The Merrick Jewish Centre will welcome author and former White House speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz on May 19 for a community conversation centered on her latest book exploring Jewish identity, history and modern antisemitism.
The event, scheduled for 7:30 p.m., at 225 Fox Blvd. in Merrick, will feature Hurwitz’s discussion of her book, entitled “As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us.” The program is presented by the Rabbi Charles and Betty Klein Legacy Committee.
The book, a New York Times Bestseller, traces Jewish history, identity and the roots of antisemitism while also examining contemporary debates surrounding Zionism and anti-Jewish hatred. Hurwitz, who served as a speechwriter in the White House under President Barack Obama, reflects on her own personal journey of Jewish discovery, including her experiences confronting antisemitism and re-engaging with Jewish tradition and learning.
Joanne Skop, co-chair of the Merrick Jewish Centre’s Lifelong Learning Committee and one of the event organizers, said the program comes at a time of heightened concern in Jewish communities nationwide.
“In this time, when so much of the Jewish community is in fear — synagogues are spending so much of their budgets on security due to fear of being attacked — that’s one of the reasons why we brought her in,” Skop said.
She also pointed to concerns among Jewish college students navigating campus environments amid rising antisemitic incidents.
Skop said the book offers a balanced historical perspective on Jewish identity and the development of the State of Israel while also addressing questions around modern antisemitism and anti-Zionism.
“I hope people leave fortified with knowledge to be able to address verbal attacks of antisemitism, and that they feel empowered to be whoever they were meant to be,” she said.
Skop added that Hurwitz’s background as a speechwriter and communicator is an asset to the discussion, noting her ability to translate complex historical and cultural issues into accessible language.
Rabbi Joshua Dorsch, spiritual leader of the Merrick Jewish Centre, said Hurwitz’s message arrives at a meaningful moment for the community.
“We are so excited to be bringing Sarah Hurwitz to the MJC,” Dorsch said. “Her message is both timeless and urgently relevant. It’s rooted in tradition while speaking directly to the questions and challenges of our time.”
Former Merrick Jewish Centre Rabbi Charles Klein, for whom the lecture series is named along with his wife Betty, said he and his wife were first introduced to Hurwitz through an interview and were immediately drawn to her message.
“In this historic moment in the history of the American Jewish community, her message needed to be heard by members of our community,” Klein said. “Her words illuminate the challenges of the present and the possibilities for our Jewish future.”
Organizers said copies of Hurwitz’s book will be available at the event, which is open to all community members interested in learning more about Jewish history and the contemporary issues Jewish people are facing.
