Sally Opened Doors

It was the 1970s, and doors were opening for women all across America. They could be doctors, lawyers, even pilots. But two thousand years of tradition said they couldn't be rabbis. Until Sally.

Sally Priesand wanted not just to learn Torah, but to teach it; not just listen to a sermon, but give one; not just sit in the congregation, but lead it.

In rabbinical school, people whispered:

"She is only here to find a husband."

"She will never finish."

"No congregation will hire her"

But Sally didn't listen. She finished her studies and became the very first woman rabbi in America. She opened the door for the many women who followed, and her story inspires us all to reach for our dreams.

About the Author

Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso is the author of the National Jewish Book Award finalist Regina Persisted: An Untold Story, as well as Judy Led the Way, God's Paintbrush, and many other books for children. She is rabbi emerita at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis; director of religion, spirituality, and the arts at the IUPUI Arts and Humanities Institute; and cofounder of Women4Change Indiana. She lives in Indianapolis.

About the Illustrator

Margeaux Lucas has illustrated many children's book, including Regina Persisted: An Untold Story and Judy Led the Way. She lives in New York. Visit her website at www.margeauxlucas.com.

Reviews

"Sally Opened Doors is a captivating and beautifully illustrated work . . . It provides a model of perseverance that will inspire young people to create a more just world." 

--Rabbi David Ellenson, Chancellor Emeritus, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion

" A beautiful and inspiring story of how one young woman's vision, determination, and generosity enabled her to fulfill her dreams and also make history."

--Dr. Judith Rosenbaum, CEO, The Jewish Women's Archive

 "Young readers will come away with an important and timeless lesson: 'Get up and get on with it' Rabbi Sandy Sasso counsels, and follow your dreams. This delightful storybook constitutes a moving tribute from one remakable trailblazer to another." 

--Dr. Gary P. Zola, Prefessor, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, and executive director, The Jacob Rader Marcus Center of The American Jewish Archives

"Sally Opened Doors reminds us that everything is possible with hope, courage, and perseverance. In addition to its powerful life lessons, this book celebrates our communal history through Rabbi Sallly Priesand's unique story."

--Rabbi Mary L. Zamore, executive director, The Women's Rabbinic Network