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Things to do
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MATT WITTMEYER staff photographer
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Personal: 35, of Rochester; married.
Occupation: Assistant Professor of Religion & Classics at the University of Rochester. I teach classes on American Judaism, race and ethnicity, and religion and food. I just published my first book entitled Doubting the Devout: The Ultra-Orthodox in the Jewish American Imagination (Columbia University Press, 2009). In the book, I examine the representation of ultra-Orthodox (also known as haredi) Jews in popular fiction and film. The book further investigates the choices non-haredi Jews have made as they represent the character and characters of ultra-Orthodox Jews. In these artistic and aesthetic acts, I discuss the war over gender and family and the anxieties over acculturation, Americanization, and continuity. I am currently at work on the history of American Jews as seen through the lens of a popular Jewish cookbook.
Community activities: Past member, Board of Hillel. Jewish Federation event participant.
My favorite thing to do in Rochester: Going to the Public Market, but I certainly don’t get there as often as I’d like.
Biggest challenge I’ve overcome and how I did it: Finishing a dissertation with a newborn.
One thing I’ve always wanted to do but never have: Become a detective—or at least write a great novel about one. There’s still time.
If I could change one thing about myself it would be: My incredibly flat feet. I’m convinced that they are holding me back.
The talent I would most like to have: The ability to sing. I love music and am surrounded by very musical people, but am officially a “music appreciator”.
The one thing I can’t live without: TIVO. And my husband. Not in that order.
The song that best describes my life: “Every day I write the book,” by Elvis Costello.
One of my favorite sayings is: Irregardless.
Actress I’d like to portray me in a movie about my life: In a perfect world, Natalie Portman. More realistically, Tina Fey.
