Author Jonathan Safran Foer spoke about writing and religious identity as process on Sunday evening at the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford‘s Celebrate the New Year Together event at the Marriott. He made it seem effortless to keep the attention of the over 300 people in attendance.

Safran Foer, author of Eating Animals explained that the book began as an exploration of his decision to become (and remain) a vegetarian, more than it was any attempt to convert others’ culinary habits. Likewise, when asked about his Jewish identity, he responded in a way that was self-described as “convoluted,” but touched on the complexity of personal versus community identity. Where at one time more people were vegetarian than would admit to it, now the numbers have grown so much as to suggest that there are those who claim to not eat meat, but who actually do. He wondered if this is the same with Judaism, if some of these identities are more aspirational than actual.

Those in attendance considered to be young (under 45) had the opportunity to participate in a quick meet-and-greet with Safran Foer after the formal program ended, proving that one can write a number of solid books (including co-production of the New American Haggadah) and find the time for a trip to Hartford, and speak with those who might still only be aspirational in any number of their identities.