“Fear of Flying” Author Erica Jong Rocks The Boat in Teaneck

Left: Gladys Laden of Teaneck, Co-President, NCJW BCS; Center: Erica Jong of Manhattan; Right: Ann Levenstein of Teaneck, Co-President, NCJW BCS

The guest speaker to a rapt audience of over two hundred members and guests at the Tuesday September 17 General Meeting of NCJW Bergen County Section was renowned author, poet, essayist and teacher Erica Jong. She made powerfully clear her strong views on why women, joining with the ever-increasing participation of men, must never give up the fight for women’s rights and equality. As the fearless author of the seminal best-selling 1973 feminist classic “Fear of Flying” and her advocacy for social justice for women and society at large, Erica Jong is arguably one of the most notable feminists in our history.

With humorous anecdotes and personal reminiscences, including poems she wrote following the death of her mother, she recounted the genesis of how her life and work were influenced by the efforts of her Jewish mother and grandmother.  Ms. Jong congratulated the members of NCJW BCS for their tenacity and resolve in their endeavors to help heal the world and reiterated that women must never become complacent where their rights are concerned and should continue to fight for equality. As Ellie Lubin of Englewood, an audience member said, “She was stimulating, provocative, and thoughtful; had lots to say on a lot of many different subjects and gave me a lot to think about. She reinforced our motivation to continue the work we do.”

Arrangements for the appearance of Erica Jong was made through The Fischer Ross Group, Inc.