Stars of David

August 1, 2005
Consistently engaging, these 60 interviews conducted by journalist Pogrebin explore the thoughts of well-known artists, politicians and others in the public eye on the complexities of Jewish identity—and the emotions they engender. The issues touched on range from the legacy of the Holocaust to the Middle East, Jewish traditions, intermarriage and much more. The conflicts are typified by Sarah Jessica Parker, who says her supportive feelings about Israel in its conflict with the Palestinians make her feel more Jewish, but she is uncertain about the religious education she will give her child. Others, like Dustin Hoffman and William Kristol, have been firmly committed to passing on Jewish rituals and history to their children. Gloria Steinem, who joyfully attends feminist seders, still remains alienated by the sexist bias of most religions. In two arresting pieces, politician Barney Frank and playwright Tony Kushner address what it's like to be both gay and Jewish. Pogrebin says this book grew out of her efforts to clarify her own Jewish identity. But you don't need to be on such a quest to enjoy the wide range of experiences and feelings recorded here. Photos. Agent, David Kuhn.

September 15, 2005
Journalist Pogrebin interviewed 61 successful Americans to elicit their thoughts on being Jewish and how -if at all -this heritage influences their lives. The profiles are engaging, intimate, brief (ranging from two to 14 pages), and frequently surprising and insightful. Interviewees include actors, directors, business tycoons, writers, politicians, journalists, designers, Supreme Court justices Ginsburg and Breyer, athletes Shawn Green and Mark Spitz, and architect Richard Meier. While Pogrebin explicitly does not draw conclusions about the state of Judaism in America, even just among the rich and famous, it is striking how rarely God is mentioned across the dozens of interviews. The subjects differ on such packed issues as Israel, intermarriage, and anti-Semitism. The personal importance of their Jewishness also varies widely. But while many are passionate about the culture and history of the Jewish people, few are particularly observant and fewer still involved with theological Judaism. In a thoughtful epilog, Pogrebin notes that this widespread lack of religiousness actually inspired her to return to synagogue and study the Torah. Altogether, this is a provocative and enjoyable book for Jews and gentiles alike. -Janet Ingraham Dwyer, Worthington Libs., OH

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