Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots

On Deborah and Eli’s wedding day, she receives a professional makeover. At the wedding hall, she poses for her photographs and waits to be greeted by her guests. She sees Aunt Chaya with her mother nearby, her aunt making sure that her mother does not draw attention away from the bride. At the beginning of the ceremony, Zeidy covers her face with a white veil, which she wears until after the wedding. After the blessing is given and the glass is broken, Eli slips the ring on her finger, removes her veil, and leads her to a private room where they will share their first meal as a married couple. He presents her with a gift of earrings, and her first wig is placed on her head since as a married woman no one other than her husband is permitted to see her hair. She is too nervous to eat during dinner. They rejoin the party for a night of dancing and finally return to their apartment.

When they try to have sex for the first time, there is anatomical confusion on both sides, and after Eli falls asleep, Deborah is confused about what, if anything, has happened.