Immigration, prohibition, and Modern Antisemitism: A Conversation with Jennifer S. Brown

The Jewish World

In this captivating episode, Rabbi Elchanan Poupko sits down with acclaimed author Jennifer S. Brown to discuss her novel The Whisper Sister, a powerful narrative set in the Prohibition era. Together, they delve into the Jewish immigrant experience on the Lower East Side, exploring themes of Jewish identity and assimilation, the rise of the Jewish mob led by figures like Meyer Lansky, and the tension between maintaining tradition and navigating the American dream. Brown shares insights into the struggles of Jewish families during the 1920s and how their battles echo in today’s fight against the resurgence of antisemitism, particularly in the aftermath of the events of October 7th. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that links the past to the present, offering lessons for today’s Jewish community and the broader fight against hate.
Topics include:
The role of Jewish immigrants in New York’s Prohibition-era speakeasies
Meyer Lansky and the Jewish mob’s impact on immigrant families
How Prohibition-era struggles mirror today’s challenges with Jewish identity
Modern-day antisemitism and the community’s response post-October 7th