That said, certain ancillary characters and places mentioned did exist. Mikveh Israel is the oldest formal congregation in Philadelphia and considered the oldest continuous synagogue in the US. The “Damascus Affair,” or “Damascus Blood-Libel,” was a real international incident.
It should be noted that the American Jewish experience has always been vastly different than the European. In the early Victorian era, Jews did not have the full pantheon of rights in England. Full emancipation would not come until the Jews Relief Act of 1858. In contrast, Jews have always been fortunate to hold the full slate of rights and privileges of American citizenship.
In 1841, the American Jewish community was young, small, and scattered, and didn’t have the full infrastructure that existed in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Thus, American Jews were much more integrated into the larger community. Many have argued that this helped create a Jewish community that was fundamentally different than its counterparts abroad, in both position, practice, and identity.
Now, I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about how Judaism is portrayed in this book a bit more specifically. First, it should be noted that traditions are not static nor linear in Judaism, i.e., certain customs fall in and out of favor. Additionally, the location and spot in history as well as the class of the participants provide for variation. The Nunes-Levy clan is intended to be part of a wealthy European Jewish family of mixed Sephardic and Ashkenazi descent—as was common in Western Europe. Due to expulsion, discrimination, and outright massacres, the European Jewish experience has been extremely migratory, with many families never living in one place for more than a couple of generations. The idea that we can all be neatly categorized as one kind of Jew or another is often not accurate.
Additionally, in 1841, rabbinic Judaism in Europe was on the cusp of a cosmic shift. Before the conclusion of the 19th century, Samson Raphael Hirsch, Abraham Geiger, and Zecharias Frankel would sow the seeds of what would become Orthodox, Reform, and Conservative Judaism. However, such divisions were almost nonexistent in 1841 America.
In other words, the characters in this story were just Jews. A great deal of their practices are modeled on historical records of several prominent Jewish families at the time, including that of Philadelphia philanthropist (and the first person to apply the Sunday school model to Judaism—so everyone who had to go to Hebrew School can blame her) Rebecca Gratz. For example, correspondence by Gratz, who, after Judaism split into movements, considered herself Orthodox, suggested that she and her sisters kept Kosher inside their house but ate a variety of fare while travelling.
Additionally, my own experiences growing up as a Conservative Jew in Delaware, though at a very different time, informed the world building in this book. Hopefully, all my predecessors approve, or at least forgive any inaccuracies.
Acknowledgments
Despite rumors, writing is not a solitary endeavor. Behind every book are enough cheerleaders, supporters, mentors, and helpers to rival the number of dukes in the historical romance version regency England. I know I’ll miss a few, but I want to say that no one would be reading this without any of these people. A million “thank-yous,” and hugs and kisses to the following:
First and foremost, to Dan, the best husband anyone could ask for and the best duet partner for “Master of the House,” and “Suddenly Seymour.” To my beautiful children, who now both know terms like “character arc,” and “inciting incident,” and don’t resent me for it. To my sister, Marni, who makes sure I don’t embarrass myself too much. To my parents who swear they’ll at least buy, if not read this. To my Aunt Elaine, who took over where Grandma left off.
To my fabulous agent, Lane, and brilliant editors Kerri and John, who believed in and fought for me and Urs and helped us shine—you guys are amazing. To my day job family, aka the APAs of TFD, who make sure to keep my feet on the ground and make me laugh.
To my supportive friends who let me ramble about writing way too much—Stef, Dan F., Josh, Malcah, Emily, Karen, Janna, Halli, and Ellen. To the writers’ groups who boost me up, have taught me everything I know, have shown me everything I don’t, and have made me strive to be better—All the Kissing, NEORWA, RWA, Debut Authors 19, and RChat. To Jeni and Carly, who gave me the right amount of encouragement and right amount of tough love. To my CPs/betas—Cora, Yaffa, Rachel, Sharon, Brent, Courtney, Taylor, Tara M., Janet, Meka, Lily, Evie, Victoria, Willa, Marit, Lindsay, and Tia—you’ve helped me grow over and over.
To my sister-in-crime, Luna Joya, who knows where all the bodies are buried and may have helped get rid of a few. To Tara Tsai, who always makes writing more joyful. And to MJ Marshall, who is both more than a CP and more than a friend—who knows all my secrets and keeps me sane and pushes me and challenges me and makes me braver and bolder and better. She’s the Vera to my Mame, and this journey wouldn’t be half as fun or special without her.
XOXO
About the Author
Felicia Grossman is a historical romance writer, originally from Delaware, who now lives in the rust belt with her spouse, two children, poorly behaved puppy, and perpetually disappointed elder dog. She is an RWA member (NEORWA chapter), Broadway nerd, and lover of eclairs. Her high school superlative was “most salacious,” and she hopes her books live up to that title. She can be found on twitter at @HfeliciaG and her website is https://feliciagrossmanauthor.com.
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ISBN-13: 9781488052187
Appetites & Vices
Copyright © 2019 by Hannah Singerman
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