Sarah Hurwitz, Harvard Law Scool graduate and former speechwriter for the Obamas and Hillary Clinton, has written an interesting book about her personal journey from “a typical lapsed Jew” to someone who puts Judaism front and center of her life.

From my perspective, it was fascinating to read her description and tales from the heart of assimilated Jewry in the USA, a body of people I know very little about. Hurwitz paints a sad portrait – well, it was sad to me – of a people with no connection to their birthright and no serious prospect of ever reclaiming it. Given the stark background, Hurwitz’s tale is that more remarkable. Bear in mind, she was someone who felt uncomfortable when she encountered students at university who knew how to celebrate Shabbat in all its glory. (This refreshingly honest self-appraisal runs throughout the book and makes the path that more engrossing and involving.)

The author makes a point of highlighting how antisemitism has had, arguably, more of an impact on Jewish identity than any other factor, and her growing anger with that state of affairs. She takes on the onerous task of educating herself about myriad aspects of Judaism – yes, including Israel – and she finds the hard work rewarding because it brings inner strength and conviction resulting in a whole new approach and a desire to spread the message by lecturing and writing this book.

While I don’t agree with all that she says, it’s all worth reading. Instead of the social media characters who post ‘As a Jew’, here is a real, connected Jew, speaking from the heart with pride and purpose.

Highly recommended.