#335: Book Talk- In My Jewish State with Dr. Elana Sztokman

02/12/25 • 61 min

NJN Deputy Communications Director Maxxe Albert-Deitch and Director of Development Karen Paul spoke with Dr. Elana Sztokman about her new book, In My Jewish State. In this book, Dr. Sztokman uses her professional skills of rhetorical analysis cultivated from years of anthropological research, and unpacks the language and ideas that drive the pro-Israel advocacy movement and are used to justify cruel actions and attitudes. In the process, she makes some drastic personal changes, shifts her own Jewish identity, and advocates for a different vision of what it means to live in a Jewish state.

Dr. Elana Sztokman is an anthropologist, educator, feminist, peace activist, speaker, consultant, podcaster, and two-time winner of the National Jewish Book Council Award. She has spent 25 years writing about issues of gender, language, power, politics, education, and society, especially around Israel and Jewish culture. Her previous book, When Rabbis Abuse, won the Best Jewish Non-Fiction of the Year from Hey Alma.

Previous Episode

#334: The World Zionist Congress Elections- What You Need to Know

Between March 10 and May 4, 2025, American Jews will vote for their delegates to the 39th World Zionist Congress, the “parliament of the Jewish people,” which will convene in Jerusalem in October 2025. Every vote determines how money is spent, how resources are allocated, and contributes to policies in Israeli society and in Jewish communities around the globe. New Jewish Narrative proudly co-leads the Hatikvah Slate, working towards progressive change within the Jewish community here in the U.S.

This discussion answered questions ranging from "what is the World Zionist Congress in the first place?" to "what is the Hatikvah platform and why should my vote go there instead of somewhere else?"

In addition to our President and CEO Hadar Susskind, our panel featured Nomi Colton-Max, co-chair of NJN and Vice President for Programming of the American Zionist Movement, and Kenneth Bob, board member of NJN and chair of Rozana USA.

Next Episode

#337: Habonim Dror and the Progressive Zionist Future

In this episode of PeaceCast, Maxxe Albert-Deitch is joined by NJN Board members and Habonim Dror leaders Shaina Wasserman and Judah Altman. The conversation delves into the details of how Habonim Dror and New Jewish Narrative are connected, as well as how dialogue, discussion, and youth involvement help shape our broader community. This episode also includes some details about the World Zionist Congress elections and the shifting nature of progressive Zionism across generational lines.

More info about Habonim Dror North America- https://www.habonimdror.org/

Learn more about the Hatikvah Slate- https://www.hatikvahslate.net/

Vote in the 2025 WZC elections- https://azm.castiron.votem.net/election/037548cb-4cbb-4a94-aa9a-8aef017d4ddf

Shaina Wasserman (she/her) is a proud second generation Habo and a staunch progressive Zionist. Shaina has served as a Jewish professional for over 20 years, including at J Street and Jewish education settings. She currently serves as the Senior Director of Strategic Operations for SRE Network. Shaina is a board member of New Jewish Narrative, Habonim Dror Foundation, American Zionist Movement, and Chair of the HUC School of Education Alumni Association.

Judah Altman is the new Mazkirol or Executive Director of Habonim Dror North America. He grew up in Calgary going to Habonim Dror Camp Miriam in British Columbia and spent a year in Israel on Kibbutz as a participant in Habonim Dror’s gap year program Workshop. As a staff member, they were a counselor for three years, led the leadership training program for Camp Miriam in 2021, and served as Education Director of Camp Miriam in 2022.