Sonenshine Lecture with Sarah Hurwitz

The Meltzer Schwartzberg Center for Israel Studies and the Jewish Studies Program are proud to present the annual Helen and Daniel Sonenshine Lecture, featuring acclaimed author and former White House speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz in conversation with Professor Pamela Nadell.

This timely and engaging discussion will explore the historical roots and contemporary impact of antisemitism in America, examining how anti-Jewish prejudice has evolved and why understanding its history remains essential today.

Sarah Hurwitz is the author of As A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story From Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try To Erase Us, a New York Times bestseller that received both the Natan Notable Book Award and a National Jewish Book Award. 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), a finalist for two National Jewish Book Awards and the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature.

Hurwitz served as a White House speechwriter from 2009 to 2017, first as senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama and later as head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama. Prior to her White House service, she was chief speechwriter for Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, Hurwitz was also a 2017 Fellow at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics. In addition to her writing and public speaking, she has completed chaplaincy training and volunteers at a hospital near her home.

Hurwitz will be interviewed by Professor Pamela Nadell, the Patrick Clendenen Chair in Women’s and Gender History and director of the Jewish Studies Program at American University.

As a Jew will be given to the first eighty people who register! There will be an opportunity to have your book signed during the light reception following the event.

By registering for and attending this event on American University’s campus, I agree to comply with all applicable American University policies, protocols, and directives. I understand that if, in the University’s reasonable judgment, my conduct violates University policy or poses a disruption to the event or a risk to the safety or operations of the University community, I may be directed to leave campus and my access to University premises may be limited or revoked at the University’s discretion. I understand that the University does not assume responsibility for any loss, injury or damage to person or property in connection with participation in the event which results from causes beyond the control of and without fault of the University,