Exploring what it means to come of age in an era marked by increasing antisemitism, readers see through the eyes of Jewish Gen Zers how identities are shaped in response to and in defiance of antisemitism.
Using personal experiences, qualitative research, and the historic moment in which Generation Z is coming of age, Jewish educator Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath uses antisemitism from both the political left and the right to explore identity development among Jewish Generation Zers. With insights from educators, students, activists, and more, she holds a lens up to current antisemitism and its impact on the choices and opinions of the next generation of Jewish leaders.
Chapters cover Holocaust education for the final generation able to speak directly to Holocaust survivors and learn their stories firsthand; anti-Zionism as a modern manifestation of antisemitism; and how the realities of 21st-century America have shaped the modern Jewish experience, ranging from the synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh to how Generation Zers use social media and understand diversity. The core of this book is a collection of stories: of intersectional identity, of minority affiliations, and of overcoming adversity in order to flourish and thrive.
Features
- Provides a comprehensive deep dive into multifaceted manifestations of modern antisemitism and their impact on the emerging Jewish identities of Generation Z
- Explores the common thread of antisemitism through the lens of Israel, the Holocaust, social media, and racial justice during a large national uptick in anti-Jewish hatred
- Offers personal and research-based perspectives on how antisemitism impacts the modern American Jewish experience.
Samantha A. Vinokor-Meinrath, EdD, is senior director of knowledge, ideas, and learning at the Jewish Education Project in New York. She is an alumna of the University of Pittsburgh (BA), the Jewish Theological Seminary of America (MA), and Gratz College (EdD). Vinokor-Meinrath has worked with Jewish adolescents and emergent adults for more than 10 years, serving communities in New York; Washington, D.C.; Israel; and Ohio. She regularly writes and consults on Jewish teen engagement and identity development, and she was named one of Cleveland's 12 Under 36 Jewish leaders.
Awards
72nd National Jewish Book Award in the category of Education and Jewish identity—Jewish Book Council, January 18, 2023
Reviews
"This important book enables us to hear today’s Jewish Generation Z, in their own words, speaking from their own lived experience. What does it mean to them to be Jewish? In their young lifetimes, the ancient hatred of antisemitism has reappeared as an ugly, dangerous problem. What is the impact on them? What should we know about their hopes and goals for the future? Because their future is ours."—Ann F. Lewis, Former White House Director of Communications
"Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath is wise beyond her years. She is a highly knowledgeable academic and pedagogue, and this book reflects both of these qualities. By weaving together personal stories from a diverse group of Generation Zers, as well as her own experiences, she creates a portrait of today's young American Jews that is well-written and compelling."—David I. Bernstein, PhD, Dean Emeritus, Pardes Institute for Jewish Studies
"A must-read for teens, their parents, and community leaders who want to better understand Generation Z in the context of understanding and combatting antisemitism."
—William C. Daroff, Chief Executive Officer, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations
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