Jewish Crossroads: Jewish Identity in Times of Crisis

• Former Obama Speechwriter Tackles Antisemitism

  In this episode of Jewish Crossroads, we sit down with Sarah Hurwitz—former chief speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama and senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama—to discuss her upcoming book, As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us.Sarah opens up about how a personal breakup sparked an unexpected intellectual and emotional journey into Judaism—not through traditional religious practice, but through a deep engagement with Jewish texts, history, and ideas. She challenges the concept of “cultural Judaism,” advocating instead for a more informed, substantive connection to Jewish heritage.We also delve into how centuries of antisemitism have shaped Jewish self-perception, and hear Sarah’s candid and deeply disappointed reflections on how her alma mater, Harvard University, has responded to recent events.If you would like to be in touch with us contact: [email protected] on X: https://x.com/tamarishshalomTamar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamarishshalom/JPPI on X: https://x.com/JewishPolicyJPPI on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewishpeoplepolicyinstitute/

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• Special Pesach Episode with Rachel Goldberg-Polin

  This special episode of Jewish Crossroads is released ahead of Passover — the holiday of freedom. But for 59 Israeli families, true freedom still feels painfully out of reach.Tamar speaks with Rachel Goldberg-Polin, the American-Israeli mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was kidnapped and murdered by Hamas. Rachel has become one of the most powerful and persistent voices in the global campaign to bring the remaining hostages home.In this conversation, we discuss her grief, the moral clarity that sustains her, and the strength she’s found in prayer, in community, and in her son’s own words — shared in captivity to help others survive.Rachel speaks with honesty about Hersh’s life and death, while continuing to fight for those still living in darkness. She challenges the government’s refusal to act, honors the voices of the diaspora, and asks us all: What kind of people will we be in this moment?If you would like to be in touch with us contact: [email protected] on X: https://x.com/tamarishshalomTamar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamarishshalom/JPPI on X: https://x.com/JewishPolicyJPPI on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewishpeoplepolicyinstitute/

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• Why Progressives Failed The Test of October 7 with Joshua Leifer

  When Joshua Leifer’s book Tablets Shattered was released, it was clear he wasn’t pulling any punches. A fierce critique of the Jewish establishment, a personal reckoning with American Jewish identity, and a progressive take on Israel that refuses easy answers – the book was bound to provoke strong reactions. But no one expected his Brooklyn launch event to be canceled at the last minute because his guest, a Reform rabbi, was a Zionist. In this episode, Leifer joins Tamarto unpack that surreal moment and the deeper tensions it exposed. With sharp insight and unflinching honesty, he delves into the struggles of being a progressive Jew in today’s polarized environment, the moral test of October 7th, and why he believes many of his progressive allies failed it – leading him to reassess his affiliations while holding firm to his core political beliefs.

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• Jewish Philanthropy After October 7

  Julie Platt, a prominent leader in the American Jewish community, currently serves as Chair of the Jewish Federations of North America. Following the tumultuous congressional hearings and the subsequent resignations of the President and Chair of the University of Pennsylvania, Platt was appointed as the institution’s interim Chair. In our latest podcast, she discusses the critical importance of maintaining a Jewish presence in key positions: “Either you have a seat at the table, or you’re on the menu.” Platt shares her experience of being inundated with hate mail after accepting the interim role and reflects on the weight of leadership in turbulent times. She also unveils an unexpected Jewish connection in Wicked – the beloved musical and film produced by her husband, Marc Platt. Beneath its dazzling spectacle lies a deeper resonance, one intertwined with Jewish history and identity in ways most audiences never realize.Additionally, Platt expresses her deep disappointment with many Hollywood stars following October 7, but also highlights those whose unwavering support profoundly moved her. We examine the extraordinary mobilization of Jewish federations in support of Israel after October 7 and the emergence of new philanthropists – individuals who hadn’t previously donated to Jewish or Israeli causes but have now stepped up to the plate. Join Tamar for an incisive conversation with a woman whose tireless dedication continues to inspire the community.If you would like to be in touch with us contact: [email protected] on X: https://x.com/tamarishshalomTamar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamarishshalom/JPPI on X: https://x.com/JewishPolicyJPPI on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewishpeoplepolicyinstitute/

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• Antisemitism as Cultural Sadism with Professor Susannah Heschel

  For the past 16 months, U.S. campuses have been rocked by protests, encampments, and confrontations, with university leaders often struggling – or outright failing – to respond. But one Ivy League school took a different path, leading to a different outcome. Dartmouth stands out for something rare: a sense of hope.At the center of this story is Professor Susannah Heschel, a leading scholar of Jewish Studies and the daughter of the legendary Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel – one of the great moral voices of the 20th century. In this conversation, she shares what happened at Dartmouth, why it worked, and what it reveals about this moment in history.We also explore her powerful argument that antisemitism isn’t just hatred – it’s cultural sadism. What does that mean? And why does her father’s legacy feel more urgent than ever?If you would like to be in touch with us contact: [email protected] on X: https://x.com/tamarishshalomTamar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamarishshalom/JPPI on X: https://x.com/JewishPolicyJPPI on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewishpeoplepolicyinstitute/

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