Israeli novelist, journalist Naomi Ragen to speak here

The challenges facing Israel today fascinate Naomi Ragen, a renowned Israeli novelist, playwright and journalist who will make a stop in the suburbs next week.

Ragen, who is American-born but has lived in Jerusalem since 1971, will speak Nov. 13 at Congregation Beth Shalom, 3433 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Her talk begins at 8 p.m.

She is coming as part of the Conservative congregation's Distinguished Speaker's program. Her talk about Israel today is called, "An Orthodox Woman's Views, expressed in her novels, her political writings and in her life."

Ragen has published seven internationally best-selling novels, and is the author of a hit play. Her newest book, "The Saturday Wife," is a satirical look at modern synagogue and rabbinical life in America.

She also writes a regular e-mail column that deals with Jewish subjects. Many of her columns have appeared in the Jerusalem Post, and other Israel newspapers.

Ragen tackles subjects that she feels need to be addressed, even if her point of view is not necessarily popular among others in the Orthodox community, rabbis, or politicians.

"Why not?" she replied bluntly, when asked how she can level criticism with such ease. "So many of them deserve it."

Most of her novels and columns share her personal experiences. She incorporates elements of daily life into her columns and her play, "Women's Minyan," which recently closed at Israel's National Theater after a five-year run.

Sometimes, she must include the unexpected.

In 2002, she and her family were enjoying a Passover seder, at the Park Hotel in the coastal city of Netanya, when the hotel was attacked by a suicide bomber. Thirty people were killed, 140 injured-20 seriously. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack.

"We barely escaped with our lives," she said. She said she was furious that security was so lax and she wrote about it in a scathing column.

Tami Rokni, of Northbrook, arranged for Ragen to speak at Beth Shalom.

"We selected her for her political journalism," Rokni said. "She speaks her mind, pulls no punches, is an interesting voice."

There is also interest in Ragen as a novelist, Rokni added.

Members of area book clubs have read, "The Saturday Wife," and many of their members plan to attend.

A few days before embarking on a tour to promote the new book, Ragen talked by phone from Jerusalem.

"I don't choose the subjects of my books; the subjects choose me," she said.

"The Saturday Wife" is very different from most of her books, and will resonate with American readers who plan over-the-top weddings and Bar or Bat Mitzvahs, she said.

In Northbrook, she will share how she develops her writings from the chaos that frequently surrounds her and everyone she knows. It's an audience that will understand the everyday difficulties of living in Israel.

Generally, the speaker's programs draw 200 to 300 people. Those who plan to attend are urged to make reservations. For details call (847) 498-4100; or go to www.BethShalomNB.org.