The entry for "chutzpah" says it all: "What it takes to think you can write an encyclopedia of Jewish life." And though it may have taken a lot of chutzpah, the hosts of Unorthodox-the leading Jewish podcast around the world-have created a book unlike any other. After all, in what other reference guide could you find information on the Dreyfus Affair right below Drescher, Fran?
Stephanie Butnick and Liel Leibovitz will discuss their deeply entertaining and highly educational new book, The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia (Artisan Books, October 1, 2019) at the Center for Jewish History on November 21 at 7 pm. Written with their Unorthodox co-host Mark Oppenheimer, The Newish Jewish has been called, "[A] delightfully irreverent romp through Jewish history and culture." So, what better place than the Center for Jewish History to talk about everything from Abraham to Zabar's? Home to five partner organizations, the Center houses the largest archive of Jewish history outside of Israel. The collections span 5,000 years of history and include 5 miles of archival documents, 500,000 books, thousands of artworks, objects, photographs, and more.
Adding their thoroughly modern compendium to a long tradition of Jewish scholarship, the authors have served up a colorful array of all things Jewish for Jews and non-Jews alike - and their podcast audience is waiting. Now an internationally popular podcast with close to 2 million downloads, Unorthodox premiered in 2015 on a "complete lark," Butnick says. "Fresh, fun, and disturbingly honest," the hosts discuss the latest Jewish news and culture - covering food, funerals, comedy, and conversion among their many topics. As their audience grew, and questions about the Jewish world came flooding in, the hosts recognized a growing need to know more and the idea for The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia was born.
"It's a feast of knowledge," Alana Newhouse, founder and editor in chief of Tablet, writes in the book's introduction. "That enviable table at the Jewish deli filled with people who look like they know a few important things about life, who are challenging one another, and who share, above all else, a deep bond. Pull up a chair; grab a pickle. Trust me: you're going to want to stay awhile."
A book signing and reception will follow the program.
Tickets: $15 general; $18 at the door at encyclopedia.bpt.me
