Nana, and mom were all excellent cooks!), and Cohen’s modern twist on some classic Jewish dishes is fun. I reach for this one for the comfort of Jewish recipes but also for the inspiration.