Book Selections

"Rabbi Diana Fersko is used to having difficult conversations with members of her congregation about how the rise is antisemitism is affecting their lives, from the threat of violence to microaggressions and identity denial. In We Need to Talk About Antisemitism, she gives us the tools we need to understand the state of antisemitism today. Unpacking the origins of the most prominent conspiracy theories about the Jewish people, Rabbi Fersko shows how antisemitism enters our public discourse in sometimes obvious but often incredibly subtle ways. Calling on Jews and non-Jews alike, she teaches us how to speak up against hate--and counter it with a message of solidarity and hope."--Dust jacket flap.

In A Time to Speak Out, a collection of strong Jewish voices come together to explore some of the most challenging issues facing diaspora Jews. With articles on such topics as international law, the Holocaust, varieties of Zionism, self-hatred, the multiplicity of Jewish identities, and human rights, these essays provide powerful evidence of the vitality of independent Jewish opinion as well as demonstrating that criticism of Israel has a crucial role to play in the continuing history of a Jewish concern for social justice. At once sober and radical, A Time To Speak Out reclaims an often intemperate debate for those both inside and outside Israel who prefer to confront uncomfortable truths. Nearly all contributors were associated with the Independent Jewish Voices declaration which, when launched in Britain in 2007, opened a floodgate of responses. Independent Jewish Voices is a group of Jews in Britain from diverse backgrounds, occupations and affiliations who have in common a strong commitment to social justice and universal human rights.