Shanda! Shame! Chillul Hashem! Domestic violence and child abuse exist in the Jewish community; they cross all socio-economic levels and religious denominations. They exist despite the denials, despite the skepticism that such ugly behavior can exist among our people always so proud of our exemplary home-life; despite the fear that exposing them will bring Jews into disrepute; and despite the apprehension that our reputations will be tarnished. Such fears dare not allow our people to suffer vio

Leaving the Fold is a documentary film about young Hassidic and ultra-Orthodox Jews in Montreal, New York and Israel who try to free themselves from a colorful yet repressed community because they can no longer tolerate living in the constricted world in which they were born. They are prepared to turn their backs on their relationships with their parents, their siblings and their sheltered community to make their way into secular society...and our baffling world of endless choices. Category:

When Values Collide: Why Many Leave Orthodox Judaism Yesterday, I asked, Is Orthodox Judaism is for All Jews? Today, I'm going to elaborate. Orthodox Judaism, like any belief system or community, has a certain set of values. There are many people who, either by temperament or ability, are unable to comfortably fit into a community based on those values. I believe that the gap between Orthodoxy's values and peoples' ability to conform to those values is the primary cause of people leaving Ort