1. This book takes on the question of passing and who is or isn't identified as a Jew. This is an important topic to those who study Jewish religious identity and authenticity, material culture, as well as gender and sexuality. The book explores questions in wide currency today: what constitutes an "authentic" identity and who has the "right" to assume a particular identity. 2. The book is a timely exploration of questions in wide currency today: what constitutes an "authentic" identity and who has the "right" to assume a particular identity. It responds to the troubling issue of minorities' comfort level in the current political and cultural climate in America. 3. The author is a seasoned scholar of literature and culture. She has written widely on Jewish topics throughout her long career.