Questions to Ask Before Your Bat Mitzvah

by Morgan Bassichis (Editor)

"This guidebook provides excellent examples of deep questioning, critical engagement and the embracing of Judaism as an ongoing call for social justice." -Angela Y. Davis Edited by comedic performance artist and activist Morgan Bassichis with artist and educator Jay Saper and writer Rachel Valinsky, Questions to Ask Before Your Bat Mitzvah invites 36 writers, artists, scholars and activists to offer accessible reflections on 36 questions to help young Jews--and anyone else who picks up this book--feel grounded in the Jewish radical tradition, unlearn Zionism and deepen their solidarity with Palestinians. With a foreword by seminal scholar-activist Angela Y. Davis and illustrations by artist Nicole Eisenman, this essential volume offers an accessible and challenging set of personal and collective responses to critical questions for our time. Questions included range from "What even is a Bat Mitzvah?" and "I'm queer/nonbinary/secular/old/not even Jewish--are Bat Mitzvahs for me?" to "What do Palestinian kids do when they turn thirteen?"
Contributors include : Basel Abbas and Ruanne Abou-Rahme, Imani Altemus-Williams, Sumaya Awad, Shirly Bahar, Kholoud Balata, Morgan Bassichis, Bazeed, Gregg Bordowitz, Lukaza Branfman-Verissimo, Ilise Benshushan Cohen, Jonah Aline Daniel, Maya Edery, Esther Farmer, Dan Fishback, Aitan Groener, Rabbi Miriam Grossman, Noah Habeeb, Olivia Katbi, Aurora Levins Morales, Brooke Lober, Tariq Luthun, Collier Meyerson, Dori Midnight, Izzy Mustafa, Aidan Orly and Jonathan Brenneman, Una Aya Osato, Khury Petersen-Smith, Rabbi Brant Rosen, Dylan Saba, Mahdi Sabbagh, Jay Saper, Ita Segev, Dean Spade, Elena Stein, Sandra Tamari, Kendra Watkins and Satya Zamudio.

Genres: Judaism, Nonfiction, Jewish

103 pages, Paperback

Published August 8, 2023

Reviews

[Hadar · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could give this zero stars, I would. It's poorly written self-hating propaganda that teaches young Jewish women to hate themselves and their families.

[Lisa Pini · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible anti semitic propaganda.

[Herbert Meisner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I’m going to have to sit with this book for a while.
First and foremost, the title did not cover the breadth of this book. The book is majority about Zionism and Palestinian liberation. It covered a lot of great questions, and I’m glad it focused so much on how Zionism has intertwined itself with Judaism — and that that’s not right! I also wouldn’t be Jewish if I agreed with everything said (2 Jews, 3 opinions)— but the basis of a free Palestine and that it’s a Jewish act to fight for a free Palestine is a great lesson. The horrifying stories of what political Zionism has done, the Nakba, the displacement and genocide of Palestinians — all of this is covered and firsthand stories.

My critique stems mostly from the lack of expansion of questions. There was so much to cover, and I felt that after the chapters of Palestine and Zionism, it fell flat and lacked some effort. Also, the reading comprehension seemed a bit beyond a 12 year olds. Regardless, this was a very good, thought provoking read that taught me a lot.

[Jessica Ranard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Questions to Ask Before Your Bat Mitzvah is exactly what it says it is: a book of questions, written by artists and activists to answer questions young Jews may have about Jewish traditions, anti-zionism, and Palestinian solidarity. Questions includes questions like "what do palestinians do when they turn 13?" and "what does the key mean to Palestinians" and "why does my synagogue hang US AND Israeli flags?" Given that young Jews often experience Pro Israeli brainwashing from a young age, this book is crucial for younger Jewish audiences who feel like they have a lot of questions, and are looking for some helpful, factual, and justice-oriented answers.

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved these little essays

[Joshua Glucksman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be gas if I was 13

[Rakefet · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is antisemitic garbage. I’m a bar and bat mitzvah tutor and Israel and Zionism are integral parts to studying Torah and learning about ones Judaism. This is pure Jew hatred drivel. Do not let a Jewish child be traumatized by this garbage. It shouldn’t even be on here it’s so incredibly offensive. Shame on Harvard for printing it and shame on everyone involved in this mess of Jew hatred and propaganda.

[Emily Swain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure I quite have the words yet for how much I appreciate the narratives in this book. So I will choose to act in the spirit of Tariq Luthun (author of Chp 18), by simply celebrating existence…celebrating the existence of the book and the voices of those who contributed.

[Sarah J · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book promotes antisemitism. I would not ever recommend it, and cannot understand who is giving this 5 stars.

[RH · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is beyond antisemitic. Avoid at all costs. Do not let your child or ANYONE read this garbage.

[D Rock · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful antisemitic TRASH.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Antisemitic drivel. Don’t buy this garbage. Or read it.

[Das Levitz · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book promotes antisemitism and self hate

[el · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible collection of writings. A perfect gift for a young Jewish (and not Jewish!) person in your life.

[Elijah · Rating 4 out of 5]

glad this exists !

[S N · Rating 1 out of 5]

The purpose of a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is to connect a child to their traditions and culture as they take a step into adulthood. Instead, this book was created to make girls ashamed of who they are and where they come from. In our current day and age, girls already suffer so much from society -- this book adds to that in a cruel and heartless way. Our young Jewish girls deserve much better.