A sharp and poignant memoir of self-love, faith, and the radical joy of escape from a life defined by expectation
Sara Glass grew up as Malka, a devout, obedient member of New York’s Hasidic community. Her friends and family brought her love and purpose, but Sara became all too aware of the limitations into which she was born. Her loveless arranged marriage made it clear: she would live a life devoted to childbearing, keeping house, and managing her emotionally unstable husband.
But inside, Sara held a secret—her queer identity, finally acknowledged after a chance meeting with a captivating young woman. Split between familial expectations at home and freedom unlike any she’d felt before, Sara embarked on a rocky journey to self-acceptance that would see her go head-to-head with her faith.
Tormented by the looming threat of losing her two precious children, a profound loss and shocking trauma forces her to look inward and realize that she must live a fully honest life, not just for herself, but for her son and daughter. In this stunning story of resilience, identity, and righteous rebellion, Sara takes us with her as she seizes control of her life, sheds exploitative
tradition, and embraces the bliss of real pleasure for the first time.
Kissing Girls on Shabbat is a love letter to Sara’s children, a truthful and nuanced window into one woman's experience of all-encompassing religious devotion, and an inspiring celebration of loving oneself, bravely, at any cost.
“Dr. Glass has given an honest, jarring, fascinating look at a world few people know. She has resisted the urge to sentimentalize or speak in euphemisms. Rather it is honest, beautifully told, and wrenching.”
—Max Gross, author of The Lost Shtetl, winner of The National Book Award and the Jewish Fiction Award from the Association of Jewish Libraries
“A high-stakes journey of secrets, redemption, and one woman's fight for her truth.”
—Anna Martin, Host of the New York Times Modern Love Podcast
“Sara Glass’ heartfelt story of balancing motherhood, career aspirations, sexuality, and faith while breaking away from her Hasidic origins gives us a fascinating look at the complex tapestry of Jewish life in New York and beyond. Her honest, flaws-and-all self-examination, while coming from a very specific and unique place, reveals universal truths.”
—Stuart Rojstaczer, author of The Mathematician’s Shiva
“Lyrical and evocative, Glass offers an immersive read and an unflinching view of life in a secluded ultra-religious sect of Judaism. However, it is also, and perhaps foremost, the story of the self-shattering struggles that many experience when rigid conformity and compliance override freedom; and where silence, secrecy, and obedience outweigh truth, health, or hope. Sara Glass carved her own path to life, and her book may well help shape it for others.”
—Na’ama Yehuda, author of Communicating Trauma
Sara Glass, PhD, LCSW, is a therapist, writer, and speaker who helps members of the queer community and individuals who have survived trauma to live bold, honest, and proud lives. She lives in Manhattan, New York. Find out more at DrSaraGlass.com.
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