Stars of David: Prominent Jews Talk About Being Jewish

Stars of David presents intimate conversations with 62 prominent Jewish Americans about their relationship with Judaism and Jewish identity. Author Abigail Pogrebin, a former 60 Minutes producer, conducts in-depth interviews with figures from entertainment, politics, law, sports, and other fields. The interviewees include Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Steven Spielberg, Sarah Jessica Parker, Larry King, and Natalie Portman. They discuss topics ranging from religious observance and cultural traditions to experiences with anti-Semitism and views on Israel. The 400-page work features candid discussions about interfaith marriage, assimilation, and the varying ways public figures navigate their Jewish heritage while maintaining high-profile careers. The book was later adapted into a musical for the Philadelphia Theatre Company with a script by Tony Award nominee Charles Busch. Through these diverse perspectives, the book examines the complex nature of modern Jewish American identity and the ongoing dialogue between religious tradition and contemporary life.

Readers appreciate the candid, intimate interviews with prominent Jewish figures discussing their relationship to Judaism. Many note the book provides insight into how successful people balance religious identity with modern life. Likes: - Broad range of perspectives from secular to observant Jews - Personal stories that reveal struggles with faith and tradition - Clear, conversational writing style - Inclusion of both cultural and religious aspects of Jewish identity Dislikes: - Some interviews feel surface-level or repetitive - Focus mainly on wealthy, privileged subjects - Limited representation of Orthodox Jews - Several readers wanted more analysis between interviews Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (627 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (103 ratings) "Perfect for anyone wrestling with their Jewish identity" - Goodreads reviewer "Too many similar stories from privileged Manhattan Jews" - Amazon reviewer "Made me feel less alone in questioning my relationship with Judaism" - LibraryThing reviewer

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🔹 The book's interview with Leonard Nimoy revealed that the famous Vulcan salute from Star Trek was inspired by a Jewish blessing gesture he witnessed in synagogue as a child 🔹 Over 60% of the interviewed celebrities came from interfaith marriages or were in interfaith relationships themselves, reflecting broader trends in American Jewish life 🔹 Author Abigail Pogrebin was herself a producer for 60 Minutes and worked alongside Mike Wallace, another prominent Jewish journalist who was also interviewed for the book 🔹 The stage adaptation "Stars of David: Story to Song" premiered in 2012 at the Philadelphia Theatre Company, featuring original songs by Broadway composers like Marvin Hamlisch and Duncan Sheik 🔹 Several interviewees, including Gloria Steinem and Mike Wallace, revealed they had previously hidden or downplayed their Jewish identity early in their careers due to perceived professional barriers