Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots

“Our dreams hover above us like clouds, and mine seem bigger and fluffier than her cirrus high in a winter sky.”

Deborah uses a simile to compare her dreams to her mother’s, illustrating a significant contrast between how the two women left the community. Additionally, this quote is evidence of resentment toward her mother.

“If I had a wish, it would be to always be traveling, from one airport to another. To be freed from the prison of staying still.”

In the first chapter, Deborah exemplifies a difference from her community: the desire to travel and move away. Additionally, there is some foreshadowing in this quote, as she shows she is unhappy with her current life.

“In this family, we do not hug and kiss. We do not compliment each other. Instead, we watch each other closely, ever ready to point out someone’s spiritual or physical failing. This, says Chaya, is compassion—compassion for someone’s spiritual welfare.”

Deborah provides insight into the strict rules of the Satmar community, specifically regarding the lack of physical and emotional affection displayed by family members. It is also a juxtaposition between how she was raised and the type of affection she would like to provide for her son.