Abigail Pogrebin

Abigail Pogrebin is the author of Stars of David and My Jewish Year. She moderates the interview series “What Everyone’s Talking About” at the JCC in Manhattan.

‘When I Found Authentic Torah, It Was Like Electricity’
A roundtable with ‘baal teshuvah’ Jews—who grew up non-Orthodox but later chose Orthodoxy—about why they started their journeys, what they had to leave behind, and which aspects of religious life they love the most
byAbigail Pogrebin
‘I Speak English, but I Don’t Speak American’
A roundtable discussion with Israeli expats living in the U.S. about why they came to America, how they feel about leaving Israel, the differences in Jewish life between the two countries, and what Americans get wrong about Israelis
byAbigail Pogrebin
‘I’m a Jew. If That’s a Problem, That’s Your Problem.’
A roundtable discussion with converts to Judaism about why they chose to become Jews, where they have and haven’t felt welcome, and what they think about everything from brisket to Zionism to wearing a Star of David
byAbigail Pogrebin
‘Ritual, Even as an Atheist, Has Enormous Power’
A roundtable discussion with Jewish atheists about observing religious traditions, maintaining cultural attachments, and even praying—without a belief in God
byAbigail Pogrebin
‘The Holocaust and Genocide Don’t Start With Bombs, They Start With Words’
A roundtable discussion with Holocaust survivors about the rise of antisemitism in America, the importance of education, and who will pass on the lessons of the Shoah when the last survivors are gone
byAbigail Pogrebin
‘I Don’t Need to Be Taken Care Of. I Want to Be Equal, to Be Included.’
A roundtable discussion with Jews with disabilities about physical barriers, attitude adjustment, and how to be more welcoming as a community
byAbigail Pogrebin
‘We Chose the Chosen People’
A roundtable discussion with non-Jewish spouses about interfaith marriages, raising Jewish children, navigating Jewish and non-Jewish holidays, and where people do—and don’t—feel welcome
byAbigail Pogrebin
‘I Want to Serve God in All the Ways That I Can’
A roundtable discussion with Orthodox women about women’s religious and cultural roles, the dangers of social media, and the value of modesty
byAbigail Pogrebin
‘If You’re Not Ready for Us, Get Ready for Us’
A roundtable discussion with LGBTQ Jews about making progress in the Jewish community, the barriers that remain, and the problem with ‘inclusion’
byAbigail Pogrebin
Marilyn and Alan Bergman on ‘Yentl,’ Israel, and What It Means to ‘Feel Jewish’
An excerpt from ‘Stars of David: Prominent Jews Talk About Being Jewish’ about the legendary husband-and-wife songwriting duo—after Marilyn’s death last weekend
byAbigail Pogrebin
Stephen Sondheim on West Side Jews, Israel, and Cole Porter
An excerpt from ‘Stars of David: Prominent Jews Talk About Being Jewish’ about the legendary composer, who died Friday at age 91
byAbigail Pogrebin
Larry King: ‘I’m a Classic Agnostic, But I’m a Jewish Agnostic’
An excerpt from ‘Stars of David: Prominent Jews Talk About Being Jewish’
byAbigail Pogrebin
Hal Prince, Broadway Producer Who Brought ‘Fiddler’ to the Stage, Dies at 91
An excerpt from ‘Stars of David: Prominent Jews Talk About Being Jewish’
byAbigail Pogrebin
Judaism and the Art of Bicycle Riding
A mountain-biking trip brings unexpected lessons before Yom Kippur on not dwelling in fear and, instead, focusing on what we have the power to rectify.
byAbigail Pogrebin
The Purim Report: Mirth and Melancholy
A holiday filled with cookies, storytelling, and the wisdom of Jackie Mason
byAbigail Pogrebin
Gene Wilder Dead at 83; The Comedic Icon Once Said, ‘Do Unto Others as You Would Have Them Do Unto You’
An excerpt from ‘Stars of David: Prominent Jews Talk About Being Jewish’
byAbigail Pogrebin
Morley Safer on Gefilte Fish, Observing the High Holidays, and Visiting Auschwitz
An excerpt from ‘Stars of David: Prominent Jews Talk About Being Jewish’
byAbigail Pogrebin
Leonard Nimoy on Spock, Yiddish Theater, and the Vulcan Symbol’s Jewish Inspiration
An excerpt from Stars of David: Prominent Jews Talk About Being Jewish
byAbigail Pogrebin