Off the derech
Off the derech (OTD), from Hebrew literally meaning: "off the path", is an expression Orthodox Jews use to describe someone who intentionally stops practicing the tenets of his or her branch of orthodoxy. The phrase is often applied to rebellious teenagers. Teenagers who are not yet off the derech but who display signs of rebellion from Orthodox norms, such as changes in dress or associating with off-the-derech friends, are often called "teens at risk". Numerous Haredi Jews never leave the community despite losing their faith, and they are often referred to as Reverse Marranos. The off-the-derech community has developed its own identity,[1] with blogs and active Facebook groups.[2] The community has protested against cover-ups of child sexual abuse[3] and lack of basic education[4] among the ultra-Orthodox Haredi Jews.
See also
- Frum, used to describe a Jew born into an observant family who has remained observant
- Baal teshuva, a Jew raised in a non-observant family who becomes observant as an adult
- Footsteps, a US-based organization which supports the transition of leaving the Haredi lifestyle.
- Mavar, a UK organization which supports the transition of leaving the Haredi lifestyle.
References
- ↑ http://www.hasidicnews.com/index.php/opinion/103-otd.html
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/groups/offthederech/
- ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/21/nyregion/ultra-orthodox-jews-hold-rally-on-internet-at-citi-field.html?_r=0
- ↑ http://forward.com/articles/178624/getting-in-face-of-ultra-orthodox-on-need-for-real/
Further reading
- Faranak Margolese, Off the Derech: Why Observant Jews Leave Judaism; How to Respond to the Challenge, Devora Publishing, 2005.
- Hella Winston, Unchosen: The Hidden Lives of Hasidic Rebels, Beacon Press, 2006.
External links
- Drop Outs Can Repair the Rifts
- Footsteps, an organization helping people going OTD to settle in the secular world.
- Geshereu, an organisation helping people leaving the ultra orthodox world in the UK and Europe.
- OTD Resources