“A solid contribution to the existing literature on domestic violence, Carol Goodman Kaufman continues the important journey of lifting the veil of silence regarding domestic abuse against women who are overlooked and under-served because our society believes such crimes don’t happen to them. This enlightening study of the population of Jewish women who are victimized by their spouses as well as the professionals in place to help them further demonstrates the need for increased awareness and response by us all.”
“Published a few days prior to Yom Kippur 5764, this is a unique and compelling investigation of the Jewish community’s reaction – or non-reaction – to domestic violence. Concerned with the sins of the community more than the sins of the abuser, Carol Goodman Kaufman finds that … rabbis and community leaders are not doing enough and are not informed enough to help the abused women in their congregations get the support, protection, and guidance they need … The author takes a hard look at the Jewish community, its rules, regulations, and followers, and discovers the ways in which it helps and hinders victims of abuse.”
“In Sins of Omission (Kaufman) artfully blends sharp research skills with a comprehensive understanding of complicated social, religious and legal factors, and, as a gifted writer, offers a lucid, inviting – and unsettling – scholarly study … Kaufman brings a painful topic to the forefront. Her unwavering single-issue focus speaks articulately, passionately and professionally … Sins of Omission will hopefully stir many to action.”
“We have known for some time that Jewish men do in fact abuse their wives and children. Thanks to Carol Goodman Kaufman, we now also know that the Jewish community responds in a most shameful way. Sins of Omission reminds us of our responsibility towards others – and if we refuse to help our neighbors, we are guilty of a very grave sin indeed.”
“Sins of Omission The Jewish Community’s Reaction to Domestic Violence is an important book with a compelling portrayal of spousal abuse towards women in Jewish homes … [it] is a powerful book that is well researched and finely written. It is a subject that we as Jews must, as individuals, and ultimately as a community, understand and confront.”
“Sins of Omission is a courageous wake-up call for not only the Jewish Community but with grave implications for the borders beyond. It reaffirms that Shalom Bayit begins first with peace in the heart. A must read for clergy, and rabbinical students in particular.”
“There are few statistics about the incidence of domestic abuse within the Jewish community, but industrial and organizational psychologist Kaufman underscores that it does exist and that it must be acknowledged and dealt with openly within the framework of Jewish tradition. Covering the subject from sociological, religious and legal viewpoints, supplemented by an exhaustive analysis of interviews with survivors, rabbis and lay leaders in the Boston area … the case studies humanize the problem, and this work brings into the open this sadly neglected issue within the Jewish community.”
“What an impressive and important book! Carol Kaufman brilliantly explores how the Jewish community has responded (or, more accurately, has not responded) to the problem of domestic violence. She finds ignorance and neglect, but she also discovers significant sources of strength and hope. Kaufman’s research has major implications for reducing domestic violence not only within the Jewish community but in society at large. Anyone who cares about the problem of domestic violence should read this book.”
“A book that teaches and inspires … Newcomers and veterans of the campaign against abuse will appreciate Kaufman’s book for its thorough overview of the subject and its insightful analysis of current needs … Her book challenges us to roll up our sleeves and get busy.”
