The Sacrifice of Tamar by Naomi Ragen

My best friend and I had a conversation a few years ago that gets brought up again every so often ~ Would you rather be street smart or book smart?  The topic is usually triggered by something that someone we know has done or has failed to do and why he or she has made that decision.  Over the years in going through these options, we can both see the pros and cons to each one.  And admittedly, I sometimes waiver in my choice and lean more toward one than the other depending upon how I feel that particular day.  Nevertheless, it's always an interesting discussion.

The Sacrifice of Tamar throws a completely new dimension into this topic of conversation, one that I had never considered until only after having finished this novel.  Are you book smart or street smart when it comes to making decisions that call upon your faith?

Tamar Finegold wants nothing more than to live a perfect, safe life with her family within the confines of her Orchard Park, Brooklyn, NY neighborhood.  She faithfully abides by the Hasidim Jewish Laws and traditions, never straying from her beliefs.  But when she is violently raped while babysitting for her nephew, the decisions and actions she must face in the aftermath of her trauma test her willingness to adhere to the strict halacha, the law, of her faith and the humanity of others within her community.

Not only did this novel educate me in regards to the Hasidim and Orthodox Jewish laws and traditions (which I found to be extraordinarily fascinating), but it provided me with a profound perspective of how and why people make such drastic decisions based on their faith.  Initially, Tamar's choices are based on fear of the consequences she will suffer for going against the halacha.  But had she been more educated on her own religious beliefs and looked deeper into its purpose and meaning, her actions and choices would have been drastically different with a whole new twist to her fate.  This is undoubtedly a heart-wrenching read that opens your mind to the thought:  Are you book smart or street smart about your own religious beliefs and community when it comes to the choices you make? and do you have the fortitude to live with the consequences?