what does a jew look like?

by Keith Kahn-Harris

Unknown Binding

About the author

I am a sociologist and writer, based in London. An author of seven books, editor of several collections and many articles and reviews, my career bridges academia and multiple other worlds. I've written about denial, Jews, antisemitism, metal - and the multilingual warning messages inside Kinder Surprise Eggs.

Reviews

[Deb · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to give this book a higher rating - it's beautifully laid out, and the stories are interesting - but the book literally fell to pieces in my hand as I was reading it.

I love the idea of the book - a look at the diversity of Britain's Jews, and I love the reason behind the book - but I really did not appreciate paying for a brand-new book and having it fall apart in my hands the first time I picked it up to read.

So, while the book was good, the construction was so poor that it had a major effect on my rating.

[Emma Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and instructive book of photos and accompanying words from the subject of each photo. Living in Leeds, I am familiar with the various Jewish groups, and a fair number of their traditions. I have Jewish friends, both observant and secular in outlook. I also love Klezmer music, and Jewish food. Even our Marks & Spencer stocks challah, which is only right since M&S is a Jewish foundation, and some of the supermarkets have separate sections of Kosher food. I was so pleased to see the wide range of people, and for the book to reflect how different they are from that over-used photo depicting just one religious grouping.

[Kathryn Dominey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great portrait of what it means to be Jewish in the UK. Media is plagued by the stereotypical image of the Haredi men in their long black coats and black hats and this book aims to challenge that view.

As an Ashkenazi liberal Jew it was great to see myself represented but also to learn about how others identify themselves. There was a great mix of different sects and identities from interfaith upbringings to LGBT.

I recommend it to non Jews looking to expand their knowledge and Jews who would like to explore the world outside their congregation.

[Naomi Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

My colleague told me to get this book We are the ‘token’ Jews at work. All of us are Ashkenazi, so maybe I should of passed the book our colleagues.

I can’t stop praising this book as there is only one image ever shown of Jews and that is the narrative in the media. I passed it on to my Dad as he loves photography the photos are really well taken and people’s stories were really interesting. Even we make stereotypes, obviously I know it’s their own story.

When I gave it to my Dad yesterday we were out for coffee and my Mum who has dementia was there. I gave her the book to look at she was reading away while we Das and I chatted completely engaged…….