When Will Jews Be Forgiven the Holocaust

By: Howard Jacobson

Narrated by: Saul Reichlin

Length: 52 mins

Publisher's Summary

Experience teaches that the burden of guilt is as difficult as the burden of obligation. Philosophers note that irritation with this burden can quickly turn to resentment.

So should Jews therefore be careful not to present themselves as victims? Does the same law apply to anti-Semitism? Howard Jacobson wonders if this chain of animosity can ever be broken.

©2014 Howard Jacobson (P)2015 W F Howes Ltd

What I have thought, but without having the words

Elegantly written and I will be listening to this a second time. I have had many conversations with people who I love and are liberal, kind souls, but have slipped into saying things that I feel are coming from a growing dark place, auto-cleansed by anti-Zionism and hatred for those who oppress.

Food for thought.

Would you listen to When Will Jews Be Forgiven the Holocaust again? Why?

Yes. There is much to think about in this essay. A lot of ground is covered. The serious nature of the essay warrants a second reading. It is well written making it worth rereading to get even more out of the book.

What did you like best about this story?

Howard Jacobson challenges us to look at our prejudices. One can never be complacent about racism. Love and compassion is always the better option.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

How we can rationalise our hatred through objectification and denial. How easy it is to be lazy about questioning the status quo. This book challenges us to look within and be ever vigilant. A well thought out and written essay.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Hatred is a mirror.

Any additional comments?

It is difficult to be accepting of other, of differences, but we must try to be. Love, acceptance and compassion is a way to guard against bigotry and hatred.