Ancestral Knowledge

"Ancestral Knowledge" is the debut work of Rachel Kass, in which she examines the behavioral patterns across four generations of her family. These patterns are directly linked to her parents' divorce and her younger sister's suicide attempt. Kass sheds light on the challenges faced by her ancestors as Jewish immigrants in early 20th century New York City and the impact of religious loss as well as her grandmother's abusive behavior on the subsequent generation. Aiming to break a cycle of secrets, Rachel reflects on her own Jewish identity and how she perceives her mother's behavior. This profound engagement with her family history leads to a changed perspective on her Americanized Jewish upbringing and her self-image.