Stars of David: Prominent Jews Talk About Being Jewish

Given that Jews only comprise about 1.5 % (give or take a few tenths of a percent) of all Americans, and are concentrated in a relatively few of our states and cities (there are currently listed only 600 total for North and South Dakota combined) it might pay all of us to find out a bit more about these folk who seem to arouse deep enmity among some other Americans. (Their percentage of the total of all the earth's population of 7-8 Billion is so tiny, although including all the Jews who exist it the World today, (ca 14 million) is so tiny that one must diligently search to find it hidden near the bottom of the listings.)This is a good place to start for those who are curious about this population oddity.

I am not Jewish, but have long been Interested in Jewish culture and history. I found this book to be a marvelous testament to the resilience and power of the Jewish people.

Only celebrity Jews in this book, so it lacks viewpoints and experiences of non-celebrity Jews. Some of the people in this book come across as entitled and unaware of Jewish experiences other than those with substantial wealth and educated in private schools. Nevertheless, interesting.

Sixty-one of the most accomplished Jews in America speak intimately about how they feel about being Jewish, the influence of their heritage, the weight and pride of their history, the burdens and pleasures of observance, the moments they’ve felt most Jewish (or not).Thanks to Abigail Pogrebin’s "fly on the wall approach", you feel like you are sitting beside the author during the interviews.This book of vivid, personal portraits reveals how the experience of being Jewish is amplified by fame and also how the author’s evolving Jewish identity was changed by what she heard.

Real eye-opener to how people of my parents' generation (young boomers/gen x) view Judaism and interact with it. Though I have to say, the number of men saying they don't like Jewish women was disheartening. It's amazing what was okay to say ten years ago, I guess. Or maybe I just hang out in more positive Jewish spaces.I was honestly surprised at what "stars" were included. I assume that who was included was based off of who responded, but it was sad that there were so few actively Jewish people in the book (and so few Jews of color and non-Ashkenazic Jews). I guess I kind of assumed that the people who would respond to the interview request would like...enjoy being Jewish? On the one hand, I shouldn't be surprised--the opinions about Jewish ritual (especially expressed by those who didn't grow up with it that much) are pretty much the same as my dad's--but I was hoping for more chapters like Steven Spielbergs, I guess.Though it did make me confident Pogrebin was reporting it as it was!

I loved reading the opinions about their Jewish faith. They were very honest and open but never argumentative about their belief or non-beliefs. Each person shared that they may not practice their faith but had remained Strong in their Jewish identity.

Enjoyed reading differing opinions from famous people. Some actually had interesting thoughts and opinions and others just babbled nonsense and I don't think they had a clue just felt the need to make some kind of a statement. Everyone is entitled to their opinion,,,

I found this book to be very disturbing. Most of the celebrities are totally secular, intermarried and in most ways confused and even uncomfortable about themselves as Jews. Most go to Seders. Many to synagogue for the high holy days and relate to the holocaust and support of Israel. However, they are largely unschooled in their religion and do not go out their way to encourage thir children to embrace Judaism. Its quite sad and a little bit scary if they are representative of the direction of American Judaism now and for the future.I do recommend reading this book, but be prepared to be disappointed by the contributors lack of faith.

Without giving too much away Leonard Nimoy reveals where his "live long and prosper" hand came from, just for that its worth reading, but its a collection of famous people talking about their Jewish faith, loved it.

Sehr gute Erzählungen

Good condition