From the Book Proposal:
At once an art book and an
entertaining autobiography,
the book should be of special interest for Women's Studies, Jewish Studies, and Contemporary Art.
WHATEVER IS CONTAINED MUST GET RELEASED:
MY JEWISH ORTHODOX GIRLHOOD-MY LIFE AS A FEMINIST ARTIST
". . . In Shulamith School we were taught the song Toras Emes True Torah so of course I sang it full force. Hadn’t I kissed the Torah every week, as Daddy held me in his arms when I could still be on the men’s side? Then, at age six when I became of age to sit in The Women’s Section, didn’t I push my way to stand in front of all the ladies as close to the edge of the aisle as I could manage so when the men passed by exultantly carrying the Torah, I could reach to touch its gold fringe or crimson velvet skirt and then press my tremulous hand to my lips? Pushing through to the aisle to kiss the Torah was like trying to get into the BMT West End subway at rush hour before the doors shut tight as the train sped away. Any part of the Torah that I touched would do, and then I’d kiss my fingers that had touched the holy Torah. Everyone else made the same effort. Some women touched the Torah with their Siddur prayer book and then kissed the Siddur prayer book but I believed that fingers were more direct. I had to be on the alert because there were times when the men passed so quickly down the aisle near The Women’s Section that I missed my chance.
"So it was natural, wouldn’t you say, for me to be enthused about the Torah song, Toras Emes True Torah that we learned in music class in The Shulamith School for Girls – and for me to sing it with gusto full force out loud. Of course, that’s just what I did - - - until the choir leader, Mr. Silbermintz, put his index finger to his lips like he was saying SHHH... he looking straight at me with an insincere smile while still pumping his other arm in rhythm to Toras Emes True Torah for the rest of the goody-goody class. I did not understand the gesture until he mouthed the words with his thin masculine lips: Ah, make believe you’re singing but don’t let the hideous sound of your voice escape. Don’t let me hear off tune Toras Emes True Torah from your little eager mouth. There I was sandwiched between Shirley Gross and Esther Wenger, the two girls who had white gardenias in their braids in the graduation picture, the two mighty altos, I moving my lips dutifully as they belted out in all their glory, al yad nveo, ne’eman baito through the hand of His prophet faithful to His house."
This book is nearing completion.
Ms. Aylon is seeking an agent
and/or publisher.
She may be contacted at:
