Kissing Girls on Shabbat: A Conversation with Memoirist Sara Glass

ABOUT THE EVENT

As we gear up towards Pride Month, the Oshman Family JCC is proud to partner with Footsteps to present this program.

Join us for a fireside chat with memoirist Sara Glass and CEO of Footsteps, Lani Santo. We will discuss how Sara's book "Kissing Girls on Shabbat" explores the intersection of both Haredi and LGBTQ issues.

• For a free book included in your ticket price, register by May 8th.
• There will be book signing, and additional books will be availbale for purchase at the event.
• Free parking is available at the venue.
• For more information about this event please contact bXNoYWJ0YWkgfCBwYWxvYWx0b2pjYyAhIG9yZw==

ABOUT THE BOOK

A moving coming-of-age memoir in the vein of Unorthodox and Educated, about one young woman’s desperate attempt to protect her children and family while also embracing her queer identity in a controlling Hasidic community.

Growing up in the Hasidic community of Brooklyn’s Borough Park, Sara Glass knew one painful truth: what was expected of her and what she desperately wanted were impossibly opposed. Tormented by her attraction to women and trapped in a loveless arranged marriage, she found herself unable to conform to her religious upbringing and soon, she made the difficult decision to walk away from the world she knew.

Sara’s journey to self-acceptance began with the challenging battle for a divorce and custody of her children, an act that left her on the verge of estrangement from her family and community. Controlled by the fear of losing custody of her two children, she forced herself to remain loyal to the compulsory heteronormativity baked into Hasidic Judaism and married again. But after suffering profound loss and a shocking sexual assault, Sara decided to finally be completely true to herself.

Kissing Girls on Shabbat is not only a love letter to Glass’s children, herself, and her family—it is an unflinching window into the world of ultra-conservative Orthodox Jewish communities and an inspiring celebration of learning to love yourself.

REVIEWS

“A searing testament to the strength in claiming one’s destiny.”
—The Washington Post

“A high-stakes journey of secrets, redemption, and one woman's fight for her truth.”
—Anna Martin, Host of the New York Times Modern Love Podcast

“Dr. Glass has given an honest, jarring, fascinating look at a world few people know. She has resisted the urge to sentimentalize or speak in euphemisms. Rather it is honest, beautifully told, and wrenching.”

—Max Gross, author of The Lost Shtetl, winner of The National Book Award and the Jewish Fiction Award from the Association of Jewish Libraries

“Searching and provocative, this book chronicles a woman’s struggle with faith and freedom while also celebrating the necessity of personal choice. A courageously candid memoir.”
—Kirkus

“[Written] with astonishing empathy for the people and forces that stood between her and liberation. Few readers will be unmoved by the depth of [Glass's] struggle or the strength of her resistance. This leaves a mark.”
—Publishers Weekly

“By no means an easy read, but definitely a necessary one.”
—Betches

“Sara Glass’ heartfelt story of balancing motherhood, career aspirations, sexuality, and faith while breaking away from her Hasidic origins gives us a fascinating look at the complex tapestry of Jewish life in New York and beyond. Her honest, flaws-and-all self-examination, while coming from a very specific and unique place, reveals universal truths.”
—Stuart Rojstaczer, author of The Mathematician’s Shiva

“Lyrical and evocative, Glass offers an immersive read and an unflinching view of life in a secluded ultra-religious sect of Judaism. However, it is also, and perhaps foremost, the story of the self-shattering struggles that many experience when rigid conformity and compliance override freedom; and where silence, secrecy, and obedience outweigh truth, health, or hope. Sara Glass carved her own path to life, and her book may well help shape it for others.”
—Na’ama Yehuda, author of Communicating Trauma

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sara Glass, PhD, LCSW, is a therapist, writer, and speaker who helps members of the queer community and individuals who have survived trauma to live bold, honest, and proud lives. She lives in Manhattan, New York with her three children. Find out more at

https://www.drsaraglass.com/

ABOUT THE INTERVIWER

Lani Santo is CEO of Footsteps. Lani has amplified Footsteps’ profile to reach the audiences of The New York Times, specifically the groundbreaking Peabody-nominated investigation into yeshivas and in the NYT Magazine, in the New Yorker, and on Netflix, which debuted One of Us, an Oscar shortlisted documentary following three courageous Footsteps members.

Prior to Footsteps, Lani served as a Senior Program Officer at American Jewish World Service, where she focused on immersive international service-learning experiences for young adults. Lani is an alumna of the Wexner Field Fellowship, and is also an alumna of Avodah’s Jewish Service Corps, where she served on the board from 2004-2013. She has sat on advisory councils for numerous organizations including Unchained at Last and Upstart. She was named to The Jewish Week’s ’36 Under 36′ list in 2015. Lani graduated from Barnard College and holds an MPA in Public and Nonprofit Management from NYU’s Wagner School. Lani lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children.

ABOUT FOOTSTEPS

Footsteps is the only organization in North America providing comprehensive services and programs to people who have chosen to leave their ultra-Orthodox communities and build self-determined lives. Based in New York with remote offerings nationally, Footsteps provides a range of services, including social and emotional support, educational and career guidance, workshops and social activities. Find out more at https://www.footstepsorg.org/

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