Off the derech resources Aug 16, 2017 · If i went off the derech i would move to some beach town far away from the jewish comunities and eat the gid hanasheh in my freezer while wearing my shatnez sweater i always wanted to wear! I want to make a program to help these tunabygels go off the derech. , is not welcome by off the derech members. I understood a little but but want to hear more. Ask the Apikorus, Elisha ben Avuya, who studied Torah while riding a horse on Shabbat, with his disciple walking next to him, until he had to tell his student they had reached the Tchum (boundary) that his student could no longer continue to accompany him Originally commissioned by Vogue in 2018, Off the Derech is a collection of images and interviews chronicling the lives of women who have departed from their Hasidic Jewish communities and sought to build new lives in the secular world. It drives me crazy that they are hanging around bk and monsey. Meaning of Off The Derech. They call us the “OTD” Off The Derech (off the beaten path) people. Now we want to help you! You are probably Project Extreme empowers off the derech and at risk Jewish Teens, both boys and girls, to make positive choices. Over a few years, I transformed from being someone who loved nothing more than connecting with the Torah to facing the realization that I had devoted my life to a lie. She is somewhat of a celebrity in the Off The Derech Facebook group. What can you tell us about your religious background? Mar 5, 2015 · Would you categorize your going “off the derech” as being a mainly a rational or an emotional decision? Going “off the derech” was a rational decision for me. It was based on my knowledge that I was continually gathering, on science and history. BY JOINING THIS GROUP, YOU AGREE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES AND THOSE IN THE PINNED POST THAT YOU'LL SEE UPON ADMITTANCE Off the derech (Hebrew: דֶּרֶךְ, pronounced: / ˈdɛrɛx /, meaning: "path"; OTD) is a Yeshiva-English expression used to describe the state of a Jew who has left an Orthodox way of life or community, and whose new lifestyle is secular, non-Jewish, or of a non-Orthodox form of Judaism, as part of a contemporary social phenomenon tied to the digital, [2] postmodern and post-postmodern On the Off The Derech website, you will find links to many resources, such as support organizations, meetup groups, Facebook groups, etc. Rabbi Aron Glick, Rav of the Kamenitz Bais Medrash and Director of Sharey Ezer, an organization dedicated to assisting youth at risk and their families, hosted this important rabbinical Dec 6, 2016 · “Off the Derech” and “At Risk” are terms that are oftentimes used interchangeably in the Jewish community. Sep 12, 2024 · Those lost ultra-Orthodox Jews, often called OTD — off the derech, strayed from the one true path — sometimes leave the Jewish world entirely, but often they don’t. While the episode of Acher/R. Departing from these traditions in service of living a more authentic life is a Everyone knows that there is a lot of intermarriage going on and the assumption made by Jews (mostly observant ones) is that the individual has "gone off the derech" and abandoned their principles. Going off the derech doesn’t mean you have to stop reflecting on where you came from. net dictionary. Looking for the abbreviation of off the derech? Find out what is the most common shorthand of off the derech on Abbreviations. Abuyah does not have a happy ending, the story can help us gain deep insights into what might get in the way of Teshuva for ourselves and others and the complexity of being “off the derech. My questions started innocently enough, subtle incoherencies… It makes me so angry when families cut off teens that are rebellious and trying to figure themselves out. Jul 13, 2016 · A report released last month found that though many formerly Orthodox — or “Off the Derech” — Jews struggle to find new communities and feel acceptance from their families, nearly all Definition of Off The Derech in the Definitions. Hasidic communities have strict draconian rules and traditions to uphold. 4. 6. Hi Shimra, welcome to this interview. Nevertheless, it is the only book so far that seems to address the issue of why people leave orthodoxy. Advocates for fair education, committed to improving secular education in Hasidic and Haredi schools. Approximately one-third of Footsteps members are parents who came to us as they grappled with redefining their relationships with their spouses and children. Local OTD Groups Online OTD Communities Alternative Sep 6, 2016 · The OTD Manual is a free and not-for-profit collaborative project meant as a public service. This term describes those who have departed the fold of ultra-Orthodox Judaism. Abuse Divorce / Custody Issues Suicide Prevention While nothing takes the place of a real community, online groups can be an excellent way to connect to other people who are in various stages of leaving orthodoxy. JCC Association offers a wide range of services and resources to help its affiliates to provide educational, cultural, social, Jewish identity-building, and recreational programs for people of all ages and backgrounds. Why I went Off-the-Derech by NS My journey from an extremely religious ben Torah to an atheist was long and painful. The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. My questions started innocently enough, subtle incoherencies… We have already begun this process of discussing what our off the derech values are and why we need an off the derech branch of Judaism. Sep 16, 2025 · Looking for the definition of Off The Derech? Find out what is the full meaning of Off The Derech on Abbreviations. ) and all of them are currently no longer keeping Torah and Mitzvos (commonly referred to as off the derech “OTD”). One Shabbos afternoon in Jerusalem I was walking back from lunch with a friend of mine, and a car pulled over and asked us for directions back to the highway. [av_contact email=’osuzannesky@hotmail. Aryeh is 21 and was raised in Seattle. In fact, based on available data, the off-the- derech community reveals strong commitments to the values embraced by much of the non-Haredi community. off the 'frum' derech to socialize and discuss current and past issues related to being OTD. היוצאים- ספר פורץ דרך המציע ניתוח מורכב ופתרונות אפשריים לתופעת היציאה בשאלה - פאראנאק מרגוליס Definition of off the derech in the Definitions. We’ve been there and done that. #jewish #offthederech #religioustrauma #religioustraumahealing #judaism # Off the derech (Hebrew: דֶּרֶךְ, pronounced: / ˈdɛrɛx /, meaning: "path"; OTD) is a Yeshiva-English expression used to describe the state of a Jew who has left an Orthodox way of life or community, and whose new lifestyle is secular, non-Jewish, or of a non-Orthodox form of Judaism, as part of a contemporary social phenomenon tied to the digital, 1 postmodern and post-postmodern eras Dec 11, 2019 · Why I went Off-the-Derech by NS My journey from an extremely religious ben Torah to an atheist was long and painful. What does Off The Derech mean? Information and translations of Off The Derech in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Find other OTDers locally and online. While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, stories, resources, or related graphics contained The Voice of Justice http://thevoiceofjustice. For a community which prides itself on continuity and on passing the tradition from one generation to t Explore personal stories and experiences of individuals who have left ultra-Orthodox Judaism on this insightful platform. The blame is always placed on the individual, but very little effort goes into why the person went off the derech. When he mentioned an organization called Footsteps that supports people who are finding their own derech, I took the bus in to New York for their next event. Why don’t you start by telling us a little bit about your religious background? I was raised by a single mom. Remember, you are not alone in facing life’s challenges. Oct 4, 2015 · Shimra is 36 years old and lives with her husband Aaron and 3 children in Brooklyn, NY. We also welcome formerly ultra-Orthodox people who would like to help others considering or actively making the transition. Telling people they are wrong according to Judaism, preaching orthodox views, etc. The hit Jul 7, 2016 · A groundbreaking report illuminates the Jews who leave Orthodox Judaism in search of acceptance and Jewish identity. I’m an avid reader, so I read a vast amount on it, really studied it. Teenagers who are not yet off the derech but who display signs of rebelliousness from Orthodox norms, such as changes in dress or Feb 8, 2024 · I am very interested in knowing more about this organization. Jul 8, 2016 · A report released last month found that though many formerly Orthodox — or “Off the Derech” — Jews struggle to find new communities and feel acceptance from their families, nearly all These patients are suffering from various mental illness diagnosis, (such as: dysfunction, depression, anxiety, BPD, OCD, etc. Aharon Fried: You identify the educator as one who teaches in an out-of-town day school. It is an invaluable resource, not only for the Orthodox but for all those interested in the issues of assimilation and Jewish continuity. We do not agree on theology or ritual, but we all agree that we need a form of Jewish life that supports our individual choices and expressions. . Connecting people with support, resources, community, and most of all, hope through peer and professional support. Feb 27, 2023 · There’s a phenomenon in the Orthodox world which is called by various names, though most commonly “Off the Derech” or OTD, and “Datlash,” short for “Dati Leshe’avar” - that is, formerly religious. Meaning of off the derech. The first includes original selections from contemporary American and global authors writing about their OTD experiences. Several academic monographs describe this community and some members have written memoirs that became best sellers. IT is very sad to feel rejected. I of course gave them to him. This can include the sticky issues of divorce and custody. Join one of our troubled youth programs for a therapeutic camp adventure that truly helps the teenagers grow! One of the best programs for troubled teens and off the derech young adults. Nov 12, 2024 · Being on one’s own derech, doesn’t mean one has to be without community. Through a broad portfolio of both short and long term programs for troubled teens, Project Extreme is designed to help troubled youth and their families in overcoming their many challenges and also provides a crisis text line for immediate support for anyone, whenever they need it. Facebook Groups Other Online Communities Jan 3, 2017 · You can now follow Off the Derech on our Twitter Feed @OtdWeb Aug 2, 2019 · Hmm, probably around two events that occurred when I was in yeshiva in Israel. Their school years become years of consistent failure. If anything, they need more love and support during that time, not less. For many people, going OTD is the most challenging experience they will endure in their lifetime, but it can simultaneously be the most liberating and euphoric of experiences. Security note: Only members see actual posts and comments. Some, not all, of the kids who go off the derech do so because of their inability to master kriah and hence, learning. Today, Aryeh considers himself to be an atheist, but a human before anything else. Please let us know what you think should be added by leaving us a comment. com’ title=’Send us your feedback!’ button=’Submit’ on_send=” sent=’Your message has been sent!’ link OFF THE DERECH PERSPECTIVES ON THE LIFE, THE OTD EXPERIENCE, AND THE FRUM COMMUNITY. They betrayed their own kind and disobeyed God. Mar 5, 2020 · A new book has come out on the topic of the OTD Phenomenon, called Degrees of Separation, Identity Formation While Leaving Ultra-Orthodox Judaism: Zalman Newfield’s book is called Degrees of Separation: Identity Formation While Leaving Ultra-Orthodox Judaism. A support group for all religious Jews who are secretly off the derech (OTD) or questioning, and are looking for a community of people to talk about it with and share experiences. recommend you to use a different profile if you are afraid for repercussions. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. ” IntroductionFew experiences are as paradoxical as going OTD. The second features chapters by scholars representing such diverse fields as literature, history, sociology, psychology, anthropology, religion, and gender studies. Sometimes our efforts can actually exacerbate the problems when we are Melissa is 37 years old and lives in Ottawa, Ontario with two cats Hi Melissa, thanks for agreeing to do an interview. Under each topic, we have listed a few suggested links that may be of help in your journey. Interesting articles: A place for formerly religious Jews and Jews who are off the 'frum' derech to socialize and discuss current and past issues related to being OTD. That evening changed my life because I discovered that many, if not most, who leave traditional Orthodoxy do not go “off the derech;” they find THEIR derech of Judaism. This group is open to all of those who are off the derech in some way, from the skeptical orthoprax to the secular atheist. Elisha b. In this manual, you can find words of wisdom, guidance, and loving support by those who have left the orthodox, ultra-orthodox, and Chassidic lifestyle. Hi Aryeh, what was your family’s religious background? Raised by Aish May 26, 2017 · To learn more about some reasons why people leave observant Judaism, the book Off the Derech by Faranak Margolese can be helpful, although many ex-observant people disagree with some of the premises and conclusions in the book. The phrase is often applied to rebellious teenagers. Off the Derech is divided into two parts: stories and analysis. We need to learn to love others unconditionally, even if they are not living the same lifestyle we would choose for ourselves. ” We offer programming and resources for people at any stage of the journey. com! 'Yeshiva Derech Hatorah' is one option -- get in to view more @ The Web's largest and most authoritative acronyms and abbreviations resource. If there is anything that I can do, I would most certainly want to hear. Off the derech means to us: on our own path of self-determination. On January 26, 2020, the Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud HaRabbonim convened its monthly (Rosh Chodesh Shevat) conference at the Kamenitz Bais Medrash located in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn. Start reading 📖 Off the Derech online and get access to an unlimited library of academic and non-fiction books on Perlego. With the rise of OTDs, public awareness has also grown. Family Support Programs If you are a parent who is considering exploring the world beyond ultra-Orthodoxy, we know that the risks are particularly acute. Play nice and treat each other well, this is above all a place of support. ), various life-threatening addictions (such as: alcohol, drugs, etc. Oct 10, 2018 · “Off the derech” (translated as “off the path”) is one of the worst nightmares of religiously committed Jewish parents. For many difficult issues, it might help to reach out to experts and professionals experienced in these areas. Through our Family Apr 27, 2012 · According to Irenstein, lack of self-confidence pervades the recently ex-Orthodox, who refer to themselves as OTD, or “Off the Derech” (derech is Hebrew for path). org/site/PageServer?pagename=resources_caa_splash Discover new songs about Off The Derech such as which you can save them into your playlist on Spotify, YouTube, etc. com! The Web's largest and most authoritative acronyms and abbreviations resource. Sometimes despite themselves, sometimes quite intentionally, they still are drawn to it. Camp Extreme is open to Boys and Girls at different times. This is understandable given the centrality of religion in our lives; however, this confusion causes us as parents and educators to make mistakes with serious implications when we focus on the wrong issues. She was a Baal On and Off the Derech: Why Children Become Alienated from Judaism - Panel Program Renewing Our Spirit 2007 Topics Panels, Society, Community Share this class: Feb 1, 2022 · “Off the Derech” (OTD) means off the righteous path. org The Voice of Justice serves children and families by providing a one stop service center for all their service needs:, health, education, advocacy, and support. She is a graphic artist and nowadays defines herself as an Agnostic Deist. Jewish Child Care Association Child Abuse Alert http://www. As the first comprehensive examination of the causes of this phenomenon, Off the Derech serves as an indispensible guide for parents, teachers, psychologists, sociologists, social workers, and rabbis alike. Explore alternative communities. How would you respond to the above? Rabbi Dr. In many ways he identifies more with his hunter gatherer, primate, and non-mammalian ancestors than his more recent Jewish ones but feels a cultural kinship not related to religion for his fellow Jews. For support, please refer to Local Support Groups or Online OTD Communities. Many describe their journey out of Yiddishkeit as intensely disorienting, yet view this time as some of the most introspective and enlightening times of their Off the derech (OTD), literally, "off the path", is a term used by Orthodox Jews to describe someone who has intentionally stopped practicing the accepted tenets of his/her branch of orthodoxy frumkeit. A great online resource is the OTD Manual. 5. They were lost and trying to get back to Tel Aviv. I think I remember being scolded by someone who was sitting on a bench As the first comprehensive examination of the causes of this phenomenon, Off the Derech serves as an indispensible guide for parents, teachers, psychologists, sociologists, social workers, and rabbis alike. I am really sorry and sad to hear that many feel a certain level of criticisim in their observance of Judaism. Under each heading, we have a list of suggested local and online OTD/Jewish communities. However, community might be your neighborhood association, a political action group, or a hiking club. What does off the derech mean? Information and translations of off the derech in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. jccany. Open for people from all different religious Jewish backgrounds (Modern Orthodox, Yeshivish, Chassidic, and any others).