Modern Exodus: What Leaving Hasidism Can Teach Us About Judaism

Those who exit a religion-particularly one they were born and raised in-often find themselves at sea in their efforts to transition to life beyond their community. Sociologist Schneur Zalman Newfield, who went through this process himself, has interviewed dozens of ultra-Orthodox Hasidic Jews who left their communities. Why did they leave? How do they make sense of their personal Exodus, and what do they think of their religious upbringing now? What have they lost, and what remains with them, in their new lives?
Newfield has found that "exiters" experience both a sense of independence and a persistent connection with their roots. And their experience offers important lessons for Jews of all backgrounds, or for anyone interested in religious tradition in the modern world. Newfield joins IISHJ Dean for North America Rabbi Adam Chalom for a stimulating conversation on his work.
Schneur Zalman Newfield grew up in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, in the heart of the ultra-Orthodox Lubavitch Jewish community. In his early twenties he left this community, seeking out secular education and a broader life. Today Newfield is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Borough of Manhattan Community College (CUNY) and the author of Degrees of Separation: Identity Formation While Leaving Ultra-Orthodox Judaism (Temple University Press). He is also a podcast host with the New Books Network, interviewing scholars of Jewish and religious studies. Visit him online at ZalmanNewfield.com.

[@arongamman9360]

Very interesting discussion. I have had some issues with connecting with others and I had a long time spent finding in liminal space after growing up in the Modern Orthodox community. Think of Spinoza!

[@greglogan7706]

Thanks - I have always really appreciated the presentations by this fellow... A great deal of humility, grace and insight

[@MoiraB853]

Recoveringfromreligion.org and The Clergy Project might have some data about folks who leave ultra orthodox communities. They're also a resource for folks who are traumatized by or have difficulties coping with their experiences in and out of religion.

[@ratzfert]

I was always fascinating to do a book on the psychology, behind the manipulation and control of as develop system not by plans just by default, how most stay there as power cult as myself being raised so. Like you see in Scientology or so.

[@rursus8354]

44:30 why not make Torah rolls from some heavy metal requiring strength? Perhaps steel that requires a lot of strength to roll up?

[@greglogan7706]

😄

[@johnsanders3474]

Contrary to Prof Newfield's online presentation his book is primarily a discourse on sociological theory and claims to be a contribution to the same.He claims to be drawing on the concept of rites de passage and Turner's Roman Catholic theological concept of "liminality .He does draw on some anachronistic sources in sociology and anthropology of e.g. the 70s.In doing so he loses the the sense of cruelty privation and hurt experienced by those criticised by regressive forces .Attention shifts away from the direct testimony of survivors which he uses as fodder for his sociological theorising but which encapsulates the vilification and real trauma of rejection .Newfield ignores the non Jewish wider environment in which all this is happening. It's not that leavers are paradoxically unable to leave, It's the reluctance of Jews to criticize Judaism in an anti Semitic public environment regardless of the treatment they have endured .In attempting to ritualise and formalise exiting and entrancing Newfield ignores the .subjective accounts of the unacceptable. and has problems accepting individuality .Abstract theorising replaces empathy for victims of the "system". Analogies with leaving prison and being reintegrated are absurd

[@greglogan7706]

Of course it would be most helpful for you and he to have a dialogue on the issues that you raise Prov18 17The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.

[@superchilltorah1663]

“Secular education is corrupting to the Jewish soul” al tikrei secular ela lubavitch .

[@bonnielawrence8748]

Utter nonsense.

[@ronalddonner3396]

There should be a rule that any Orthodox Jew that goes off the Derech dispose of the religious accent at the same time!