Chutzpah: A memoir of faith, sexuality and daring to stay

(Hardback)

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A fearless navigation of faith and sexuality, Chutzpah explores what is possible when one person simply refuses to choose between abandoning their roots and abandoning themselves. As the daughter of a rabbi raised in an Orthodox Jewish community, Yehudis struggled to conform to the strict expectations placed upon her and her siblings. Outspoken, curious and desperate to know more about G-d, she felt fenced in by arbitrary rules and questions left unanswered. As she grew older, these restrictions intensified and her questions for G-d hung heavier than ever. Repeatedly let down by those who were supposed to protect her and pushed on to a path that seemed to take her further away from who she really was, she began to yearn for a life where she could embrace all facets of herself. When Yehudis's sexuality came to blows with the expectations of her family and her community, the pressure to inhabit a binary position reached fever pitch. Confronted with either losing the faith she loved or losing herself, Yehudis made the most daring decision of all- she decided to stay. Wry and exhilarating, Chutzpah is a fearless exploration of what is possible when one person simply refuses to choose between abandoning their roots and abandoning themselves.

Reviews

Yehudis Fletcher is an original thinker armed with clear-sightedness, courage and an extremely dry sense of humour. Her story, written reflections and advocacy have the ability to change communities for the better and empower those who need a roadmap to challenge the lives theyve been conditioned to live. * David Baddiel, author of Jews Dont Count *
Chutzpah is a brilliant and fascinating insight into an ultra-orthodox Jewish community. Yehudis Fletchers story is at the same time painful and inspiring. Despite resistance, she has dared to remain, forging a path for a more enlightened approach to observing Orthodox religion. * Harriet Wistrich, author of Sister in Law *
A gutting, brave story, written with exquisite candour. Fletcher reaches past the printed page, into the hearts of readers. Chutzpah is a crucial narrative, a story that lifts the shadows off topics that are rarely explored. * Dr. Sara Glass, author of Kissing Girls on Shabbat *
A testament to the human will to overcome unimaginable torment. Yehudiss resilience is truly inspirational. Her story will empower so many people. * Ashley Blaker, author of Normal Schmormal *

Author Bio

A writer, an activist, a scholar and a change-maker, Yehudis Fletcher holds a social policy degree and is the founder of the think tank Nahamu, which campaigns for the right to assert civil liberties within orthodox Jewish communities and works to outlaw practices such as forced marriage and the covering up of sexual abuse. Yehudis's activism has earned her audiences both within and outside Jewish communities, extending to allies in wider circles of activism in the South Asian, Black and LGBTQ+ communities, as well as in education, legal and media spaces, among others.