Rebecca Goldstein - The 92nd Street Y, New York

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92NY Humanities Audio Collection

The Jewish Literary Exchange

Rebecca Goldstein

Oct 23, 2002


Dr. Margot Krebs speaks with American novelist Rebecca Goldstein about her science fiction novel, Mazel (1995). This event is part of the Jewish Literary Exchange discussion series. Mazel is the story about the mothers and daughters across three generations of a Jewish family, starting with the grandmother’s immigration to America from Warsaw. Goldstein incorporates details of a Yiddish folktale into the story, thematically asking: “What is more important? Mazel (luck) or Seykhl (brains)?” Goldstein reflects specifically on how she developed the characters, the maternal relationships between them, and the distinct interests and experiences that prevent each generation from fully connecting with their predecessors. The discussion includes questions and comments from the audience.

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