Religion
The memoir details the author’s life in a Jewish practicing community in New York. Religion plays a significant role in her life and the community as it dictates every aspect of it. The community comprises an isolated section of Hasidic Judaism. They speak Yiddish and all foreign ideologies are banned from infiltrating their meticulously practiced faith. Above all else, religion is a top priority and everything else falls second to it. Despite her devotion to the religion, Feldman felt tied down to a community that refuses to adapt to their new environment of multiculturalism.
Traditions and Customs
The people from this community follow highly restrictive customs which must be upheld to maintain the integrity of their heritage. There is a specific form of attire that must be worn by everyone. All reading and writing materials in foreign languages were not allowed in the commune. They were not allowed to interact with people outside the faith and community. Things like sex education was a taboo among all people of all ages, even married couples. Marriages were arranged by family elders which led to Feldman getting married at 17. Due to a lack of marital knowledge, the couple finds it impossible to adjust to their new life.
Repression and Freedom
Feldman details how these rules repressed her way of thinking. She would often sneak away to neighboring communities to explore their way of life and literature. Her rebellion led her to want more for her child which inspires her to escape their life of repression. She finally acquires freedom, but it comes with unexpected results. She is forced to adapt to a more expansive and complicated world that isn’t at all what she initially imagined freedom would be like.
