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SAN FRANCISCO, CA: Jewish Community Center of San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, CA: Jewish Community Center of San Francisco

Mon, Nov 10

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JCC of San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, CA: Jewish Community Center of San Francisco

Come hear an urgent and deeply personal call to reclaim what it means to be Jewish – on our own terms. The former White House speechwriter reflects on identity, peoplehood and spiritual resilience in the face of rising antisemitism.

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Time & Location

Nov 10, 2025, 7:00 PM

JCC of San Francisco, 3200 California St, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA

About the event

Register for this event here: https://www.jccsf.org/event/sarah-hurwitz-as-a-jew/


What does it mean to be Jewish today – in a world that too often defines us by hate, headlines, and hashtags? 

Join author and former Obama speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz for a powerful conversation about her new book, As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us. Part memoir, part manifesto, it’s a courageous defense of Jewish dignity and belonging – and a heartfelt invitation to reconnect with who we are. 


In conversation with Barry Finestone, president and CEO of the Jim Joseph Foundation, Hurwitz shares the journey behind her writing – from rediscovering her own connection to Judaism to challenging narratives that marginalize or erase Jewish life. Together, they’ll explore the intersections of faith, justice, memory, and modern identity – asking what it means to be Jewish as we are, not as others wish us to be. 


“We don’t need to be perfect to deserve dignity. We don’t need to be united to deserve safety. We don’t need to be saints to be worthy of solidarity. We’re Jews. That’s enough.” – from As a Jew 


Don’t miss this timely and thought-provoking event. 


Sarah Hurwitz served as senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama and chief speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, she is also the author of Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life – in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There)


Barry Finestone is president and CEO of the Jim Joseph Foundation, one of the leading funders of Jewish education and engagement in the country. A passionate advocate for Jewish life and learning, he is known for his visionary leadership, commitment to inclusion, and ability to connect people and ideas across communities. 

Presented in partnership with the Jim Joseph Foundation, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund and Books Inc. 


Questions? Email support@jccsf.org

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