The Yiddish Policemen’s Union

What if the Jewish diaspora had established a mini-state in Alaska?

What if Harry DuBois had a gigantic muscle-pal instead of Kim?

What is the Messiah was gay?

All this and more is addressed in Michael Chabon’s 2007 alternate history novel, “The Yiddish Policeman’s Union.”

On top of being some darn good genre fiction, this book takes a hard and unique look at U.S. empire and its relationship to Zionism. It’s also a beautiful and fun look at numerous aspects of Jewish culture, which Chabon delights in showing off with remarkable skill…Also it describes some REALLY yummy donuts.

Note: there’s some words in this book we’ve elected not to say as non-Jews, so in the interest of respect we’ve bleeped those when we read passages out loud.

Links to articles/topics referenced in this episode:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Yiddish_Policemen%27s_Union

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/avi-shlaim-proof-israel-zionist-involvement-iraq-jews-attacks

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavon_Affair

https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/somebodys-protest-novel/