Here All Along

Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life - in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There)

By: Sarah Hurwitz

Narrated by: Sarah Hurwitz

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

A renowned political speechwriter rediscovers Judaism, finding timeless wisdom and spiritual connection in its age-old practices and traditions.

“Sarah Hurwitz was Michelle Obama’s head speechwriter, and with this book she becomes Judaism’s speechwriter." (Adam Grant, New York Times best-selling author of Give and Take and Originals, and co-author of Option B)

After a decade as a political speechwriter - serving as head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama, a senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama, and chief speechwriter for Hillary Clinton on her 2008 presidential campaign - Sarah Hurwitz decided to apply her skills as a communicator to writing a book...about Judaism. And no one is more surprised than she is.

Hurwitz was the quintessential lapsed Jew - until, at age 36, after a tough breakup, she happened upon an advertisement for an introductory class on Judaism. She attended on a whim but was blown away by what she found: beautiful rituals, helpful guidance on living an ethical life, conceptions of God beyond the judgy bearded man in the sky - none of which she had learned in Hebrew school or during the two synagogue services she grudgingly attended each year. That class led to a years-long journey during which Hurwitz visited the offices of rabbis, attended Jewish meditation retreats, sat at the Shabbat tables of Orthodox families, and read hundreds of books about Judaism - all in dogged pursuit of answers to her biggest questions. What she found transformed her life, and she wondered: How could there be such a gap between the richness of what Judaism offers and the way so many Jews like her understand and experience it?

Sarah Hurwitz is on a mission to close this gap by sharing the profound insights she discovered on everything from Jewish holidays, ethics, and prayer to Jewish conceptions of God, death, and social justice. In this entertaining and accessible book, she shows us why Judaism matters and how its message is more relevant than ever, and she inspires Jews to do the learning, questioning, and debating required to make this religion their own.

"Searching for meaning in the ancient scripture and traditions of Judaism, Sarah Hurwitz takes us along on an enriching journey of discovery. In Here All Along, she explores her birthright as a Jew and finds timeless and valuable life lessons." (David Axelrod, director of the University of Chicago Institute of Politics and former senior advisor to President Barack Obama)

©2019 Sarah Hurwitz (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Sarah Hurwitz writes beautifully about her journey from Hebrew school dropout to thoughtful commentator on her heritage. She shows how this system of thought, founded in the time of shepherds, can be surprisingly relevant to modern life, with wisdom on such contemporary topics as mindfulness, gratitude, work/life balance, and politics. I recommend this book to all, no matter where you lie on the religious spectrum." (A. J. Jacobs, New York Times best-selling co-author of The Year of Living Biblically)

"Here All Along is exactly the introduction to Judaism that smart, thoughtful readers need: Not a how-to guide to these incredibly rich and relevant traditions, but a why-to guide that illuminates - boldly, bravely, and beautifully - why Judaism matters and how its wisdom can transform us. It's been here all along, but now it's here in the book in your hands, waiting for you. Open it, and discover what you've been missing." (Dara Horn, author of Eternal Life)

“What an achievement - to have found a way to make every aspect of Judaism utterly accessible, digestible, and emotional all at once, in one riveting volume. This is an uncanny primer for anyone wanting to understand Judaism, and also a revealing portrait of one famous speechwriter who couldn’t believe what she’d been missing all along." (Abigail Pogrebin, author of My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew)

"Repeatedly drawing on her life experiences, Sarah Hurwitz paints a vision of a Judaism that is wise, intellectually rigorous, experiential, accessible - and, frankly, exciting. Even when I disagree with her, she invites me into her world. This is a book we have been waiting for, and Hurwitz is an important new voice on the Jewish scene." (Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, author of Words That Hurt, Words That Heal and Jewish Literacy)

Fantastic book, read by the author.

I'm not the target audience for this book, but still found it really well written, and thoroughly engrossing. I didn't learn anything about Judaism through this book, but I did learn how we (professional Jews) can serve the people better.

Solid!

Great job. Follow up regarding marriage and family? Love the storytelling woven in-very Jewish way to teach

Personal. Meaningful. Helpful.

Enjoyed this very much. I have been on a similar search and encountered some of the same gifted teachers. Beautiful balance between information and personal experience.

Must-read for prospective and new Jewish converts

Loved every minute of listening to this. My husband (born Jewish) and I (JBC) have been getting into deep Jewish discussion since the birth of our first child. I've often had trouble verbalizing my feelings about the religion, but Hurwitz hits the nail on the head, bringing my feelings to life through her thoughtful and entertaining observation and practice of Judaism.

For those looking for a new way to connect

I found this book while searching online for information about Jewish mindfulness and spirituality. Sarah’s journey is one I relate to, as I search to connect to Judaism outside the traditional congregation (especially when prayer services on zoom don’t exactly feel like the spiritual connection I’m looking for!) . I found her narration compelling, and I learned about ways that many organizations are striving to make Judaism evolve to meet the needs of our ever changing world

This Book is a Mitzvah!

Thank you, Sarah, for this beautifully written book on Judaism. It is personal and factual at the same time. I felt like I was brought on both your journey as well as my own journey with Judaism. It was truly a pleasure to listen to and renewed my own interest in delving deeper into Judaism.

Informative, personal, interesting and delightful

Aptly titled book!
Written flawlessly and organized in a way that the listener will stay engaged in the historical cultural and spiritual insights S.H shares.

10/10 GREAT!

I am converting, and this book really made me feel like I can take on Judaism in meaningful and personal ways.

Informative for the informed too!

As a ultra-orthodox chasidig Jew from birth, I was amazed on the accuracy for what I know and for the brilliants I learned, it made me appreciate more my Judaism which is so natural to me.

Nothing short of brilliant

Having been raised in, and involved with Orthodox Judaism all my life, I am amazed at the insights and appreciation this book has given me, at times bringing me to tears. The perspectives Ms Hurwitz has brought to the table are simultaneously old as well as new, universal as well as personal. It is a love letter to Judaism, regardless of the stream one does or doesn't belong to.