BACK OF THE BOOK: All She Wrote; Orthodox Feminism In The Family

Jewish Week, The, November, 2002 by Brown, Elicia

Brown, Elicia The Jewish Week 11-08-2002 As her mother emerged as a vocal Orthodox feminist, Sarah Trachtman altered her wardrobe. She gave up her favorite pair of black pants. She renounced clingy shirts and tight-fitting skirts. In keeping with a strict interpretation of the Jewish laws of modesty, Sarah pledged to spend her days in dresses and skirts with hemlines that fall below her knees, and in tops that cover her collarbone and elbows. "I believe it's right," says Sarah, now 20 and a Brandeis University sophomore.

"I don't feel restricted." While Sarah confronted a series of new issues as a college student -- would it be proper for her to attend school-sponsored parties? (no), movies? (yes), dorm gatherings? (it depends) -- Sarah's mother Audrey...

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