Monday, April 5, 2021

More Orthodox Jews Going "Off The Derech" amid COVID-19 lockdown

 

Coronavirus lockdowns have led a growing number of New York City Orthodox Jews to rethink their roles in the community — with many opting to flee to a more secular lifestyle, according to a report.

Groups that help Jews leaving Orthodox communities to make the transition report a surge in demand for their services, Agence France-Presse reported.

Some say they used their time in isolation for soul-searching, while others were turned off by the flaunting of social-distancing restrictions in their community, the report said.

“You start to think that the people you rely on and trust maybe aren’t doing it the right way,” said Yael Reisman, an official with the non-profit Footsteps, told AFP. “I think it’s bringing more people out.”

Reisman said membership in Footsteps has risen about 18 percent over the past year. 

Freidom, another group assisting former ultra-Orthodox Jews, said more than 150 people joined its ranks last year during the pandemic.

Among those is Ella, who began inching away from the ultra-Orthodox community in New York with her husband in 2019 — and finally took steps the leave during their lengthy lockdown.

“We had time to cement our new identity and feel confident that we made the right decision before having to face anybody,” she told the news outlet.

“I finally have the chance to think for myself, but I’m not exactly used to doing it,” she added. “So, I’m trying to explore what I want for my future.”

Freidom also saw a 50 percent jump in participation in its group events, which include virtual hikes and movies, founder Gene Steinberg said. 

Some New York City Orthodox have faced criticism for flaunting lockdown restrictions, including mass attendance at religious funerals and weddings.

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