Michelle Obama’s Speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz’s Jewish Journey

Keynote Speaker of SJCC’s 2022-23 Chew on This! Speaker Series

In her bestselling book, “Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life—in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There),” Sarah Hurwitz, former speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama and President Barak Obama, offers a behind-the-scenes look at life in the White House while rediscovering her Jewish identity. Her accessible and entertaining book takes readers along on her journey finding spiritual connection in Judaism’s timeless wisdom, age-old practices, and traditions.

Hurwitz was a quintessential “lapsed” Jew—until, after a bad breakup at age 36, she attended an introductory class on Judaism on a whim. The class led her back to Judaism and off on a years-long journey to find answers to her biggest questions. She wondered how there could be such a gap between the richness of what Judaism offered and the way so many Jews like her understand and experience it. In “Here All Along” Hurwitz works to close this gap by sharing her profound insights and showing us how Judaism’s message is more relevant than ever.

Book bundles available. Book sales, author signing, and reception after the show.

Tickets

Book + Ticket Bundle: $32
Talk only: $18 Adults | $15 Seniors 65+ and Students

Patrons have the option to attend in person or via livestream. Event reminder + streaming link emailed 1 hour prior to program start time.

About the Book

“Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life—in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There)” made Hurwitz a finalist for two National Jewish Book Awards and for the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature. Michelle Obama tweeted about Hurwitz’s book saying, “Sarah Hurwitz is a brilliant writer with a big heart and a kind soul — and I’m sure ‘Here All Along’ will reflect her thoughtfulness and eloquence, which I depended on for so many years. I’m so proud of you, Sarah, for sharing your journey and your voice with the world!”

About Sarah Hurwitz

From 2009 to 2017, Sarah Hurwitz served as a White House speechwriter, first as a senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama and then as head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama. Hurwitz worked with Mrs. Obama to craft widely-acclaimed addresses, including three Democratic National Conventions, and traveled with her across America and to five continents. Hurwitz also worked as a senior advisor to the White House Council on Women and Girls. Prior to serving in the Obama administration, Hurwitz was the chief speechwriter for Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign.

Event Details + Box Office Policies

Event Details + Box Office Policies
• ALL SALES FINAL | NO REFUNDS | NO EXCHANGES | NO CREDITS
• General admission | Doors open 30 min. before showtime
• Patrons will receive a reminder email with event details and livestream links one (1) hour before showtime.
• Concessions, including wine/beer for sale before the show in the J Café. Presale purchases require proof of purchase and valid ID. No outside food allowed.
• Facility and processing fees apply at checkout
• Please view our Welcome Back page for current venue policies, including vaccination and mask policies.
• Patrons agree to all SJCC terms and conditions above and at SJCC Box Office + Venue Policies Page.

Need Help?
Contact BoxOffice@sjcc.org | 206-388-0833 (email is best for a quick response!)
(response time: 24 hrs weekdays-48 hrs weekends)

Part of the J’s new Chew on This! Speaker Series, which features authors, chefs, and thought-leaders to feed your mind, soul, and palate.