We Need to Talk about Antisemitism - by Diana Fersko (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Every day, Rabbi Diana Fersko fields questions she doesn't know how to answer: "My daughter isn't comfortable being Jewish on campus, do you have a minute to talk?" "Another shooting at a kosher marketplace. Should I be afraid?" Members of her congregation come to her worried and confused, and she lacks a resource she can point to that will help them understand what, exactly, is going on with antisemitism today--until now. We Need to Talk About Antisemitism provides a comprehensive overview of modern antisemitism in all its forms, galvanizing readers to fight for social justice. Drawing on historical research and current events, Fersko takes us through the roots of some of the most pernicious and damaging myths about Jewish people. She unpacks the microaggressions, identity denial, and Christian privilege that many Jews have to contend with, and examines the current American political landscape to condemn the antisemitism of both the far right and the far left. Fersko discusses the intersection of antisemitism and race, including the persistent erasure of Jews of color, and weaves an intersectional model that links antisemitism to other forms of discrimination. She thoughtfully engages with difficult moral questions about Israel and more, creating a dialogue with readers that aims to spark, not shut down, conversation. Finally, she shows Jews and non-Jews alike how to learn more, speak up, and come together, spreading a message of solidarity and hope. Approachable and ultimately optimistic, We Need to Talk About Antisemitism pairs a serious discussion of an enduring form of hatred with a deep commitment to hope and perseverance. This is a timely read for anyone who wants to learn more about what it means to be a religious minority in America today, and for anyone passionate about fighting injustice in any of its forms"--]cProvided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A millennial rabbi explores why we're reluctant to discuss antisemitism--and empowers us to fight against it

Antisemitism is on the rise in America, in cities and rural areas, in red states and blue states, and in guises both subtle and terrifyingly overt. Rabbi Diana Fersko is used to having difficult conversations with members of her congregation about the issues they face--from the threat of violence to microaggressions and identity denial. In We Need to Talk About Antisemitism, she gives all of us the ultimate guide to modern antisemitism in its many forms.

Exploring topics like vile myths about Jewish people and the intersection of antisemitism with other forms of discrimination, We Need to Talk About Antisemitism gives readers the tools they need to understand the state of antisemitism today. Fersko shows Jews and non-Jews alike how to speak up and come together, spreading a message of solidarity and hope. This is a timely read for anyone passionate about fighting for social justice.  

Review Quotes

"We Need to Talk About Antisemitism is a vital book for our times. It should be required reading by school administrators, elected officials, business managers, others in leadership positions, or anyone else who cares about the state of Jews in modern America."--New York Journal of Books

"In this impassioned debut, Fersko examines recent manifestations of antisemitism in American culture, with the intent to provide accessible guidance 'to identifying and combatting Jew hatred today.' This is a fervent and heartfelt call to combat antisemitism."--Publishers Weekly

"An essential read for anyone interested in any aspect of antiracism or diversity, equity, and inclusion, or who generally wants to understand the current climate for Jewish people."--Library Journal, starred review

"An eye-opening and thought-provoking read."--Kirkus

"'Antisemitism is complicated and confusing'--or so we all say. Rabbi Diana Fersko's book says otherwise, demystifying the convoluted subject with clarity, conviction, and real-life case studies. You'll find yourself emotionally invested, nodding, gasping, sighing and eye-rolling your way through a book that could be a 101 course or a PhD study guide. You'll be surprised that, with such a serious topic, you could thoroughly enjoy the read."--Amanda Berman, founder and Executive Director of the Zioness Movement

"In this clearly argued, readable, and passionate book, Rabbi Diana Fersko confronts the complicated set of poisonous ideas facing Jews in our times and seeks the tools and words to fight back. A crucial guide for those perplexed by the persistence of antisemitism and by what can be done about it." --Matti Friedman, author of Who by Fire

"Rabbi Diana Fersko's book is written with passion, insight, and a deep commitment to the Jewish people. It shows how antisemitism enters different aspects of our life, sometimes without us realizing it. It is urgent to discuss these issues and Fersko demonstrates to us how to do so." --Natan Sharansky, human rights activist and author of The Case for Democracy

About the Author

Rabbi Diana Fersko is the Senior Rabbi at the Village Temple in Manhattan. She is a former national vice president of the Women's Rabbinic Network and a member of the New York Board of Rabbis. Fersko has been profiled in the New Yorker and has been published in HuffPost.  She lives in New York City.