Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots

Deborah strives to be an independent woman. Which role models did she have? How did the women in Deborah’s community affect her journey to her authentic self?

Deborah recounts several incidents of sexual assault in the Satmar community. Describe the reactions of the community to these cases. What are some of the reasons that the community wanted to keep these instances of sexual abuse a secret?

Compare and contrast Deborah’s life in Airmont with that in Williamsburg. What freedoms does she have? How does the move from Williamsburg to Airmont change her?

What are some of the turning points in Deborah’s life that led to her decision to leave the Satmar community?

Find three examples of foreshadowing in Unorthodox and explain how the inclusion of this literary device shapes the narrative.

How does Deborah’s love of reading shape her decisions?

Although Deborah felt she was an outsider in her community for most of her life, she did not renounce her Hasidic way of life until her early 20s. Why do you think it took her so long to leave her community?

Did Deborah struggle more with pleasing God or with pleasing the community’s expectations?