October 2011
28 posts
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“Considering I’m publishing a memoir about my Hasidic upbringing this year,...”
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Adventures in Yiddish
This summer, I spent some time on an organic, sustainably operated farm program hosted by Yiddishists. Because Yiddish is my first language, I was a prime candidate for participation in this unique kibbutz-like community. The experience was a bit frightening for me, as it was the first time in seven years that I would be speaking my native language, a language I had abandoned by choice when I left...
“Dude, all I’m saying is… Think about it… Orthodox Jews are basically Jedis...”
– The best thing I’ve overheard on St. Marks street in a long time. (via hard-work)
An incredible photoset of the Satmar community can... →
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In today's New York Times, segregation of the... →
Anonymous asked: Do you miss some of the Jewish holidays? Which one the most?
Anonymous asked: Hello Deborah, first of all, my english written is not wonderful as my primary language, American Sign Language. I sure you will understand mine as I hope. I am so eager to read your book. I think your book is fascinate. Obvious, I am very new to the Hasidic Jews community. I am shock and surprise when I read your biography of your website. Hey Deborah, is the difference between Satmar...
WatchABC News interviewed me about the signs in Williamsburg.
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“A Blurb for Unorthodox!”
– “Deborah Feldman was raised in an insular, oppressive world where she was taught that, as a woman, she wasn’t capable of independent thought. But she found the pluck and determination needed to make the break from that world and has written a brave, riveting account of her journey....
lineslifelaura asked: Hi Deborah, Hope your well? Was really impressed with your piece "I Am Satmar" and am looking forward to your book very much. I have a question do you have any contact with any of your family now apart from your son? And do you think more women or indeed men would like to leave Satmar or other dynasties but are too uneducated and too scared? Many Thanks
Anonymous asked: Why are Orthodox Jews xenophobic? As an African-American female, I am curious of the unknown from that culture. In my line of work, I had to hand off several cases to a caucasian co-worker because the witness or client would not be receptive. I look forward to your response. - BrooklynShiksa
rough-sects asked: Hi Deborah, I saw you liked my post and checked out your tumblr. I read the Publishers Weekly review of Unorthodox and I am very excited to pick up a copy. Is February 2012 the actual publishing date or is it autumn '12 as your little bio states? I hope its the former.
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Nice author quote and book mention in today's... →
A review of Unorthodox in this week's Publishers... →
Born into the insular and exclusionary Hasidic community of Satmar in Brooklyn to a mentally disabled father and a mother who fled the sect, Feldman, as she recounts in this nicely written memoir, seemed doomed to be an outsider from the start. Raised by devout grandparents who forbade her to read in English, the ever-curious child craved books outside the synagogue teaching. Feldman’s spark...
Lev Tahor, a hasidic sect located in Quebec,... →
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Yiddish Signs Order Women In Williamsburg To Step... →
ajlenova:
I understand that, according to Hasidic interpretation of the Torah, unmarried men and women are not supposed to touch in any way, shape, or form. This is, however, a terrible, blatantly sexist, and illegal way to encourage this religious observation. But I would like to point out that this sign, when translated into English, does not ORDER women to do anything, but requests them to. I...
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