On Being Jewish Now: Essays and Reflections from Authors and Advocates by Zibby OwensMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an interesting collection of short essays and reflections by a wide range of authors (75 of them). They range in length, quality, and focus. Many of the contributors are authors themselves, others involved in the writing business in some other way. I definitely put several new books on my wish list after reading the essays. Though I'd guess the majority of the contributors of American Jews from more liberal/reform traditions, there are several that don't fit that mold: religious Jews, Jews of color, Israelis, and so on. The essays are short, they can be read in any order and at any time.
I only gave this 4 instead 5 stars because I think I was expecting something a bit more intellectual, a bit more pensive and philosophical about what it means to be Jewish today. Mostly, though, these are more personal reflections on how October 7 and the rise of antisemitism affected the authors. There are a few that are broader than that, but for the most part these are two or three pages about the personal impact of that awful day. This is important and interesting; but I was hoping for something with a bit more intellectual bite. Nevertheless, Zibby Owens has put together an impressive collection here that is worth reading.
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