Last summer, I furiously compiled this anthology, ON BEING JEWISH NOW. I was a woman possessed, putting everything else aside to work with 75 amazing authors and my publishing house to bring it to market by October 1.
It hurts my heart to read about the almost daily hatred, ridicule, slurs, insults, cancellations, and betrayals you face simply for naming Jewish experiences and creating visibility in this moment. I think we share a similar vision for a future of peace and ease. For all. But somehow it has become rude and thoughtless to even suggest we Jews are suffering anything, or should be included in how that vision comes to be.
A recent video post on Substack of a conversation I had about my novel WHITE with another Jewish writer, received the most vile, violent, threatening antisemitic responses. What is much more disappointing to me than the expected white supremacist hateful spew, is the near silence from my progressive queer community to my own post describing the attack. It is being shared and read. But by other Jews and a couple of allies. I received a few private emails to tell me how great and important the piece was, but they didn't like or share it on social media.
It's a painful time and all we can do is keep writing and speaking about it.
Poignant. And even though some efforts may have fallen on deaf ears, there’s a chronological history with heartfelt personal stories shared. The book offers an opened eyed view into a minority population.
It might not convince, readjust opinions or even reach the masses however it highlights sensitive topics on religious faith and resilience and community, where education is most valuable but also teetering on its own.
In response to your question, yes the extraordinary amount of time and effort you spent was warranted and brilliant. Congratulations on exposing yourself and for the collaboration. Since many industries, like publishing, have lopsided views on a variety of controversial subjects like Israel’s right to exist, at least these are real stories from real people.
Thank you for writing as I too was recently asked to be on a local network for my new book on radiance “The Radiant Woman Shines” and then sensed something went wrong. I had added my website on the bottom of my email reply to 4 people Then I heard crickets for the schedule. I had just written a concluded blog on Antisemitism. Jew hatred as the term has been since updated is despicable. I’m sad for your repercussions yet happy you set all projects aside. Many Jewish people as well as non Jews will gain informed understanding from the exposure. So yes, “On Being Jewish Now” was a viable project. I sense many others are and will continue to contribute towards the much needed improvements on these times. May we use our voices to help keep the dialogue and conversations going no matter how convoluted. It’ll help to get a little piece of our hearts going out and to meet others with hopeful respect. It was and is a big moment in time and our voices, your voice is greatly appreciated and matters. Thanks Zibby to you and all of your colleagues and storytellers. I wouldn’t have been in your thread here if it wasn’t for your perseverance! Wishing you continued success.
A book, like a bird, takes on a life of its own once it is released into the world. I came to the event where you spoke at Toronto's Holy Blossom Temple and it was clear from the packed crowd you had touched a collective nerve--even before we opened the covers. The book functioned as a place for a conversation, for us to hear from a collective of voices, many of them new to us and it provided a platform and a bridge. In this way I see it as more than a book, I see it a form of community building, and discovery and a place where we can hear Jewish voices from around the world. I raise a toast to you Libby.
For those who want to read more about Jew hatred I recommend Anti-Judaism: The Western Tradition by David Nirenberg-which shows how anti-Jewish ideas have shaped ancient civilizations to modern Europe. It's sobering and should be consumed with a glass of good single malt.
Despite it all, I raise a L'chaim to you Libby and other writers. Besorot Tovot..
You’re a warrior and a shining light. This book has a long life beyond this time. It’s a snapshot of history. Someday it will be read as Anne Frank’s diary is - as a reminder of what we lived through. The measure of its impact is generational.
Yes your book made a difference. In addition to bookstores try to get it into libraries. You never know who will be influenced by it. I wrote a book based on my dissertation about the poisonous climate facing those engaged in research about Zionist history ( who are not pro BDS) that came out in 2012 that is just now getting cited by academics! The written word remains! Thank you for your efforts !
I loved your book — because of your efforts. I bought copies for family, friends and staff at my temple. I also shared the book with my students who purchased and discussed. It’s a pleasure being in contact with you Zibby, a passionate, selfless advocate. You make a difference. 😍
I read it in one sitting, it’s incredibly well done, so thank you for putting it together. I’ve sent it to several friends too who have shared it, so I know it’s making a valuable impact in a lot of lives. If nothing else, it has made me feel seen, even more proud to be part of the Jewish community and comforted that there are people like you and the contributors in this world.
It makes sense that you were possessed by the project. I preordered the book, have recommended it to several people, and will suggest it for my local bookclub next time. Thank you putting it into the world.
It hurts my heart to read about the almost daily hatred, ridicule, slurs, insults, cancellations, and betrayals you face simply for naming Jewish experiences and creating visibility in this moment. I think we share a similar vision for a future of peace and ease. For all. But somehow it has become rude and thoughtless to even suggest we Jews are suffering anything, or should be included in how that vision comes to be.
A recent video post on Substack of a conversation I had about my novel WHITE with another Jewish writer, received the most vile, violent, threatening antisemitic responses. What is much more disappointing to me than the expected white supremacist hateful spew, is the near silence from my progressive queer community to my own post describing the attack. It is being shared and read. But by other Jews and a couple of allies. I received a few private emails to tell me how great and important the piece was, but they didn't like or share it on social media.
It's a painful time and all we can do is keep writing and speaking about it.
I deeply appreciate your willingness to be bold.
Poignant. And even though some efforts may have fallen on deaf ears, there’s a chronological history with heartfelt personal stories shared. The book offers an opened eyed view into a minority population.
It might not convince, readjust opinions or even reach the masses however it highlights sensitive topics on religious faith and resilience and community, where education is most valuable but also teetering on its own.
In response to your question, yes the extraordinary amount of time and effort you spent was warranted and brilliant. Congratulations on exposing yourself and for the collaboration. Since many industries, like publishing, have lopsided views on a variety of controversial subjects like Israel’s right to exist, at least these are real stories from real people.
Thank you for writing as I too was recently asked to be on a local network for my new book on radiance “The Radiant Woman Shines” and then sensed something went wrong. I had added my website on the bottom of my email reply to 4 people Then I heard crickets for the schedule. I had just written a concluded blog on Antisemitism. Jew hatred as the term has been since updated is despicable. I’m sad for your repercussions yet happy you set all projects aside. Many Jewish people as well as non Jews will gain informed understanding from the exposure. So yes, “On Being Jewish Now” was a viable project. I sense many others are and will continue to contribute towards the much needed improvements on these times. May we use our voices to help keep the dialogue and conversations going no matter how convoluted. It’ll help to get a little piece of our hearts going out and to meet others with hopeful respect. It was and is a big moment in time and our voices, your voice is greatly appreciated and matters. Thanks Zibby to you and all of your colleagues and storytellers. I wouldn’t have been in your thread here if it wasn’t for your perseverance! Wishing you continued success.
A book, like a bird, takes on a life of its own once it is released into the world. I came to the event where you spoke at Toronto's Holy Blossom Temple and it was clear from the packed crowd you had touched a collective nerve--even before we opened the covers. The book functioned as a place for a conversation, for us to hear from a collective of voices, many of them new to us and it provided a platform and a bridge. In this way I see it as more than a book, I see it a form of community building, and discovery and a place where we can hear Jewish voices from around the world. I raise a toast to you Libby.
For those who want to read more about Jew hatred I recommend Anti-Judaism: The Western Tradition by David Nirenberg-which shows how anti-Jewish ideas have shaped ancient civilizations to modern Europe. It's sobering and should be consumed with a glass of good single malt.
Despite it all, I raise a L'chaim to you Libby and other writers. Besorot Tovot..
You’re a warrior and a shining light. This book has a long life beyond this time. It’s a snapshot of history. Someday it will be read as Anne Frank’s diary is - as a reminder of what we lived through. The measure of its impact is generational.
You never know who might purchase that book or find it in a neighborhood free library box. 🙏🙏
I’d love to know which bookstores banned it on sight.
Yes your book made a difference. In addition to bookstores try to get it into libraries. You never know who will be influenced by it. I wrote a book based on my dissertation about the poisonous climate facing those engaged in research about Zionist history ( who are not pro BDS) that came out in 2012 that is just now getting cited by academics! The written word remains! Thank you for your efforts !
I loved your book — because of your efforts. I bought copies for family, friends and staff at my temple. I also shared the book with my students who purchased and discussed. It’s a pleasure being in contact with you Zibby, a passionate, selfless advocate. You make a difference. 😍
I read and shared your book, Zibby. It makes a world of difference. Thank you!
I read it in one sitting, it’s incredibly well done, so thank you for putting it together. I’ve sent it to several friends too who have shared it, so I know it’s making a valuable impact in a lot of lives. If nothing else, it has made me feel seen, even more proud to be part of the Jewish community and comforted that there are people like you and the contributors in this world.
It makes sense that you were possessed by the project. I preordered the book, have recommended it to several people, and will suggest it for my local bookclub next time. Thank you putting it into the world.