UNKEPT SECRETS

What happens to a mother of eight, Jewish Orthodox woman, leading a quiet life, when she finds out one day, the admired rabbi, teacher of her sons, has been sexually abusing them since their Bar-Mitzvahs? Ornit, an ultra-Orthodox woman, had to face this question and against her will, become a hero overnight. She and her children sued the offender and endured grueling legal proceedings. But on top of that, they had to cope with another blow - their community defended the Rabbi! Ornit, who aired the dirty laundry in public, faced shunning. These complainants are assisted by Shana, a 29 year-old ultra-Orthodox woman, who works in a global Jewish organization and Genendi, who is married and a mother of three. 18 years ago Genendi spoke out loud about being raped by her father, a famous rabbi, when she was a little girl. Since then, none of her 11 siblings or mother spoke to her. Genendi was shunned by her extended family for the secrets she did not keep. These victims become empowerment for other Orthodox women who battle against sexual offenses in the community. They will no longer remain silent.