We know Jewish athletes are out there, on rinks and in arenas, breaking the stereotype of Jews as the People of the Book. But we don’t hear as often about the people working to break other Jewish stereotypes: namely, that said Jewish athletes are not just fit, but sexy. It’s a unique mission adopted by Stacey Agdern, a romance novelist who specializes in the hyper-specific niche of “romance novels that prominently feature Jewish hockey players”. Her new book, B’Nai Mitzvah Mistake, tells just such a story. Agdern joins to talk about Jewish athletes, the importance of representation and what’s behind semitic sex appeal.

Credits

Menschwarmers is hosted by James Hirsh and Gabe Pulver, and produced and edited by Michael Fraiman. Our intro music is by Coby Lipovitch, and our outro music is “Organ Grinder Swing” by chēēZ π. This show is a member of The CJN Podcast Network. Follow the Menschwarmers on Twitter @menschwarmers. Support the show by subscribing to this podcast or donating to The CJN.