'Unorthodox' author to speak at Beth El Temple

West Hartford - Deborah Feldman, author of "Unorthodox: the Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots" will be a guest speaker at Beth El Temple from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec 5.

According to her bio, Deborah Feldman was raised in the cloistered world of Brooklyn's Satmar Hasidim and struggled as a naturally curious child to make sense of and obey the rigid strictures that governed her daily life. From what she could read to whom she could speak with, virtually every aspect of her identity was tightly controlled.  In her memoir "Unorthodox" Feldman reveals what life is like trapped within a religious sect that values silence and suffering over individual freedoms.  She sheds new light on this subculture through a harrowing tale of repression and self-discovery. 

Following Feldman's presentation there will be a dessert reception, book sale and signing.  This program will also be preceded by a light supper honoring Torah Fund Benefactors.  The Torah Fund supports the schools and programs of The Jewish Theological Seminary of America.  As a fundraiser for the Torah Fund, the cost for the dinner is $25 per person which includes an $18 donation to the Fund.  This event is co-sponsored by the sisterhoods of Beth El Temple and B'nai Tikvoh-Sholom, in partnership with the Mandell JCC Jewish Book Festival. 

Beth El Temple is an egalitarian congregation affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. The synagogue strives to create, sustain and strengthen Jewish unity and continuity through personal involvement in meaningful worship, ritual, learning and social action. All are welcome. Located at 2626 Albany Avenue in West Hartford, Beth El is home to worshippers who live in more than a dozen Central Connecticut cities.  For more information, please contact Beth El at (860) 233-9696.

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