What happens when two friends—one Jewish, one not—break out of their comfort zones and tackle the questions most people are too afraid to ask? That’s the premise of “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew,” a collaboration between Emmanuel Acho, a non-Jewish Black former National Football League linebacker turned sports analyst and Noa Tishby, a Jewish Israeli-American actress and activist. From probing misconceptions like “Did the Jews kill Jesus?” to unpacking complex questions such as “Are Jews white?” and “Why have Jewish people been scapegoats throughout history?”the book explores the nuances of Jewish identity, culture and history with unflinching honesty.
Now, St. Louisans have the chance to bring these conversations to life in a unique three-part series hosted by Congregation Temple Israel and the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. Led by Rachel Holtzman, a St. Louis-based writer who collaborated on the book, the series aims to empower participants with the tools to navigate these challenging topics.
Rachel Holtzman’s role with “Uncomfortable Conversations”
As a collaborator on the book, Holtzman was tasked with a unique objective: bringing together the voices of two individuals and creating a cohesive dialogue. “The challenge was not just capturing two distinct voices—Noa’s and Emmanuel’s—but also creating a third voice, the conversation itself, where these ideas and perspectives met,” she explains.
This skill for balancing perspectives will shape the series, where Holtzman plans to help participants explore complex topics in a structured and comprehensive yet accessible way.
What’s the goal?
The aim of this series is to equip attendees—both Jewish and non-Jewish—with the ability to engage in meaningful conversations about Judaism, antisemitism and Israel. Holtzman also sees the sessions as an opportunity for Jewish participants to strengthen their relationship with their Jewish identity while broadening their capacity to connect with others.
“This series is about what comes next after the intellectual understanding of ideas,” Holtzman says. “It’s about knowing, deep in your bones, that you have something valuable to say—and then knowing exactly how to say it.”
Holtzman also emphasizes the importance of empathy in these discussions. “Truly being heard, however, is not just knowing what to say. It’s also learning how to listen and understanding, on an emotional level, why someone might feel differently than you.”
Her vision for the program is clear: to create a safe, inclusive environment where participants feel empowered to ask questions, share insights and challenge assumptions. “We’re not here to unleash an army of debaters,” she says. “We’re here to help people embody their Jewish identity with pride and resolve and then create connections from that place.”
What to expect at each session
The series is divided into three thematic sessions, each focusing on a portion of the book:
- This Is a Jew – Defining Jewish identity
- This Is Antisemitism – Understanding the roots, forms and applications of antisemitism
- This Is Moving Forward – Owning the Jewish narrative and building bridges
Each session will feature an opening presentation by Holtzman, followed by breakout discussions and a larger group reflection. Participants are encouraged to read the assigned chapters before each meeting to maximize engagement.
Holtzman highlights the unique value of communal conversations as part of this series. “Reading the book is just the start,” she says. “The real growth happens when we come together, process the tough questions and leave with a vision of where we can all go from here.”
Why you should attend
The program is more than a book club—it’s a chance to connect with community members in meaningful dialogue and gain clarity on challenging topics. Whether you’re seeking to better understand and communicate about the Jewish experience or looking for tools to combat misinformation and antisemitism, this series offers something for everyone.
“Uncomfortable Conversations” Details
- Dates: Sundays, Feb. 9, March 30, May 4
- Time: 9:45–11:15 a.m.
- Location: Congregation Temple Israel, #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Dr.
- How much: Free for Temple Israel and Holocaust Museum members; $54 for non-members (covers all three sessions)
- Registration: Visit www.ti-stl.org/AdultEducation to sign up.
