Off the Derech : Why Observant Jews Leave Judaism--How to Respond to the Challenge

by Margolese, Faranak

• ISBN13: 9781932687408
• ISBN10: 1932687408
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-10-10
• Publisher: Simcha Media Group

Summary

The author reveals the multi-layered reasons for the defection of so many observant Jews from Judaism, and presents solutions to this growing problem for parents, teachers and rabbis.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 11
How Big is the Problem?	p. 19
Dispelling the Myths: Assimilation, Then and Now	p. 27
The Heart of the Matter: Emotions and Observance
Religion and Its Practitioners	p. 40
Rejection	p. 52
Imposing Religion: Free Choice and Conditional Love	p. 66
Shalom Bayit and General Happiness	p. 77
Who Are the Parents?	p. 93
Abuse and Safety	p. 98
The Little Things	p. 108
Understanding & Dealing with Rebellion	p. 121
Neutrality and Beyond	p. 145
Conclusion and The Role of God	p. 154
Mind Over Matter: Truth, Meaning, and the Intellect
The Role of the Intellect	p. 162
Truth	p. 173
Meaning: A Universal Vision	p. 186
Mitzvot: The Means to Actualization	p. 196
Reasons and Relevance	p. 205
What Compromises Universal and National Meaning	p. 214
What Compromises Personal Meaning	p. 226
The Role Of Questions	p. 233
What Compromises Learning	p. 243
Conclusion	p. 252
Implementation: The Final Step
Implementing Observance: The Role of Character	p. 258
Implementing Observance: The Role of Community	p. 271
Gaining Respect	p. 282
Fostering Spirituality	p. 290
Conformity and Its Consequences	p. 300
Narrow Definitions of Being Observant	p. 311
Our Attitude Toward Other Communities	p. 318
Our Attitude Toward the Outside World	p. 331
Conclusion	p. 345
Conclusion
Putting It All Together: Causes	p. 352
Those Who Return Again	p. 362
Putting It All Together: Solutions	p. 373
Highlights of Web Survey Results	p. 382
Appendix	p. 393
Endnotes	p. 396
Bibliography	p. 414
Glossary	p. 425
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