Join us for "Jewish Identity, Antisemitism, and the Power of Telling Our Own Story" a conversation with Sarah Hurwitz, First Lady Michelle Obama’s Chief Speechwriter (2010-2017) & author of Here All Along. Her latest book, As A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story From Those Who Shame, Blame, and Try To Erase Us, is an urgent exploration of how antisemitism has shaped Jewish identity and how Jews can reclaim their tradition. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from Sarah Hurwitz as she discusses her new book and the Jewish ideas that shape her vision for a stronger, more connected community.

Sarah Hurwitz

Sarah Hurwitz served as a White House speechwriter from 2009 to 2017, starting out as a senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama and then serving as chief speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama. She worked with Mrs. Obama to craft widely-acclaimed addresses – including her 2008, 2012, and 2016 Democratic National Convention speeches – and traveled with the First Lady across America and to five continents. Sarah also worked on policy issues affecting young women and girls as a senior advisor to the White House Council on Women and Girls. 

Before her work at the White House, Sarah was chief speechwriter for Hillary Clinton during her 2008 presidential primary campaign before joining the Obama campaign, where she served as a senior speechwriter for then-Senator Obama. Prior to the Clinton and Obama campaigns, Sarah served as deputy chief speechwriter for Senator John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign, deputy chief speechwriter for General Wesley Clark’s primary campaign, and a speechwriter for Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa.  

Prior to her work in politics, Sarah was a lawyer at the Washington, DC office of WilmerHale and is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School. 

Sarah has been profiled in The Washington Post, People.com, The Boston Globe, and The Guardian; interviewed on The Today Show, Morning Joe, Amanpour & Co., and NPR; and featured in The Forward as one of 50 Jews who impacted American life in 2016 and 2019. Sarah is the author of Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life -- in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There) which was a finalist for two National Jewish Book Awards and for the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature. Her latest book, As A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story From Those Who Shame, Blame, and Try To Erase Us, is an urgent exploration of how antisemitism has shaped Jewish identity and how Jews can reclaim their tradition. 

Check out our curated collection of Sarah Hurwitz's work!

• As A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us
• Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life–in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There)
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency - Sarah Hurwitz wants Jews to stop apologizing and start learning
• The Jewish Chronicle - Do Jews have a future in America? The answer is more complicated than you think 
• Jewish Broadcasting Service - Sarah Hurwitz: Reclaiming the Jewish Soul from Antisemitism's Grip
• Call Me Back Podcast - Reclaiming the Jewish Story with Sarah Hurwitz

The Temple Sholom Distinguished Speaker Series sponsored by Jan and Bruce z'l Tranen, established in 2021, has created a legacy to continue our longstanding tradition of hosting thought leaders and visionaries who inspire action on the most pressing issues of our time. Over the years, our congregation has been graced by the presence of luminaries such as Martin Luther King Jr., Eleanor Roosevelt, Jane Goodall, Elie Wiesel, Thomas Friedman, Bryan Stevenson, Dr. Robert Putnam and so many more whose messages of hope, resilience, and moral courage have profoundly impacted our community. Join us as we uphold this legacy, offering these enlightening lectures free to the public and fostering a community of informed inspired action.

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