Book SummaryKissing Girls on Shabbat, by Sara Glass

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Kissing Girls on Shabbat

The protagonist's journey of self-discovery and identity formation, including reconciling her desires with religious obligations and exploring her bisexuality and non-heteronormative identity

This part explores Sara's enduring battle to come to terms with and embrace her authentic identity, especially her sexual orientation, amidst the limitations imposed by her strict religious background. The narrative explores her internal conflicts, tentative explorations, and eventual embrace of her identity as a woman who is drawn to women.

The protagonist struggles to reconcile her own wishes and sense of self with the rigid religious expectations of her community.

Sara's journey begins with a deep internal conflict. She was brought up in the strict Gur Hasidic community, where she learned that any form of romantic or sexual longing not confined to a heterosexual union is considered a serious transgression. Initially, she tries to suppress her feelings of allure towards other women, despite experiencing a strong inclination in their direction. Sara's internal conflict is a consistent motif in the narrative, as she attempts to harmonize her emotions with her community's anticipations.

The protagonist reconciles her bisexuality with the stringent religious teachings of her youth that prohibit same-sex romantic involvements.

The book presents Dassa as Sara's initial romantic interest. Their relationship, conducted in secret while outwardly conforming to the community's expectations, highlights Sara's initial understanding of her sexuality as "bisexual." Sara, despite the profound remorse seeded by her faith-based background, is captivated by Dassa, feeling true joy and rapport that challenge her long-established beliefs. However, the fear of being discovered and the enormous pressure from society forced Sara to make the painful decision to end their relationship and marry a man.

The protagonist is embroiled in conflict, wrestling with a desire for genuine self-expression and the looming fear of potentially losing custody of her offspring if she fails to conform to the prescribed religious standards.

Sara's journey reached a pivotal moment with her initial marriage. She attempts to persuade herself that her union will flourish with commitment to her spouse, yet Glass portrays the relationship as lacking in both emotional and physical satisfaction. Yossi's unwavering adherence to religious practices, which goes beyond the usual expectations, deepens Sara's feelings of being alone and amplifies her inner struggles. After their separation, deciding on the future caregiver for their offspring often leads to disputes among the parents. Sara's existence becomes increasingly insincere, heavily limited by the fear of potentially losing custody of her children. She is terrified of deviating from Orthodox customs because it could jeopardize her parental rights, yet she deeply desires to explore her attraction to the same sex. This internal struggle between authenticity and motherhood remains a central conflict for much of the book.

Protagonist's exploration and acceptance of her non-heteronormative identity

The narrative explores how Sara...

Kissing Girls on Shabbat Summary The protagonist's well-being is significantly challenged by mental health issues, which also pose a considerable obstacle to the well-being of her relatives.

This portion of the narrative explores the profound topic of mental health issues, which have an impact not only on Sara but also on her sibling. Glass explores the intricate nature of manic-depressive illness, its profound impacts, and the difficulties encountered in seeking mental health assistance in a community where comprehension and backing frequently fall short.

The central character's odyssey is marked by her determination to come to terms with the profound difficulties posed by her sister's mental health condition while her family remains committed to offering assistance.

Growing up, Sara witnessed the profound effects of mental illness on her family, especially as she saw her sibling Shani struggle deeply with bipolar disorder. Sara's experiences had a deep impact on her self-image, guiding her to pursue a profession in the field of mental health.

The protagonist reflects on her sibling's numerous hospitalizations and unpredictable behavior.

Sara's formative years were deeply influenced by the health challenges Shani endured. Glass skillfully portrays the turmoil and bewilderment that envelop Sara and her relatives while Shani endures episodes of mania,...

Kissing Girls on Shabbat Summary The protagonist diligently tends to her children's needs and provides for them, facing financial and practical challenges as a single parent.

This excerpt underscores the profound difficulties faced by a woman raising her children alone within her religious community. Glass depicts Sara's steadfast dedication to enhancing the future opportunities of her children, her struggles with economic difficulties, and the obstacles she encounters in a setting that prioritizes religious conformity over the autonomy and rights of individuals raising children.

Protagonist's precarious financial situation after her divorce

Sara's choice to end her marriage to Yossi has placed her in a financially unstable position, highlighting the financial challenges women face when leaving a marriage within the Orthodox Jewish community. The author portrays the significant strain and doubt she endures, stemming from her dependence on the economic assistance provided by her father and the limited options available within her society.

The protagonist grapples with financial challenges, ensuring she can cover not only her own essential expenses but also those of her offspring.

Sara struggles to meet her family's basic needs while balancing a low-paying job with the responsibilities of childcare and household tasks. Glass depicts Sara's...