JEWISH WORLD

JEWISH WORLD • AUGUST 11-17, 2023 27 in the “Top 100 Music Scandals of the Past 50 Years.” Using a similar device to that of her previous nov- el, Funny You Should Ask , Sussman alternates sections that take place “Now” and that took place “Then.” But readers won’t complain be- cause it works beautifully by creat- ing great suspense not only about what is going to happen, but what happened in the past. While Kathleen’s pop star days are long gone, she fortunately has enough money to live comfortably. She does miss performing before an audience and regrets never hav- ing fulfilled her dream of becom- ing a Broadway musical star. That changes when her close friend Harriet’s musical finds backers to showcase the work and, if success- ful, to bring it to Broadway. Even better, there is a part perfect for Kathleen. In fact, Harriet wrote the part with Kathleen in mind. There is one big problem, though: The di- rector of the musical is Cal Kirby, with whom Kathleen has a history. He is part of the reason her career was destroyed and her anger at him has not lessened over the years. In fact, she wonders if he is only look- ing to humiliate her a second time. Romantic complications occur as Kathleen and Cal try to find a way to work with each other for the good of their friend and the show. The “Then” sections of the nov- el focus on Kathleen’s days as Katee Rose and depicts the ups and downs of being a pop star. Although she loves performing, Kathleen never truly feels like Katee Rose, an artificial persona put together by her manager and staff, who worry more about her public presentation than her de- sire to perform as her true self. Things are complicated by her ro- mance with Ryan LeNeve, which at times feels more like a public relations stunt than true love be- cause the two have few interests in common. When Ryan becomes part of the boy band CrushZone — which also includes Cal as one of its members — life becomes ex- tremely complicated for Kathleen. Once More With Feeling is great fun and the sexual content is hot. Kathleen is an interesting and complex character who finds it hard to admit her own mis- takes publicly but takes them to heart personally. The portrayal of Kathleen and Harriet’s friendship is also well done. The characters’ love of music, song and theater shines clearly, making this a real treat for rom-com fans who also love music and Broadway. Rabbi Rachel Esserman is the ex- ecutive editor of The Reporter Group. Once More With Feeling: A Novel By Elissa Sussman (Little, Brown and Company, 2023) 416p., $17 Elissa Sussman. Sussman’s Once More With Feeling is great fun, and Kathleen, the protagonist, is an interesting and complex character. Reviews Business continued from page 24 continued from page 13 2,000-year reservoir of fear to draw upon. This understandable fear is the ultimate trigger for donors, readers and fundraisers alike. But we pay a price for allowing that fear to own us. For one thing, fear forces us into a short-term mentality. When we’re in the throes of short-term battles, nothing else matters but the here and now. The long-term loses saliency. It’s in the long term, howev- er, where the Jewish future lies. “Fighting against hate” may bring us temporary satisfaction, but it won’t nourish a strong and lasting Jewish identity. T his doesn’t mean we should ig- nore antisemitism; it means we shouldn’t allow it to dominate us. Yes, we should have security when we need it. We should use every le- gal recourse available. We should correct the lies against Israel. At the same time, we should pick our battles and stop publicizing ev- ery little act that offends us under the guise of “calling out.” We should stop deluding ourselves and inflating expectations that we can ever “end Jew hatred.” We should stop play- ing in the Victim Olympics because it’s a game we’ll always lose. And we should stop looking like fragile, humorless killers of free speech who worry only about our own. If we’re going to worry about our own, let’s focus on what we are for , not what we are against. Let’s educate our leaders and encourage our donors to elevate the positives. In the long run, an attachment to our ancient and timeless tradition is what will last. Bringing Jews to Shabbat meals will do more for the Jewish future than bringing them to demonstrations against Jew hatred. It’s true that in recent years, the focus on fighting a common enemy has lit a Jewish spark throughout our community. But band aids are temporary. Skirmishes come and go. If we allow the haters to define our identity and priorities, we can’t help but lower ourselves, whether we realize it or not. Haters deserve the shade they hate, not the bright lights they crave. I’m waiting for the day when nurturing strong Jewish identities will overtake the fight against Jew hatred as a communal priority. It won’t be as dramatic or immediate or lucrative as our daily emergen- cies, but there’s no need to panic, because it’ll be better for the Jews and the Jewish future. David Suissa is editor in chief and publisher of Tribe Media Corp and the ‘Jewish Journal.’ Demonstration against antisemitism in London. Fighting Jew hatred holds a sacred, emotional place in the Jewish consciousness. How could it not? Bungalow time in the Catskills! Cozy DETACHED, stand alone, fully furnished 3 room bungalow, with a full Eat in Kitchen, living room combo. Nice large porch with an awning to enjoy the shade, close to the pool. Located in the Robin Wood Coop, that includes all utilities, amenities, maintenance, taxes and insurance. With only minutes to the major highway, Resorts World Casino and The Kartrite Water Park, Monticello Raceway, Bethel Woods, shopping and more and less than 2 hours from NYC. This is a great inexpensive vacation. Priced to sell and use now! To make an appointment for a showing or ask questions call Sue Katz @ 201.248.5861