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Jephte's Daughter by Naomi Ragen
Paperback: ISBN: 1-902881-50-8 Pages: 445 8½"x5½" US$ 14.95
Reading Group Discussion Questions
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The Biblical story of Jephte and his daughter can be found in the Book of Judges. Why do you think the author called her book by this title? Are there any parallels between the life of Batsheva Ha-Levi and the biblical figure of Jepthe's daughter? If yes, what are they?
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In the opening quote, the author uses the words of Aliosha from The Brothers Karamazov: "Dear children, do not be afraid of life. How good is life once you have done something good, once you have been true to the truth within you." Why do you think the author chose this quote? To what characters, and to what incidents might it refer?
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Many of the characters in Jephte's Daughter are motivated by the need to fulfill obligations- religious, social, family - that are larger than their personal need for happiness and fulfillment. In what way does their attempt to be true to their obligations set them free, and in what way does it entrap them?
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The concept of "women's role in life" is very rigid in the haredi world Batsheva finds herself. How would you describe that role and in what way do the women characters fulfill it - Batsheva, her mother, Mrs. Harshen. In what ways do they defy it?
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How would you describe the character of Elizabeth. What is her motivation? Although she has a completely different background and culture, in many ways, she and Batsheva undergo similar experiences. Describe them.
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At the beginning of the book, Elizabeth and Batsheva discuss the idea of the continuum, or the rainbow; the idea of the great chain of being. When does this idea reappear in the book? Is it significant?
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The men in Jepthe's Daughter are vastly different in background, but have many similarities. Can you talk about how Abraham Ha-Levi, Isaac Harshen, and Graham MacLeish relate to women, to themselves, to their studies?
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What did Batsheva expect from marriage? What did she receive? Do you think her expectations were realistic, or unrealistic?
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Jephte's Daughter was based on a real story; the tragic death of a young haredi woman who leaped to her death with her small child in her arms, killing them both. Do you think the author should have followed the original story. Why? Why not?
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In the book, the characters discuss whether art is removed from life, or whether the artist has a responsibility for the moral consequences of his art. Look up this passage (page what page? ) and join the discussion.
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