Labensohn’s essay “Leaving Babylon” is very interesting and thought provoking. I am Jewish and knew that the divorce process for Jews was different than other religions, just because the marriage ceremony has so many religious aspects, so in my mind it was inevitable that divorce would be different. But this essay is the first time I’ve really read about the extent of the Jewish divorce process, and the details of it. I find it very fascinating that in particular for a woman to remarry, she has to get the approval of the religion and her husband, whereas the husband has all the freedom in the world to go do whatever he wants after the civil divorce, get or not get.
In terms of something I learned from the article regarding the aspects of writing themselves, I find her tone to add a lot to the essay. I find the essay to be more engaging given that it is written in frist person. It is more believable and sucks you in more. Personally, because it was this woman telling her own story I felt very sympathetic for her and I felt bad for her to an extent as well. Had this story been written by a third party, it would not be nearly as relatable.
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