What’s Happening:
The renowned singer and actress Barbra Streisand, a paramount figure in Jewish American culture, has released her memoir titled My Name is Barbra. This book delves deep into her Jewish roots, highlighting her Brooklyn upbringing, Yiddish inflections, and her journey through the entertainment industry.
Why It Matters:
Barbra Streisand’s unabashed embracement of her Jewish heritage offers a profound narrative that contrasts the historical tendency of some Jewish stars to downplay their ethnic origins. Her memoir serves as a testament to the influence of Jewish culture in shaping her life and career, reinforcing Jewish identity in the broader context of American entertainment.
The Jewish Highlights:
Brooklyn Beginnings:
Streisand shares stories of her childhood in Brooklyn, her experiences with Jewish education and family life, and how these early moments prepared her for roles like Yentl.
Broadway Dreams:
Inspired by a Broadway production of The Diary of Anne Frank, Streisand’s memoir recounts her aspirations to perform on Broadway, her break-out role as Yetta Tessie Marmelstein, and the Jewish connections that shaped her early theater career.
Culinary Nostalgia:
Streisand’s love for Jewish food, from knishes to her musings on the significance of food security in Jewish history, is a recurrent theme in her book.
Artistic Collaborations:
Famed Jewish figures like Jerome Robbins, Marvin Hamlisch, and Leonard Bernstein are among the many collaborators Streisand highlights in her career journey.
Funny Girl Fame:
The memoir recounts Streisand’s iconic role as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, emphasizing the importance of Jewish representation on stage and screen.
A Nice Jewish Girl in Media:
Streisand reflects on her appearance on the cover of Playboy in 1977, challenging stereotypes and embracing her identity in the public eye.
Political Alliances and Advocacy:
The book details Streisand’s friendship with Jewish politician Bella Abzug and her involvement in political causes, including the Rabin-Arafat peace process.
Yentl and Directing:
Streisand shares the challenges and triumphs of making Yentl, a film that celebrated Jewish intellect and womanhood, and her defiant display of Jewish identity during its production.
Connections with Israel:
From the premiere of Yentl to her encounters with Israeli leaders and her outspoken perspectives on women’s rights, Streisand’s bond with Israel is a significant part of her story.
Barbra Streisand continues to be a cultural icon who brings her Jewish identity to the forefront, impacting the entertainment industry and beyond. Her memoir, My Name is Barbra, is a celebration of that identity, offering insight into the life of one of Hollywood’s most influential Jewish figures.
This story was first published on jpost.com.