What do you think?
Rate this book
On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates
On October 7th, 2023, Jews in Israel were attacked in the largest pogrom since the Holocaust. But Jews everywhere felt it and came together to process and to speak out in ways they never had before, like the contributors to this collection. More than sixty notable Jewish authors speak to their lifetimes of Jewish joy, celebration, laughter, food, trauma, loss, love, family, neuroses, and fun, and the common threads that course through the Jewish resilience and humor. Contributors include Mark Feuerstein, Jill Zarin, Rabbi Steve Leder, Amy Ephron, Lisa Barr, Rebecca Minkoff, Annabelle Gurwitch, Jenny Mollen, Nicola Kraus, Caroline Leavitt, and many more. On Being Jewish Now is edited by bestselling author, podcaster, bookstore owner, and media company CEO Zibby Owens.
All profits from the sale of the e-book, audiobook, and paperback will be donated to Artists Against Antisemitism, a group founded by Jewish authors in the aftermath of October 7th, dedicated to fighting the spread of antisemitism.
Introduction
You Have to Laugh
I Thought We Were Friends
An (Unlikely?) Activist
Jewish Mom-Life
Bling
Am I a Good Enough Jew?
Love Stories
Jewish Pride and Joy
In Loving Memory
Happy(?) Holidays
Represent!
Quiet! The Rabbi is Talking
Conclusion
All profits from the sale of the e-book, audiobook, and paperback will be donated to Artists Against Antisemitism, a group founded by Jewish authors in the aftermath of October 7th, dedicated to fighting the spread of antisemitism.
Introduction
You Have to Laugh
I Thought We Were Friends
An (Unlikely?) Activist
Jewish Mom-Life
Bling
Am I a Good Enough Jew?
Love Stories
Jewish Pride and Joy
In Loving Memory
Happy(?) Holidays
Represent!
Quiet! The Rabbi is Talking
Conclusion
342 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2024
321 people are currently reading
3779 people want to read
About the author
Zibby Owens
8 books24.5k followersZibby Owens is the award-winning host of the podcast Totally Booked with Zibby and the weekly TV show “Totally Booked” on JBS.
Author of six books including two bestsellers, On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates and Blank: A Novel, she owns Zibby’s Bookshop, an independent bookstore in Santa Monica, CA, and Zibby Publishing, a boutique publishing house, all part of Zibby Media. She also runs an events and retreats series, Zibby’s Book Club, and the Z.I.P. membership program.
A graduate of Yale University and Harvard Business School, Zibby lives in New York (and sometimes L.A.) with her husband and four children ages 11 to 18.
Become a Z.I.P. (Zibby’s Important People) today to support her work and follow her on Instagram @zibbyowens.
Author of six books including two bestsellers, On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates and Blank: A Novel, she owns Zibby’s Bookshop, an independent bookstore in Santa Monica, CA, and Zibby Publishing, a boutique publishing house, all part of Zibby Media. She also runs an events and retreats series, Zibby’s Book Club, and the Z.I.P. membership program.
A graduate of Yale University and Harvard Business School, Zibby lives in New York (and sometimes L.A.) with her husband and four children ages 11 to 18.
Become a Z.I.P. (Zibby’s Important People) today to support her work and follow her on Instagram @zibbyowens.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
October 15, 2024
On October 7th, 2023, Jews in Israel were attacked in the most significant act of violence since the Holocaust. But Jews everywhere felt it and came together to process and speak out in ways they never had before, like the contributors to this collection. More than sixty notable Jewish authors speak to their lifetimes of Jewish joy, celebration, laughter, food, trauma, loss, love, family, neuroses, and fun, and the common threads that course through the Jewish resilience and humor. Contributors include Mark Feuerstein, Jill Zarin, Rabbi Steve Leder, Amy Ephron, Lisa Barr, Rebecca Minkoff, Annabelle Gurwitch, Jenny Mollen, Nicola Kraus, Caroline Leavitt, and many more. On Being Jewish Now is edited by bestselling author, podcaster, bookstore owner, and media company CEO Zibby Owens.
This collection of essays explores what it means to be Jewish, especially in light of the events that happened last October. These essays, from so many incredible voices, cover everything from personal histories to the impact of antisemitism today. Each essay's reflections created such powerful connections that I was in tears. I hope this project helps us heal, honors those we've lost, and spreads understanding of our shared human experiences.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...
This collection of essays explores what it means to be Jewish, especially in light of the events that happened last October. These essays, from so many incredible voices, cover everything from personal histories to the impact of antisemitism today. Each essay's reflections created such powerful connections that I was in tears. I hope this project helps us heal, honors those we've lost, and spreads understanding of our shared human experiences.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...
September 28, 2024
I received an advanced reader copy of ON BEING JEWISH NOW. I am so grateful for the many personal stories and experiences shared in this anthology. I am not Jewish, but you don't have to be to be outraged by what happened not only on October 7th but continues to happen every day in our country...acts of antisemitism. I have many friends who are Jewish and have been deeply saddened and angry on their behalf for the acts of hatred that are occurring simply because of their religion. Having friends and relatives who fought in WWII (one who is 103) and hearing firsthand what they saw during the Holocaust has made me want to ensure all Jewish people are able to simply live as they are...a freedom many of us take for granted all too often.
I personally know a number of the authors included in this book and despite that, I still learned more about their journeys and experiences by reading these essays. There is always more to learn from others and this book gives us the opportunity to expand our empathy for our Jewish friends, to understand how very personal this is and to do better on behalf of them.
A HUGE thank you to every contributor for sharing your stories, being vulnerable and allowing the rest of us to read what you've experienced and feel.
I personally know a number of the authors included in this book and despite that, I still learned more about their journeys and experiences by reading these essays. There is always more to learn from others and this book gives us the opportunity to expand our empathy for our Jewish friends, to understand how very personal this is and to do better on behalf of them.
A HUGE thank you to every contributor for sharing your stories, being vulnerable and allowing the rest of us to read what you've experienced and feel.
October 5, 2024
On Being Jewish Now is the warm enveloping hug that I needed at the end of a horrific year. This anthology is a collection of wisdom and experiences from writers who made me feel like I am not alone, that I am not the only one who feels the way that I do in the aftermath of October 7.
I met Zibby Owens, the editor, at one of her book tour events earlier this year. I was the Jewish woman who timidly approached her, knowing that we were likely the only two Jewish women at this gathering. I thanked her for speaking out and I am so glad that she has continued to listen and represent our community with her platform.
To my knowledge, Zibby is the only writer in the anthology that I have had the pleasure of meeting in person. However, as I read the essays, I felt connected to so many of the authors. You also grew up in Nashville? Did we know each other? You also went to Alexander Muss High School in Israel? Were we there at the same time? You also look at the photographs of young Israeli soldiers who have been killed and ache at how similar they look to your own sons? I’m not the only one. I felt a deep sense of connection and belonging as I read each essay.
If you are Jewish, read this book. If you are not Jewish and want to begin to understand what it is like to be Jewish right now, read this book. It is just what I needed. Thank you to the authors for your heartfelt contributions.
This book also led me to action. Why have I not updated my LinkedIn profile to share that I am now on the Board of Trustees at my Synagogue when all of my other board appointments are prominently listed? I am changing that. Why am I not more explicit about the importance of Judaism in my life in my forthcoming book? I am changing that too.
Thank you Zibby for this outstanding, much needed, supportive collective hug.
I met Zibby Owens, the editor, at one of her book tour events earlier this year. I was the Jewish woman who timidly approached her, knowing that we were likely the only two Jewish women at this gathering. I thanked her for speaking out and I am so glad that she has continued to listen and represent our community with her platform.
To my knowledge, Zibby is the only writer in the anthology that I have had the pleasure of meeting in person. However, as I read the essays, I felt connected to so many of the authors. You also grew up in Nashville? Did we know each other? You also went to Alexander Muss High School in Israel? Were we there at the same time? You also look at the photographs of young Israeli soldiers who have been killed and ache at how similar they look to your own sons? I’m not the only one. I felt a deep sense of connection and belonging as I read each essay.
If you are Jewish, read this book. If you are not Jewish and want to begin to understand what it is like to be Jewish right now, read this book. It is just what I needed. Thank you to the authors for your heartfelt contributions.
This book also led me to action. Why have I not updated my LinkedIn profile to share that I am now on the Board of Trustees at my Synagogue when all of my other board appointments are prominently listed? I am changing that. Why am I not more explicit about the importance of Judaism in my life in my forthcoming book? I am changing that too.
Thank you Zibby for this outstanding, much needed, supportive collective hug.
October 5, 2024
Thank you, Zibby Owens, for elevating our voices.
I have an interesting relationship with Judaism: I was raised Catholic despite having a Jewish mother (dad was from a big Irish Catholic household and my mom was culturally Jewish). I never chose Catholicism though, and when I asked to embrace the Jewish faith in elementary school, my family discouraged it. I think some of my Jewish relatives were worried about my facing antisemitism and also wanted to please my dad’s big Catholic family by making me join their ranks. When I was a little girl, a classmate called me “bad” for saying I didn’t think Jesus was the son of God. My impulse was always to follow Judaism, but it was not available to me. What a waste.
It wasn’t until last year, after October 7, that I fully embraced my birth right religion of Judaism. I’ve always loved the simplicity of the Jewish faith (there’s no hell, there’s only one god, don’t evangelize), and I am not afraid to embrace it. Now more than ever, the voices of Jewish people must be heard. I will not hide behind my late dad’s religion that I never got to choose for myself. I’m proud to be Jewish, and I found myself in many of these essays in Zibby Owens’s new collection. I’m not alone in feeling alarmed by how quickly so many people have turned against Jews at this time, and I fear history could repeat itself if we don’t stand up for ourselves and speak out.
I have an interesting relationship with Judaism: I was raised Catholic despite having a Jewish mother (dad was from a big Irish Catholic household and my mom was culturally Jewish). I never chose Catholicism though, and when I asked to embrace the Jewish faith in elementary school, my family discouraged it. I think some of my Jewish relatives were worried about my facing antisemitism and also wanted to please my dad’s big Catholic family by making me join their ranks. When I was a little girl, a classmate called me “bad” for saying I didn’t think Jesus was the son of God. My impulse was always to follow Judaism, but it was not available to me. What a waste.
It wasn’t until last year, after October 7, that I fully embraced my birth right religion of Judaism. I’ve always loved the simplicity of the Jewish faith (there’s no hell, there’s only one god, don’t evangelize), and I am not afraid to embrace it. Now more than ever, the voices of Jewish people must be heard. I will not hide behind my late dad’s religion that I never got to choose for myself. I’m proud to be Jewish, and I found myself in many of these essays in Zibby Owens’s new collection. I’m not alone in feeling alarmed by how quickly so many people have turned against Jews at this time, and I fear history could repeat itself if we don’t stand up for ourselves and speak out.
September 2, 2025
If you want propaganda and want to see how fascists think then read this! But me I'm tired of this ignorant shit all over the media and everywhere I look so one star it is!
February 25, 2025
Update ! Heard 4 contributing authors from this anthology speak tonight - so moving to hear their personal recollections.
This is a superb collection of essays compiled by Zibby Owens to both counter and respond to the rising tide of antisemitism out in the open in the arts industry and frankly everywhere since the terrorist attack on 10/7. The book is bingeable - I read it in almost one sitting, but perhaps better digested in smaller bites - both to savour the essays and to protect our psyches. All of it is relevant, piercing and relatable. Ali Rosen noting "this year I lost my closet friend but now I know the power of my tribe." Debbie Reed Fischer commenting on the pain of antisemitism but the importance of finding laughter. Samantha Ettus writing about the new kind of Jewish warrior, the "unsettling silence of my former friends" and the creation of her new tribe. Lisa Barr relating today's struggle to the survival of her grandmother in the Holocaust. Rebecca Minkoff trying to understand the "license to hate" that our enemies have unleashed and the deafening silence when we ask for help. Rebecca Raphael on the need to "double down on our Judaism" in the face of hate. David Christopher Kauffman reminding us that it is OK to not return to the progressive spaces that we supported but which have since abandoned us in our time of need. And Rabbi Sharon Brous' beautiful concluding essay "Invisible Threads of Connection" in which she turned fear into joy and connection. Highly recommend.
This is a superb collection of essays compiled by Zibby Owens to both counter and respond to the rising tide of antisemitism out in the open in the arts industry and frankly everywhere since the terrorist attack on 10/7. The book is bingeable - I read it in almost one sitting, but perhaps better digested in smaller bites - both to savour the essays and to protect our psyches. All of it is relevant, piercing and relatable. Ali Rosen noting "this year I lost my closet friend but now I know the power of my tribe." Debbie Reed Fischer commenting on the pain of antisemitism but the importance of finding laughter. Samantha Ettus writing about the new kind of Jewish warrior, the "unsettling silence of my former friends" and the creation of her new tribe. Lisa Barr relating today's struggle to the survival of her grandmother in the Holocaust. Rebecca Minkoff trying to understand the "license to hate" that our enemies have unleashed and the deafening silence when we ask for help. Rebecca Raphael on the need to "double down on our Judaism" in the face of hate. David Christopher Kauffman reminding us that it is OK to not return to the progressive spaces that we supported but which have since abandoned us in our time of need. And Rabbi Sharon Brous' beautiful concluding essay "Invisible Threads of Connection" in which she turned fear into joy and connection. Highly recommend.
Read
June 26, 2025I listened on audio after hearing a book discussion.
I got a deal on the Kindle and got that too, so I could look back at entries I'd already listened to. But I don't care for Kindle.
The book is a series of essays about, as the title indicates, what being Jewish is like in the aftermath of October 7 and the wars. It's divided into general categories such as "Jewish Pride and Joy," "I Thought We Were Friends," and "You Have to Laugh," and is put together by Artists Against Antisemitism. The essays are mostly read by their authors. It took me a little while to get into it, after which I did find it moving.
It was not polemical or self-righteous. The authors had worked on their angst and for the most part weren't doing it through their entries. One author did strike me as bitter. She had been review-bombed on Goodreads and had felt Goodreads wasn't doing enough about the situation.
I especially appreciated the bibliography that was read at the end of the audiobook. That helped me to remember which names I had recognized and hear again the list of books or other activities by those who'd submitted their essays. In fact I've been planning to get the physical book itself, just to have ready access to that bibliography. (As I said, I don't care for Kindle.) But when I was getting ready to write this review, I opened Kindle and found the separate bibliography isn't included. I guess the publishers thought it wouldn't be needed, since the writers are listed in the table of contents, and, presumably, the reader could just click on the ones in which she's interested. But I was wanting to have a printed list at my fingertips!
One of the authors with whom I wasn't familiar before is Joanna Rakoff, whose memoir, My Salinger Year was made into a movie. Well, I have a thing about Salinger (in fact, have a book about him right now that I've begun but haven't finished) so was glad to be able to watch that movie. I heard her name toward the end of the audiobook bibliography (they were probably in alphabetical order) but finally located her in the table of contents up near the top.
The last entry in the book is by Rabbi Sharon Brous, whose book The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World is a big bestseller. She told about her family's qualms at going on a previously planned trip to Southeast Asia. Even en route to that distant part of the world, and while there, they did experience some harassment, thankfully minor, yet necessitating a discussion with their children. At one point on a boat ride/day tour, they thought the worst when a family started pointing and whispering, "Jew! Jew! Jew!" but it turned out that family had recognized them as Jews by their jewelry -- and were also Jewish!
I got a deal on the Kindle and got that too, so I could look back at entries I'd already listened to. But I don't care for Kindle.
The book is a series of essays about, as the title indicates, what being Jewish is like in the aftermath of October 7 and the wars. It's divided into general categories such as "Jewish Pride and Joy," "I Thought We Were Friends," and "You Have to Laugh," and is put together by Artists Against Antisemitism. The essays are mostly read by their authors. It took me a little while to get into it, after which I did find it moving.
It was not polemical or self-righteous. The authors had worked on their angst and for the most part weren't doing it through their entries. One author did strike me as bitter. She had been review-bombed on Goodreads and had felt Goodreads wasn't doing enough about the situation.
I especially appreciated the bibliography that was read at the end of the audiobook. That helped me to remember which names I had recognized and hear again the list of books or other activities by those who'd submitted their essays. In fact I've been planning to get the physical book itself, just to have ready access to that bibliography. (As I said, I don't care for Kindle.) But when I was getting ready to write this review, I opened Kindle and found the separate bibliography isn't included. I guess the publishers thought it wouldn't be needed, since the writers are listed in the table of contents, and, presumably, the reader could just click on the ones in which she's interested. But I was wanting to have a printed list at my fingertips!
One of the authors with whom I wasn't familiar before is Joanna Rakoff, whose memoir, My Salinger Year was made into a movie. Well, I have a thing about Salinger (in fact, have a book about him right now that I've begun but haven't finished) so was glad to be able to watch that movie. I heard her name toward the end of the audiobook bibliography (they were probably in alphabetical order) but finally located her in the table of contents up near the top.
The last entry in the book is by Rabbi Sharon Brous, whose book The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World is a big bestseller. She told about her family's qualms at going on a previously planned trip to Southeast Asia. Even en route to that distant part of the world, and while there, they did experience some harassment, thankfully minor, yet necessitating a discussion with their children. At one point on a boat ride/day tour, they thought the worst when a family started pointing and whispering, "Jew! Jew! Jew!" but it turned out that family had recognized them as Jews by their jewelry -- and were also Jewish!
November 24, 2024
I'm really glad this book was put together and I appreciate all the authors and artists who contributed to it. Some of the essays really resonated with me a lot and I found them incredibly relatable. Others were interesting and well-told and I'm thankful to have read them. All in all, it made me want to contribute an essay to the Substack. It was nice seeing a lot of familiar names, of authors I read and love. I wish this book had included voices from even more Jewish authors, but then it would have been extremely long. Maybe there will be a second volume in the future?
I only had one minor concern, and that was with one of the essays not fitting the title at all. In the long run, not a big deal, but it was throwing me off at the time and making me wonder if I missed something while reading it.
I highly recommend purchasing this book, as it is insightful and inspiring. All proceeds go to The Artists Against Antisemitism. I especially encourage people who are not Jewish to read this book, in hopes that they will understand what this past year or so has been like for so many of us who still cling to our Jewish identity and pride no matter what.
I only had one minor concern, and that was with one of the essays not fitting the title at all. In the long run, not a big deal, but it was throwing me off at the time and making me wonder if I missed something while reading it.
I highly recommend purchasing this book, as it is insightful and inspiring. All proceeds go to The Artists Against Antisemitism. I especially encourage people who are not Jewish to read this book, in hopes that they will understand what this past year or so has been like for so many of us who still cling to our Jewish identity and pride no matter what.
November 16, 2024
4.5/5 stars
This review is for the audiobook.
This is a collection of essays that explores what it means to be Jewish in 2024. The book is divided into 11 parts and features more than 70 authors, actors and celebrities. On Being Jewish Now is one of the most special books of 2024.
Wow this book is so meaningful. It features many amazing stories. And most of them are read on the audiobook by the people who wrote them. So many of these incredible Jewish stories brought tears to my eyes. There are too many favorites to name them all. However I really enjoyed Dana Levan's story about a stranger going to mourn for someone that he didn't know. And Ali Rosen losing her closest friend for being Jewish. But honestly every single one of these essays was moving and so many made me smile, while others made me cry.
This is an absolute must for all Jewish readers. However I also think that non-Jewish people could get so lot from this collection of essays too.
This review is for the audiobook.
This is a collection of essays that explores what it means to be Jewish in 2024. The book is divided into 11 parts and features more than 70 authors, actors and celebrities. On Being Jewish Now is one of the most special books of 2024.
Wow this book is so meaningful. It features many amazing stories. And most of them are read on the audiobook by the people who wrote them. So many of these incredible Jewish stories brought tears to my eyes. There are too many favorites to name them all. However I really enjoyed Dana Levan's story about a stranger going to mourn for someone that he didn't know. And Ali Rosen losing her closest friend for being Jewish. But honestly every single one of these essays was moving and so many made me smile, while others made me cry.
This is an absolute must for all Jewish readers. However I also think that non-Jewish people could get so lot from this collection of essays too.
September 3, 2025
Barf at the description
December 18, 2024
This powerful collection of short essays (some only one or two pages long) encompasses over 60 Jewish authors and advocates reflecting on the current Jewish experience. Though editor Zibby Owens categorizes the essays by theme (Jewish pride, humor, holidays, changed friendships, etc.), nearly all of them highlight a clear before and after: life before October 7, 2023, and since. These essays strike at the heart of how we Jews have encountered painful and profound changes in all aspects of our lives - our careers, parenting, threats to our safety, lost (and gained) friendships, and how we understand and engage with our Jewish identities.
I felt deeply seen by these essays and found some sort of connection in nearly all of them, including those whose backgrounds widely differ from my own. Zibby Owens did a tremendous job collecting and curating these voices, and I believe this book will be among several important volumes capturing this historic moment for our people. The only thing I would have preferred was more Israeli authors, but understandably, this may not be the right time for reflection. Maybe I missed it, but I also would have liked a high school or college-age author to reflect the experience of younger Jews and life on campus.
I have a feeling this will be read mostly by Jews, but I would implore non-Jews to read these short essays to understand our experience better.
I felt deeply seen by these essays and found some sort of connection in nearly all of them, including those whose backgrounds widely differ from my own. Zibby Owens did a tremendous job collecting and curating these voices, and I believe this book will be among several important volumes capturing this historic moment for our people. The only thing I would have preferred was more Israeli authors, but understandably, this may not be the right time for reflection. Maybe I missed it, but I also would have liked a high school or college-age author to reflect the experience of younger Jews and life on campus.
I have a feeling this will be read mostly by Jews, but I would implore non-Jews to read these short essays to understand our experience better.
October 12, 2024
A much needed collection of essays on what it means to be Jewish after the October 7 attacks by Hamas. I was deeply affected by the date as I saw on my phone atrocities I can never forget. A modern-day pogrom carried out by Iranian backed terrorist group Hamas, who still has over 100 hostages- including 2 small children. Some of the essays really connected with my experience. Standouts include Courtney Sheinmel, who wrote about grief for her mother and seeing signs that maybe her mother was with her through yellow ducks. Some of my favorite authors wrote essays for this collection, and I've discovered others I may want to read their work - although my TBR list is intimidating.
Thank you to Zibby Owen's for putting together the true Jewish voices who have been affected by the I/P war after October 7. It has now been a year, and we need to Bring Them All Home Now. 🎗🎗🎗 The frightening increase in antisemitism here in America has also been documented, how Jewish authors have been blacklisted by Tik Tok / Gen Z who don't understand history or the nuance. I will always support Jewish authors who bravely tell their stories.
Thank you to Zibby Owen's for putting together the true Jewish voices who have been affected by the I/P war after October 7. It has now been a year, and we need to Bring Them All Home Now. 🎗🎗🎗 The frightening increase in antisemitism here in America has also been documented, how Jewish authors have been blacklisted by Tik Tok / Gen Z who don't understand history or the nuance. I will always support Jewish authors who bravely tell their stories.
November 20, 2024
Zibby Owens collected essays from 75 Jewish authors on what it feels like being Jewish after 10/7/23. The essays are at times heartbreaking and at times uplifting, and always on point.
I found myself underlining and bracketing whole paragraphs…sentences and ideas that spoke to me on many levels. There were times I had to put the book aside for a few days because the essays were so emotional. What made the book hard to read, for me anyway, is the exponential rise in Antisemitism in the U.S. and around the world, as well as the heartbreaking loss in the 2024 election and the return to power of an administration that won’t do anything to protect Jews in the U.S., or Israel from its enemies for that matter, and made up of a host of Antisemites.
This can be a difficult read at times, but I’m glad I read it. I’ve also added a lot of authors and their books to my GR “want to read” shelf.
A definite recommend and a must read for any Jewish readers.
I found myself underlining and bracketing whole paragraphs…sentences and ideas that spoke to me on many levels. There were times I had to put the book aside for a few days because the essays were so emotional. What made the book hard to read, for me anyway, is the exponential rise in Antisemitism in the U.S. and around the world, as well as the heartbreaking loss in the 2024 election and the return to power of an administration that won’t do anything to protect Jews in the U.S., or Israel from its enemies for that matter, and made up of a host of Antisemites.
This can be a difficult read at times, but I’m glad I read it. I’ve also added a lot of authors and their books to my GR “want to read” shelf.
A definite recommend and a must read for any Jewish readers.
June 8, 2025
A really interesting read - a collection of essays from American Jews on what it means to be Jewish in the West post-Oct 7th. Eye opening, jarring, and emotionally charged, On Being Jewish Now is a pertinent read that left me feeling intrigued and hopeful for the future. A key takeaway for me was how connected Jewish people are to their history and lineage. Even lapsed or secular Jews are very tied to their ancestry and their origins which I find really interesting — using the story of Exile in Babylon as a guide on how to be hopeful for the future. Very neat! An emotionally charged read that challenges me as a gentile to be better.
Never Again is Now!
Never Again is Now!
January 2, 2025
Thank you, Zibby Owens. This book helped me through a rather difficult holiday season. Since Oct 7th 2023, it’s been hard to make sense of the world reading essays from this brilliant array of voices was inspiring and helpful. I read it as we celebrated Hanukkah.
This is a book to be savored .
This is a book to be savored .
December 30, 2024
Because we can identify with this: “Every night as I tried to fall asleep, it felt like my head was spinning, as if I were drunk. My center of gravity had completely toppled over. I was living in that upside-down universe from my dream. Everything looked the same, and yet, everything was different. I felt sandwiched between hysteria and gaslighting.” (The kicker: “In the subsequent weeks at school, one student got up in front of the class and announced ‘I’m going to kill all the Jews.’”) (Anna Ephron Harari).
But also with this: “Two years, two months, and one week after my mom died was October 7. A week later, I told my son we were going to light the candles for Shabbat. It was something I’d never done with him before. But I imagined hundreds of families in Israel, missing their loved ones, lighting candles, crying desperate prayers. I wanted to add our prayers to the chorus. I had candlesticks from my mom. I paused Archer’s YouTube video and he stood beside me as I stumbled through the prayer that I knew my mom would’ve known better. But the next week, I knew it better, too. The third Friday we said the Shabbat blessing, I struck the match to light the candles, and my son’s little voice began: Baruch atah Adonai… He shocked me by reciting the whole thing. It was beautiful.” (Courtney Sheinmel)
Reading this collection is something like wrapping the community around you. The success of the book shows that Zibby Owens was right: we needed something like this.
But also with this: “Two years, two months, and one week after my mom died was October 7. A week later, I told my son we were going to light the candles for Shabbat. It was something I’d never done with him before. But I imagined hundreds of families in Israel, missing their loved ones, lighting candles, crying desperate prayers. I wanted to add our prayers to the chorus. I had candlesticks from my mom. I paused Archer’s YouTube video and he stood beside me as I stumbled through the prayer that I knew my mom would’ve known better. But the next week, I knew it better, too. The third Friday we said the Shabbat blessing, I struck the match to light the candles, and my son’s little voice began: Baruch atah Adonai… He shocked me by reciting the whole thing. It was beautiful.” (Courtney Sheinmel)
Reading this collection is something like wrapping the community around you. The success of the book shows that Zibby Owens was right: we needed something like this.
October 12, 2024
Poignant.
May 9, 2025
Such a special and highly important project, especially now. The essays made me think, smile, and cry. Jewish authors being blackballed since October 7 is a huge problem yet seems to fly under the radar for most. And the tale as old as time, no one wants to hear Jewish stories or perspectives. What a beautiful way to throw up the middle finger at antisemites and even those just apathetic.
October 2, 2024
Heavier on Israel and October 7th, 2023 and less on simply being Jewish than expected. Emotional.
Zibby Owens is one of the most-liked people in publishing because she is a relentlessly hard-working person who advocates for and creates world-class content. As someone who subscribed to her email list beginning in 2020, was invited through that to an event at her apartment (couldn’t go, but still in awe), received an unnecessary kind response to a friendly email, and knows of her awareness regarding the importance of Goodreads including her personal policy of five stars, she deserves an excellent review.
In regards for being successful and altruistic, here the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Glad Zibby made time to write this.
Zibby Owens is one of the most-liked people in publishing because she is a relentlessly hard-working person who advocates for and creates world-class content. As someone who subscribed to her email list beginning in 2020, was invited through that to an event at her apartment (couldn’t go, but still in awe), received an unnecessary kind response to a friendly email, and knows of her awareness regarding the importance of Goodreads including her personal policy of five stars, she deserves an excellent review.
In regards for being successful and altruistic, here the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Glad Zibby made time to write this.
November 3, 2024
It’s possible that I’m slightly biased, but I think this is an INCREDIBLE book!!!!! The essays in it are at turns humorous, heartwarming, and evocative. They will elicit feelings reminiscent of matzah ball chicken soup on a Friday night and then comfort of being among family.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about this passage from the Torah written thousands of years earlier: עם לבדד ישכון ובגיים לא יתחשב״” A nation that dwells alone, and in the nations they are not reckoned.
We are a mere 0.2 percent of the world’s population who have little known what it is to not be hated for our ethnicity, or to enter a house of worship without security stationed outside. People tell us that they’re not antisemites, they’re simply anti-Zionists while turning a blind eye to the crowds as people yell “Gas the Jews” or “Die Jews” or “Six million weren’t enough” or “Let’s finish what Hitler started.”
This book is our promise to each other and our brethren in Israel—we will always look out and uplift each other for we truly are a nation that stands alone. And when every hostage is returned, we will dance again because that is what we do.
A huge debt of gratitude to our fearless leader, Zibby Owens, for putting this book together in a mere three weeks and for not towing the line. This is what a hero looks like.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about this passage from the Torah written thousands of years earlier: עם לבדד ישכון ובגיים לא יתחשב״” A nation that dwells alone, and in the nations they are not reckoned.
We are a mere 0.2 percent of the world’s population who have little known what it is to not be hated for our ethnicity, or to enter a house of worship without security stationed outside. People tell us that they’re not antisemites, they’re simply anti-Zionists while turning a blind eye to the crowds as people yell “Gas the Jews” or “Die Jews” or “Six million weren’t enough” or “Let’s finish what Hitler started.”
This book is our promise to each other and our brethren in Israel—we will always look out and uplift each other for we truly are a nation that stands alone. And when every hostage is returned, we will dance again because that is what we do.
A huge debt of gratitude to our fearless leader, Zibby Owens, for putting this book together in a mere three weeks and for not towing the line. This is what a hero looks like.
October 31, 2024
Thank you Zibby Owens for putting together this book. So many wonderful authors talking about BEING JEWISH NOW. A must read for all at this time.
July 20, 2025
Short essays by well known writers and artists. All reflections of what it means to be Jewish after October 7th. All the complexities of Jewish identity-and how the younger generation grasp the fragility of safety and security of being Jewish nowadays.
Not to be read in one sitting -at least for me but I did feel at times, the stories started to feel the same. I wish the essays were better written -esp by those bestselling authors. That was my minor peeve.
Otherwise, a wonderful way to capture their feelings and thoughts shortly after October 7th. It’s what I know many of us are experiencing and dealing with too.
Not to be read in one sitting -at least for me but I did feel at times, the stories started to feel the same. I wish the essays were better written -esp by those bestselling authors. That was my minor peeve.
Otherwise, a wonderful way to capture their feelings and thoughts shortly after October 7th. It’s what I know many of us are experiencing and dealing with too.
October 7, 2024
As soon as I heard that Zibby Owens put together a collection of essays about being Jewish written by 75 Jewish authors and advocates I knew I had to have it. I immediately preordered both the kindle and physical versions and as soon as it was on Audible I bought it.
The essays in this collaboration all spoke to me. The collection of authors is a perfect sampling of Judaism. Some are religious and some are not. Some converted to Judaism while others were born into it. Some have always embraced being Jewish while others have only started embracing it after October 7th and even a few others who still don’t out of fear.
What I got from this is the reminder that speaking up is never wrong. It’s not easy but doing what’s right never is. While the kindle and audio versions are available now, the physical copy will hit the shelves on November 1st.
The essays in this collaboration all spoke to me. The collection of authors is a perfect sampling of Judaism. Some are religious and some are not. Some converted to Judaism while others were born into it. Some have always embraced being Jewish while others have only started embracing it after October 7th and even a few others who still don’t out of fear.
What I got from this is the reminder that speaking up is never wrong. It’s not easy but doing what’s right never is. While the kindle and audio versions are available now, the physical copy will hit the shelves on November 1st.
October 16, 2024
I aboslutely love these essays and am so proud to be included in this collection. Thank you Zibby - she is a force and I love her.
October 7, 2024
This was a beautiful book. I didn’t intend to finish it on October 7th, but it was the perfect way to commemorate such a dark day. The essays in the book were beautiful, heartfelt, and articulated so many of the struggles and conflicts I feel and struggle to explain to my non-Jewish friends. This will definitely be a book I read over and over again.
December 30, 2024
On Being Jewish Now-
Such an amazing impactful, thoughtful, mindful and meaningful book.
When I first started reading the essays, I began dog-earring the pages of the ones that resonated with me. As I look side of my book, I noticed that almost all of them are dog-eared!!
Courtney Sheinmel’s essay had an impact on me. I read it the day after my mom’s 8th yharzeit. The list of things my mom (and now my dad) has missed is very very long. As soon as she passed I started seeing ladybugs everywhere! It was very strange at first but I soon realized that she was sending me messages, protection and love. May your mother’s memory (and ducks) be a blessing.
As I read these essays, I thought about my own Jew-ish upbringing and how my husband and I raised our children with more Jew-ish intentions. They will never forget when we took them to Disneyland during Passover 😂😂☺️☺️
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this book! It was truly an honor to read your essays, learn about your struggles, and see how you continue to confront the enduring realities of anti-Semitism. Thank you Zibby for making this happen! Without you, these stories might not have been told. We all know that, “stories are best when shared”!
Proceeds from this book go to @theartistsagainstantisemitism
The (physical) book launched November 4, 2024- 28 days after the one year anniversary of Oct 7, 2023. As I write this review, it is now 449 days and there are still 100 hostages!! It’s way past time for them to come home.
Such an amazing impactful, thoughtful, mindful and meaningful book.
When I first started reading the essays, I began dog-earring the pages of the ones that resonated with me. As I look side of my book, I noticed that almost all of them are dog-eared!!
Courtney Sheinmel’s essay had an impact on me. I read it the day after my mom’s 8th yharzeit. The list of things my mom (and now my dad) has missed is very very long. As soon as she passed I started seeing ladybugs everywhere! It was very strange at first but I soon realized that she was sending me messages, protection and love. May your mother’s memory (and ducks) be a blessing.
As I read these essays, I thought about my own Jew-ish upbringing and how my husband and I raised our children with more Jew-ish intentions. They will never forget when we took them to Disneyland during Passover 😂😂☺️☺️
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this book! It was truly an honor to read your essays, learn about your struggles, and see how you continue to confront the enduring realities of anti-Semitism. Thank you Zibby for making this happen! Without you, these stories might not have been told. We all know that, “stories are best when shared”!
Proceeds from this book go to @theartistsagainstantisemitism
The (physical) book launched November 4, 2024- 28 days after the one year anniversary of Oct 7, 2023. As I write this review, it is now 449 days and there are still 100 hostages!! It’s way past time for them to come home.
December 9, 2025
This book - a collection of short stories- captured the feelings of our community since October 2023, and occasionally even earlier.
I listened to the audiobook. I highly recommend it as many of the authors read their own story.
I listened to the audiobook. I highly recommend it as many of the authors read their own story.
March 4, 2025
This collection of heartfelt and meaningful thoughts and reflections was written in response to October 7. Detailing the impact on their lives and those of their families, these Jewish authors wrote honestly and emotionally.. definitely worth reading and supporting Artists Against Antisemitism!
April 18, 2025
This book was the exact book I needed to read right now. The stories were at times uplifting, at time sobering, at times funny and just in general made me even more proud to be a Jew right now.
November 17, 2024
I have never related so much to something so important. I am so grateful this collection of stories was put together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews