Suddenly Jewish: Jews Raised as Gentiles Discover Their Jewish Roots (Brandeis Series in American Jewish History, Culture, and Life)
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Suddenly Jewish: Jews Raised as Gentiles Discover Their Jewish Roots (Brandeis Series in American Jewish History, Culture, and Life) - Customer Reviews, Information, Ratings, and Prices
Suddenly Jewish: Jews Raised as Gentiles Discover Their Jewish Roots (Brandeis Series in American Jewish History, Culture, and Life)
Dramatic personal stories of the unexpected discovery of a Jewish heritage.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Wish there was more out there for people like us.:
Glad I found this book. I found comfort knowing that my family was not the only ones who "just didn't think it was important". I found out at age 28. I was raised without traditions and as an Aithiest. I found out by looking at my grandmothers ship manefest from 1942 and the whole ship was Jewish. I too had strong feelings about the murders of the Jews before my time. I went to a private school with mostly Jewish kids. I had off on all hebrew holidays and I felt at peace among my friends there. Now I know... more info
Fascinating and enlightening book:
I couldn't put this book down. I had no idea how many people's Jewish background was hidden, for the sake of survival. I am sure there is more to know and I have the greatest respect for Barbara Kessel's work. I hope she writes more books. It is especially touching for me as I am Jewish.
Discovering that you are Jewish:
Barbara Kessel tells the story of one- hundred and sixty people she interviewed who ' discovered' their Jewishness. There are four categories, Crypto-Jews ( Sephardic Jews descendant from those driven from Spain during the Inquistion) hidden children( Children whose identity was disguised from them while they were hidden during the Holocaust) Survivors ( Children of Survivors of the Holocaust whose parents tried to hide their identity from them) and Adoptees.
As the Jewish people is a small people... more info
Judaism and Identity:
Barbara Kessel has written an amazing book about individuals who are raised as Gentiles and discover their Jewish roots. She manages to weave many diverse interviews into her book, and manages to somehow connect all these smoothly. The result is a fascinating look at how individuals were told of their Jewish roots, and the wide range of reactions to this news. The entire book revolves around questions of identity. What is it to be a Jew? Can you be "half-Jewish"? Is Judaism a religion, a race, a... more info
