They're here! My new babies....

Today I birth my NEWEST BOOK! Check her out!!

I’ve had January 22 on my calendar for a few months — release date for my new book. Of course, when we chose this date, I thought the war might be over, the hostages might be home, Israel may be having elections, and Kamala Harris might be president…. That and so many other screeching disappointments make it hard for me to do the big celebratory thing that I was planning for this moment. Nevertheless… I will share details here because writing a book is, indeed, a lot like having a baby. Full of pain and wonder and insecurity and miracles and awe at the possibilies of creativity and life…. And Save the Date for an official launch event online on Sunday Feb 2, details to follow.

And so….. (drumroll please!)

I'm thrilled to share that my new book In My Jewish State: How I was trained in pro-Israel advocacy, and how I learned to talk back to my culture, find my own humanity, and fight for peace is now officially out there in the world. You can find on sale at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple, and pretty much everywhere in both ebook and paperback.

What is it about, you ask?

Part memoir and part critical rhetorical analysis of the language of pro-Israel advocacy, In a Jewish State breaks down the social media tactics used to defend the war. Or at least that was what the book was meant to be. Along the way I tell the story of how I got to be who I am — how I went from yeshivah girl from Brooklyn to feminist peace activist — and the story of what I’ve been doing since the war started. Because, while much of Israel seems to have taken a few steps to the right so-to-speak, many of us have taken many steps to the left. I set out to describe the incredible work of some of the women I know who have dedicated their lives to ending this bloody war once and for all. And while I’m doing that, I share my own journey through the complexities of identity, politics, and advocacy in the Jewish state.

If you want to read some reviews, check out Judy Maltz's review in Haaretz, Rabbi Jeanette Friedman's review in Jewschool, my interview with Mark Weiss on Kan, or the advance reviews on the Amazon page.

Here are a few excerpts (Wednesday brag anyone?):

(You can skip this part and scroll down to the excerpt at the bottom!)

“One of the most insightful observers of contemporary Israeli culture, Elana Sztokman gives us a passionate critique of its political conflicts. With a sharp eye on the ways religion and gender are manipulated, she opens new ways of thinking about Judaism and Zionism that offer possibilities of a peaceful future.”
Prof. Susannah Heschel, Eli M. Black Distinguished Professor, Dartmouth College

“Mahatma Gandhi wrote: ‘Be the change that you wish to see in the world.’ Dr. Elana Sztokman's book ‘In My Jewish State’ is certainly worthy of this phrase. In a world and more specifically a region fraught with conflict, it is vital to read Elana's personal journey and she takes us through her own recognition that conflict is created by two (or more) parties, and that reconciliation leading to peace starts with true and meaningful dialogue between people.”
Ethan Kushner, Chair, American Democrats in Israel

"A challenging and important read for those brave enough to question their beliefs to make the world a better place."
Julie Gray, author, The True Adventures of Gidon Lev, and Let's Make Things Better

“This is a must read for any American Jewish person who cares about Israel-Palestine and the people in it. It’s a mirror we all need to look into.”
Becca Strober, political strategist, educator, former senior director with Breaking the Silence, and Instagram influencer @becca explains the occupation

“A searingly brave look at Israel today and at what the area between the river and the sea can be, if only we can imagine a future defined by equality for everyone. Sztokman is the best kind of patriot: one who is not willing to give up on freedom, justice and compassion.”
Mira Sucharov, Professor of Political Science at Carleton University, and author of Borders and Belonging: A Memoir

"While acknowledging the horror of that day for the innocent Israelis murdered, Sztokman builds a strong case for seeing October 7th as a pivot point to obtain a lasting peace. Sztokman’s book bares her compassionate Jewish soul as a social activist, organizer and author. She analyses and refutes the many misleading social media memes she kept seeing starting the day after October 7th, and finally, she offers a cogent argument for a peaceful solution to the seemingly unsolvable Israel-Palestine nightmare. Sztokman's combination of honesty, compassion and incisiveness is remarkable."
Sandra Laub Playwright/performer of her one-woman/many-voices play about October 7th: "Picking Up Stones: An American Jew Wakes To A Nightmare."

"Honest, fresh, and heartfelt, Sztokman’s very personal journey is a roadmap for two peoples to find their way to common ground. She teaches us that negating your adversary’s story doesn’t strengthen your own. An important approach to a critical subject at an inflection point for Israelis, Jews, Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims. A must-read."
A. J. Sidransky, author of Incident at San Miguel and Forgiving Maximo Rothman

Thanks so much to all the advance reviewers, endorsers, and beta readers. And if you feel like giving your own rating or review on amazon or Goodreads or anywhere else, that would be so appreciated! (You may even be eligible for a free Kindle copy on Amazon!)

And NOW FOR THE BOOK EXCERPT

I’ve chosen an unconventional segment to share as my first excerpt: The Acknowledgments.

First of all, I don’t know about you, but I ALWAYS read the acknowledgments first. I’m curious about what and who went into the making of the book, what the author’s life was like during the process, and which relationships helped forge ideas. These things are never a one-person show, and I like to know who’s in the village. Plus it’s a very feel-good space and sets out the vibe for the book.

Second of all, in my case, the topics I’m writing about are very communal. And there are some amazing people who have been doing this work for longer and better than I. I feel like I want you all to know about them before you set out to read my book.

And just generally, I love my acknowledgments pages. I just do. They are my favorite. So I’m sharing here. If you want to read the rest, feel free to buy it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple, or lots of other places. And please consider leaving a review :-)

Acknowledgments

This book exists thanks to the powerful women who have sustained me during this long and terrible war. My deepest gratitude goes to:

Jessica Kaz, for holding space, even during the darkest times, and encouraging me to keep writing all those years ago.

Dr. Roberta Levy Schwartz, for 35 years of friendship generosity, and showing up — to really, really showing up.

Eva Dalak, for sisterhood and love across oceans and divides, for opening her heart to me in order to activate peace.

Dr. Fakhira Halloun, for partnership, friendship, and heartfelt, safe exchange of ideas, even when it’s complicated.

Sally Gottesman, for believing in me with generosity and vision, and for ensuring that my words get out into the world.

Dora Bender, Dr. Warda Sada, and all the women of Forum 1325, for keeping hope alive.

Anat Asia, for guided healing in many realms, along with her NVC partner and my teacher, Nadia Mahmoud Gaol, for so many invaluable life lessons, and especially for exposing me to the dictum, “Connect before you correct.”

Khadijeh Dassuky, for many real talks about the real lives of women in this country.

Sarah Ain Linder, for support and collegiality over the years because the personal really is political.

Sally Berkovic, for encouraging me to write this book, and for also being a great writing chevruta over the years.

Reva Mann, my wonderful writing partner, meticulous reader and editor, and friend.

Dr. Rabbi Reverend Haviva Ner-David, for a 30+ year friendship, for being a quintessential safe space.

Susan Goodman Jackson, for the healing, listening, and redefining family.

Laura Herschlag, for providing refuge, great food, love, and a great view, rockets and all.

Ruthie Lang, for teaching me the value of checking in, and an occasional great escape to the beach.

Dr. Sharon Weiss Greenberg, for real feminist friendship.

Sigal Kirsch, my longtime partner in facilitating women’s dialogue, for teaching me so much, with patience and love.

Loolwa Khazzoom, for the fierce, fiery sisterhood.

Maayan Sharon, editor par excellence – thorough reader, sharp thinker, and newfound friend.

To my podcast guests, for entrusting me with your stories and knowledge, and for the collaboration.

To my coven of healers: Re’eli, Suri, Inbal, Zita, and Noa, for saving my life over and over again.

To my beta readers, followers, subscribers, and friends, thank you for all the likes, shares, chats, and meaningful exchanges. These moments nourish and sustain me.

And especially to my beautiful, loving, magical family. My spouse, Jacob, and our children and their miraculously growing families. With boundless gratitude and awe.

A special shout out to the people and organizations doing the real work of building a shared society based on humanity, non-violence, and mutual understanding: A Land for All, ACRI, All its Citizens, Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP), Breaking the Silence, B’Tselem, Combatants for Peace, Encounter, Givat Haviva Center for Jewish-Arab Education in Israel, Hand in Hand, Ir Amim, Itach-Ma’aki, Kids4Peace, Kulna Yaffa, Machsom Watch, Mothers Against Violence in Israel, Neve Shalom Wahat al-Salam School for Peace, Nonviolent Communication, Parents Against Child Detention, The Parents Circle-Families Forum, Road to Recovery, Standing Together, Tag Meir, Tech2Peace, Tomorrow’s Women, and many others doing this holy work.

Where there’s life, there’s hope.

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