Presented by the Institute for Jewish Spirituality

IJS Book Talk with Sarah Hurwitz

Date & Time

Thursday, 01/15/2026
8:00pm EST - 9:00pm EST
Add to Calendar 01/15/2026 08:00:00 PM 01/15/2026 09:00:00 PM America/New_York IJS Book Talk with Sarah Hurwitz Author and former White House speechwriter, Sarah Hurwitz, in Conversation with IJS President & CEO, Rabbi Josh Feigelson   Acclaimed author and former White House speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz brings her clarity, candor, and deep reflection to a conversation about her new book, As a Jew. After years of crafting speeches for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Hurwitz turned her gift with language inward by embarking on a transformative journey to understand her Jewish identity on her own terms. In As a Jew, Hurwitz traces how centuries of antisemitism have shaped not only the world’s perception of Jews, but also how many Jews see themselves. By peeling back these layers, she uncovers a tradition filled with resilience, meaning, and profound spiritual insight, while sharing her own journey toward living as a Jew, without apology or caveat. In conversation with Rabbi Josh Feigelson, Hurwitz will reflect on her personal awakening, the forces that shape Jewish identity, and how ancient Jewish wisdom can offer grounding and courage in a moment of rising antisemitism. Together, they’ll explore what it means to reclaim a story and tradition that has always been ours.     About Sarah Hurwitz For nearly 15 years, Sarah Hurwitz built a career finding just the right words. She served as a White House speechwriter from 2009 to 2017, first as a senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama and then as head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama. Sarah worked with Mrs. Obama to craft widely-acclaimed addresses and traveled with her across America and to five continents. Sarah’s first book, Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life—in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There), chronicled her rediscovery of Judaism with the same clarity and insight that defined her political writing. The book was named a finalist for two National Jewish Book Awards and for the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature. Zoom information will be included in your event purchase receipt.

About This Event

Author and former White House speechwriter, Sarah Hurwitz, in Conversation with IJS President & CEO, Rabbi Josh Feigelson

 
Acclaimed author and former White House speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz brings her clarity, candor, and deep reflection to a conversation about her new book, As a Jew. After years of crafting speeches for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Hurwitz turned her gift with language inward by embarking on a transformative journey to understand her Jewish identity on her own terms. In As a Jew, Hurwitz traces how centuries of antisemitism have shaped not only the world’s perception of Jews, but also how many Jews see themselves. By peeling back these layers, she uncovers a tradition filled with resilience, meaning, and profound spiritual insight, while sharing her own journey toward living as a Jew, without apology or caveat.
In conversation with Rabbi Josh Feigelson, Hurwitz will reflect on her personal awakening, the forces that shape Jewish identity, and how ancient Jewish wisdom can offer grounding and courage in a moment of rising antisemitism. Together, they’ll explore what it means to reclaim a story and tradition that has always been ours.
 
 
About Sarah Hurwitz

For nearly 15 years, Sarah Hurwitz built a career finding just the right words. She served as a White House speechwriter from 2009 to 2017, first as a senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama and then as head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama. Sarah worked with Mrs. Obama to craft widely-acclaimed addresses and traveled with her across America and to five continents.

Sarah’s first book, Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life—in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There), chronicled her rediscovery of Judaism with the same clarity and insight that defined her political writing. The book was named a finalist for two National Jewish Book Awards and for the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature.

About This Event

Author and former White House speechwriter, Sarah Hurwitz, in Conversation with IJS President & CEO, Rabbi Josh Feigelson

 
Acclaimed author and former White House speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz brings her clarity, candor, and deep reflection to a conversation about her new book, As a Jew. After years of crafting speeches for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Hurwitz turned her gift with language inward by embarking on a transformative journey to understand her Jewish identity on her own terms. In As a Jew, Hurwitz traces how centuries of antisemitism have shaped not only the world’s perception of Jews, but also how many Jews see themselves. By peeling back these layers, she uncovers a tradition filled with resilience, meaning, and profound spiritual insight, while sharing her own journey toward living as a Jew, without apology or caveat.
In conversation with Rabbi Josh Feigelson, Hurwitz will reflect on her personal awakening, the forces that shape Jewish identity, and how ancient Jewish wisdom can offer grounding and courage in a moment of rising antisemitism. Together, they’ll explore what it means to reclaim a story and tradition that has always been ours.
 
 
About Sarah Hurwitz

For nearly 15 years, Sarah Hurwitz built a career finding just the right words. She served as a White House speechwriter from 2009 to 2017, first as a senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama and then as head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama. Sarah worked with Mrs. Obama to craft widely-acclaimed addresses and traveled with her across America and to five continents.

Sarah’s first book, Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life—in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There), chronicled her rediscovery of Judaism with the same clarity and insight that defined her political writing. The book was named a finalist for two National Jewish Book Awards and for the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, January 15, 8:00 PM ET

Location: Zoom call-in details will be sent upon confirmation

Date & Time

Thursday, 01/15/2026
8:00pm EST - 9:00pm EST
Add to Calendar 01/15/2026 08:00:00 PM 01/15/2026 09:00:00 PM America/New_York IJS Book Talk with Sarah Hurwitz Author and former White House speechwriter, Sarah Hurwitz, in Conversation with IJS President & CEO, Rabbi Josh Feigelson   Acclaimed author and former White House speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz brings her clarity, candor, and deep reflection to a conversation about her new book, As a Jew. After years of crafting speeches for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Hurwitz turned her gift with language inward by embarking on a transformative journey to understand her Jewish identity on her own terms. In As a Jew, Hurwitz traces how centuries of antisemitism have shaped not only the world’s perception of Jews, but also how many Jews see themselves. By peeling back these layers, she uncovers a tradition filled with resilience, meaning, and profound spiritual insight, while sharing her own journey toward living as a Jew, without apology or caveat. In conversation with Rabbi Josh Feigelson, Hurwitz will reflect on her personal awakening, the forces that shape Jewish identity, and how ancient Jewish wisdom can offer grounding and courage in a moment of rising antisemitism. Together, they’ll explore what it means to reclaim a story and tradition that has always been ours.     About Sarah Hurwitz For nearly 15 years, Sarah Hurwitz built a career finding just the right words. She served as a White House speechwriter from 2009 to 2017, first as a senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama and then as head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama. Sarah worked with Mrs. Obama to craft widely-acclaimed addresses and traveled with her across America and to five continents. Sarah’s first book, Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life—in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There), chronicled her rediscovery of Judaism with the same clarity and insight that defined her political writing. The book was named a finalist for two National Jewish Book Awards and for the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature. Zoom information will be included in your event purchase receipt.