There was a time in America, not too long ago, when Jews were automatically assumed to be white, Ashkenazi, and straight. Today, we know that the Jewish community is incredibly diverse. Each person has a background, story, and look of their very own; there is no typical or expected image to be found. The authors of this book have chosen thirty-six Jewish heroes to profile — some sports figures, some activists, some political figures, some artists — highlighting Jewish achievement and individual uniqueness.
The book is divided thematically. There are, for example, sections on creativity and courage. An introductory section attempts to answer questions like, What makes someone Jewish? Why is there antisemitism? What is the diaspora? Do all Jews pray? None of these questions has easy answers, but together, they give the book a unifying structure.
At the heart of What Jewish Looks Like are the inspiring heroes themselves. They include judge Raquel Montoya-Lewis, activist Naomi Wadler, actress Marlee Matlin, politician Harvey Milk, violinist Itzhak Perlman, sailor Bill Pinkney, basketball player Sue Bird, scientist Rita Levi-Montalcini, philanthropist Dona Gracia Nasi, poet Emma Lazarus, chef Michael Twitty, and singer Ofra Haza. Readers will be awed by the number and variety of shining Jewish stars who illuminate our complicated world.
Michal Hoschander Malen is the editor of Jewish Book Council’s young adult and children’s book reviews. A former librarian, she has lectured on topics relating to literacy, run book clubs, and loves to read aloud to her grandchildren.
