Naomi Ragen dinner winner

Want to have dinner with Naomi Ragen? That was the question posed to the community and those who answered had a chance to win two tickets to Naomi Ragen's lecture and pre-event dinner May 20. Organizers of the Ragen event have selected the winner – Stella Mattuck. Here are some of the entries:

I was introduced to Naomi Ragen's writing by a librarian at the Isaac Waldman Jewish Public Library at the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver. The first book I read was Jephte's Daughter and I was an ardent fan. Naomi took me into a world I had no knowledge of. Was it fact? Fiction? Her writing fascinated me. Listening to and meeting Naomi would be a treat, but if lucky to dine with her, it would be a thrill of a lifetime. Thanking you in anticipation.

Stella Mattuck

I would like to have dinner with Naomi Ragen because I want to understand why she didn't run away from Judaism after learning about all the horrible problems that women experience in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. Her first book, based on a true story, reveals the terrible oppression of a young woman who is forced into marriage by her parents to a devoutly religious but unsuitable mate, a man who forbids her to actualize herself and ends up abusing his wife. Ragen's other books deal with shame and ignorance around rape and the control exerted by some men of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community who can easily deprive a women of access to her children and ruin her life at the mere hint of some impropriety that they judge to be offensive. Ragen's books are full of the most horrendous oppression of women all bathed in the light of religious fervor. How can a woman who has seen such terrible oppression practised in the name of God still believe and pray to that same God?

Naomi Voss

My husband and I are staunch supporters of Israel, and are big fans of Naomi. We have been reading her column for years and would cherish the opportunity to meet her in person. Naomi has the clarity, and resolve, to really make a difference, as we plan to. We are active members of the younger set of the Vancouver Jewish community. We are expecting our first children – twins – which is giving us renewed clarity on our Zionism. We intend to do everything we can to see that our kids will continue to have a homeland, as will their children and grandchildren. Israel is very important to us. While neither of us sees easy answers to the challenges being faced there, we know that our country needs our support. We would love to discuss some of these ideas with Naomi.

Fleur Sussman

I was thrilled to hear that Naomi Ragen is coming to Vancouver! I would absolutely love to have dinner with Naomi Ragen as she is one of my favorite authors. I also like to read her commentaries on Israel, as Israel is a very special subject to me having family there. So often in her writing she has found the most touching ways – even heart wrenching ways to describe life in Israel and to get the point across in a powerful way. She says what many Jewish women as myself would like to say. I also have a love of writing especially for that of an author such as Ms. Ragen who speaks directly from her heart. She is indeed a phenomenal woman.

Cheryl Asbia

I would love to win a chance to go to the lecture and pre-event dinner with Naomi Ragen. I have read all but her most recent novel and probably will read it before the lecture. I find that I can run away with the story that she is telling, as well as relate to the characters in her books. I often read the books in a day or two, looking forward to the next one.

Natalie Chark

As a woman student at Canada's second most anti-Semitic campus, I am trying to make sense of the pressures and changes going on around me. I look for that understanding anywhere that I can get it. I would love to be able to attend this dinner and take back the knowledge to share with others. Please consider allowing me to take part. Thank you.

Julia Cornester

It is rare to hear a well-educated, passionate, political, Orthodox Jewish woman who is vocal about her (usually controversial and unpopular) beliefs. I admire her lifelong struggle with conflicting issues close to her heart. And I understand she is an excellent speaker.

Karen Mason

Naomi Ragen will speak at Schara Tzedeck Synagogue, May 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30. For more information, call 604-257-5133.

^TOP