Author and former White House speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz will visit Kansas City to speak about Jewish identity and her experience in politics.
The discussion will center on her latest book, “As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us.”
The event, “An Evening with Sarah Hurwitz,” will take place on May 18 at 7 p.m. at Congregation Beth Shalom (14200 Lamar Ave., Overland Park, KS 66223). Jewish Experiences, a collaboration of Jewish Federation and The J, together with the Jewish Community Relations Bureau | American Jewish Committee (JCRB|AJC), will host Hurwitz. She will be in conversation with Neta Meltzer, executive director of JCRB|AJC.
Hurwitz served as a White House speechwriter from 2009 to 2017, first as a senior speechwriter for former President Barack Obama and later as head speechwriter for former first lady Michelle Obama. Prior to her time in the White House, Hurwitz worked on several presidential campaigns. She served as chief speechwriter for Hillary Clinton during her 2008 presidential campaign and as deputy chief speechwriter for Sen. John Kerry (D.-Mass.) in 2004 and Gen. Wesley Clark in 2003.
“I’m so excited to come to Kansas City to discuss some of the most important issues facing the Jewish people today,” Hurwitz said. “From the challenge of antisemitism to the importance of embracing Jewish tradition, community, wisdom and joy, I know this is going to be a wonderful event.”
Registration and payment is required in advance at thejkc.org/sarahhurwitz. Tickets are available with or without a copy of Hurwitz’s book. A book signing will follow the conversation at 8:30 p.m.
This program is presented in partnership with The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah; Congregation Beth Torah; New Reform Temple; and Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. It is funded by Bill and Robin Carr.
“Sarah Hurwitz brings a powerful and deeply personal perspective to the conversation about Jewish identity today,” Meltzer said. “In ‘As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us,’ she reminds us of the strength that comes from understanding our tradition and telling our own story. I’m looking forward to a thoughtful conversation about identity, leadership and why Jewish learning matters so much in this moment.”
Hurwitz is also the author of “Here All Along,” in which she documents her search for a deeper understanding of Judaism and reflects on rediscovering Jewish tradition as an adult. Through the book, she explores Jewish holidays, ethics and belief systems, offering readers a framework to engage with Jewish identity, history and practice in a modern context.
More information and registration details are available at thejkc.org/sarahhurwitz or by contacting Jewish Experiences at or (913) 327-8163.
