For many Jews, the rise of antisemitism has felt overwhelming—leaving us questioning what Jewish identity means in 2025. Bestselling author Zibby Owens, through her new anthology “On Being Jewish Now,” shares stories that reflect resilience, connection, and hope in the wake of rising challenges.
The result is “On Being Jewish Now,” a collection of essays that asks: “How did we feel about being Jewish before? How do we feel now? And what is the best part of being Jewish?” On Jan. 21, Owens, along with co-author and contributor Alison Hammer, will bring these questions—and some of the answers they learned through their research—to Temple Emanuel for an evening of reflection, resilience and connection.
A project with heart and urgency
“On Being Jewish Now” was born out of both urgency and hope.
“After Oct. 7, I was sitting at home, feeling hopeless about the rise in antisemitism. I remember thinking: ‘I can’t stop antisemitism in its tracks, but I can unite and strengthen the Jewish people.’ That’s something that feels attainable,” Owens explained.
Co-author Alison Hammer also remarked on this shift, saying, “Being Jewish has always been a big part of my identity, and it shows up in everything I do. Although in the wake of October 7th, I’ve definitely been more loud and proud about it.” Her statement underscores the collective resilience and pride reflected in the anthology.
The anthology features 74 contributors who dropped everything to share essays that Owens describes as “funny, sad, hopeful, traumatic, raw, authentic, open and smart.” Owens found herself deeply moved by the contributors’ willingness to share their stories. “The book has shown me the difference in producing a book people want versus a book people need. It’s like the book is the starting point of a movement,” she said.
Storytelling as a tool for change
While the anthology came together quickly, coordinating it was no small task.
“The biggest challenge was forcing myself to use Excel spreadsheets,” she joked. “But to do all the trafficking of the various elements, including all the audio files for the audiobook, I had to stay super organized.”
Her work with Artists Against Antisemitism played a pivotal role in shaping the project. Owens said, “Being a part of the founding author team at Artists Against Antisemitism gave me a built-in group of Jewish confidants who were the first people I asked to be involved.”
Hammer, herself a contributing author, emphasized the importance of storytelling in bridging gaps of understanding: “So much hate stems from lack of knowledge and understanding, from fear of the ‘other,’ and stories are the perfect way to let people get to know us.”
She pointed to Dara Kurtz’s essay in the anthology, which poignantly addresses a mother-daughter conversation about the echoes of history and survival. “Reading that essay—that story—gives people a glimpse into what so many Jewish families have experienced this past year. And it’s hard to hate someone once you have empathy for them,” Hammer explained.
Bringing the stories to St. Louis
At Temple Emanuel, Owens and Hammer will bring these stories to life in a heartfelt conversation. Expect moments of laughter, poignancy and the kind of candor you’d hear at any Jewish family table. The evening will explore what it means to be Jewish today—not as an abstract question but as lived experience.
“I’ve realized that while I can’t stop antisemitism, my job is to unite and strengthen the Jewish people. By speaking out and letting people know what’s happening to us, like through this book project, it’s energizing in a time when things feel incredibly bleak. I see hope,” said Owens.
Owens, who connects with readers daily through her podcast and writing, shared that her role as a storyteller has evolved through this project.
“This isn’t just about a book. It’s about community, connection and sharing stories that matter. This isn’t my book. It’s our book.”
Event Details
When: Tuesday, Jan. 21| Doors: 6 p.m. | Program: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Where: Temple Emanuel, 12166 Conway Rd.
Cost: Free, but online registration is required.