About this episode

The episode explores the significance of contemporary Jewish literature in relation to identity and community in the wake of recent events.

What does today’s Jewish literature tell us about this moment?   Identity/Crisis is excited to present a special audio version of a conversation that first appeared in print in the Summer 2026 issue of Sources: A Journal of Jewish Ideas. It’s moderated by Tali Rosenblatt-Cohen, host of the podcast The Five Books, with guests Naomi Firestone-Teeter, CEO of Jewish Book Council and Lauren Wein, Vice President and Editorial Director of Avid Reader Press at Simon & Schuster. They address the introspection and urgency driving Jewish writers to navigate questions of identity, trauma, Zionism, and community in the years since October 7. From Philip Roth to Taffy Brodesser-Akner, they discuss what Jewish books reveal about the ever-changing American Jewish experience.  Claire Sufrin, editor of Sources and Hartman’s Director of Research and Publication, introduces and frames this episode.   You can now sponsor an episode of Identity/Crisis. Click HERE to learn more.  JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS    Here’s more from the Shalom Hartman Institute this week: College students, apply now for the 2026 Edward Fein Winter Student Seminar!  

People in this episode

Host: Tali Rosenblatt-Cohen

Guests: Naomi Firestone-Teeter, Lauren Wein

Topics covered

• Jewish literature
• identity
• trauma
• Zionism
• American Jewish experience
• community

Keywords

• Jewish literature
• identity
• Zionism
• trauma
• American Jewish experience
• community
• Tali Rosenblatt-Cohen
• Naomi Firestone-Teeter
• Lauren Wein

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Jewish Book Council, Avid Reader Press, Simon & Schuster

Books & works: Sources: A Journal of Jewish Ideas

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