The Five Books: Jewish Authors on the Books That Shaped Them
Tali Rosenblatt CohenThe Five Books celebrates the role of books in our lives. Each week we’ll talk with a Jewish author about five books in five categories. We’ll hear about: two Jewish books that have impacted the author’s Jewish identity; one book (not necessarily Jewish) that they think everyone should read - a book that changed their worldview. We’ll get a peek into what book they're reading now, and we’ll hear t... more
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 56 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | JudaismArtsReligion & SpiritualityBooks | |||
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Latest Episodes
In recognition of Jewish Heritage Month, this episode features a conversation with Nicholas Lemann, whose work and life story open up questions about American and Jewish identity. Nicholas discusses his assimilated Louisianan/ German-Jewish upbringi... more
In this conversation, Fran Fabriczki discusses coming of age between Hungary and Los Angeles and her experiences with cultural richness and antisemitism between the two countries. We also discuss “homelooseness” in The Nearest Thing to Life by James ... more
In this conversation, Adeena Sussman discusses how reading an (age-inappropriate) short story by Isaac Bashevis Singer one Shabbat afternoon changed the way she thought about writing and storytelling. We’ll also hear about her deep attachment to Tel ... more
In this episode, Alicia Jo Rabins traces the “red hot glow” of the moments that shaped her, both spiritual and artistic, and how they led her to a life rooted in music, text, and ritual. She’ll tell us how a chavruta (study partnership) with an Ortho... more
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- Love this!
Very educational and informative about my Judaism!
Apple Podcasts5Yaircohen123
United States7 months ago - Kin
I’m a practicing Episcopalian deeply interested the history and theology of my faith. I am in a single digit %age of Christians. Every worship service ion the Episcopal liturgy includes a reading from the Old Testament, the psalms and The New Testament. The “cultural Christians” are not well read. The Protestant style of religion is not well informed. We share history and styles
Apple Podcasts5NBeraultUnited States9 months ago - Wonderful conversations and book recommendations!
I’ve added so many books to my to-read list because of this podcast… And I hope one day to be a guest myself and join the ranks of these incredible Jewish writers.
Apple Podcasts5ohthewhomanityUnited Statesa year ago - SheReaders Book Club
This is so informative! The authors always feel so comfortable that they really open up and share. I love this podcast!
Apple Podcasts5AllbymyselfaloneUnited Statesa year ago - Thoughtful and approachable
Love this podcast. It’s intellectual and thoughtful without being wonky or unnecessarily highfalutin.
Apple Podcasts5DeisCane
United Kingdoma year ago
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Apple Podcasts | #193 |  Australia/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #176 |  South Africa/Arts/Books |
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast
What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This show centers Jewish authors and their reading journeys, exploring five books across five categories: two that shaped the author's Jewish identity, one non-Jewish work that broadened their worldview, what they're reading now, and the new book they've published. Episodes blend memoir and literary analysis to reveal how books shape identity, memory, and community, often weaving in cultural history, diaspora, and personal background. Notable strengths include a warm, insightful host who guides conversations through authors with diverse Jewish experiences—from immigrant stories to culinary writers—producing thoughtful recommendations and a clear lens on how literature informs life and craft.
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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?
These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:
1. Identity/Crisis
2. Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam
3. For Heaven's Sake
4. What Matters Now
5. SAPIR Conversations
How many episodes of this podcast are there?
this podcast launched 2 years ago and published 56 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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What guests have appeared on this podcast?
Recent guests on this podcast include:
1. Nicholas Lemann
2. Fran Fabriczki
3. Adeena Sussman
4. Alicia Jo Rabins
5. Matti Friedman
6. Dov Abramson
7. Zeeva Bukai
8. Rob Kutner
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