by Philippa Miller
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Originally, when I started this column, I was hoping to read only fictional books. However, I came across this autobiography by Sara Glass.
It is always interesting to hear people’s Jewish journeys and learn how or why they came to where they are. Personally, I’ve had my own Jewish journey, from being more culturally Jewish growing up to becoming religious in high school, and then slowly less religious after college. My husband, as well, has gone from an ultra orthodox household to being an atheist to continuing to grapple with tradition and what it may mean in today’s world. This is part of why I have always enjoyed the topic of those who have left the ultra orthodox community.
Sara Glass, the author of Kissing Girls on Shabbat, grew up in a Hasidic family in Brooklyn with only sisters. Married young, she felt that there were other opportunities which she was missing out on, but she still wanted to be a good Jewish wife and live a devout life. However, as her marriage starts to crumble and she finds herself almost begging for a get (Jewish divorce). Her request is granted and she finally becomes a divorcee, able to live her life.
Living her life, however, means staying within the confounds of orthodoxy, as per her divorce agreement, so that her children can remain within the orthodox world—something with which she may not agree, but accepts. Over time, Sara meets another orthodox man, a single father, with whom she falls in love. Not only does Sara struggle with her orthodoxy, but she also struggles with her sexuality—coming to consider whether she might be a lesbian.
One of her close relationships is with one of her sisters, Shani. Shani is a bit more eccentric than her other siblings and lives her life HER way—something which Sara admires about her. Shani also struggles with bipolar disorder and, as a mental health professional, Sara understands that things may not be as clear and easy for her, so she has a soft spot for Shani.
Today, Sara is living a life that, for the first time, has no limits. She is the person who she wants to be without fear and is helping others to achieve that as a therapist.
This book is a great read as you think about your own Jewish journey; why you do the things you do, how you got where you are. For me, there were many parts that helped me understand certain aspects of my husband’s journey, as well as other friends we have in the “off the derech” community. And, while every journey is different, there are still some things that we may find in common.
About the Author:
Now that all four of her children can read independently, PHILIPPA “PHILI” MILLER has more time to read books of her own choosing. She is excited to share some of those books with this new column highlighting books with Jewish themes. As a former PJ Coordinator, she wants to make sure that your kids from 0–12 are signed up for PJ Library or PJ Our Way so they, too, can read great Jewish-themed books.
