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

by Margolese, Faranak

• ISBN13: 9781932687439
• ISBN10: 1932687432
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-11-30
• Publisher: Simcha Media Group

Summary

Off the Derech is the phrase used within the Orthodox Jewish community to describe those who have left Jewish observance. Using questionnaires, extensive interviews with psychologists and rabbis, and her Off The Derech website, the author reveals the multilayered reasons for the defection of so many observant Jews from Judaism. At the same time, she presents solutions to this growing problem, thereby creating an invaluable handbook for parents, teachers and rabbis. Each chapter of this well-researched book deals with a different element of the "Off the Derech" syndrome as it explains, in detail, how parents can reach children who have become alienated and disaffected from their culture and their people.

Author Biography

Faranak Margolese received a BA in Philosophy from Stern College and a Master of Fine Arts from Columbia University

Table of Contents

Introduction	11	(8)
How Big is the Problem?	19	(8)
Dispelling the Myths: Assimilation, Then and Now	27	(13)
I. The Heart of the Matter: Emotions and Observance
Religion and Its Practitioners	40	(12)
Rejection	52	(14)
Imposing Religion: Free Choice and Conditional Love	66	(11)
Shalom Bayit and General Happiness	77	(16)
Who Are the Parents?	93	(5)
Abuse and Safety	98	(10)
The Little Things	108	(13)
Understanding & Dealing with Rebellion	121	(24)
Neutrality and Beyond	145	(9)
Conclusion and The Role of God	154	(8)
II. Mind Over Matter: Truth, Meaning, and the Intellect
The Role of the Intellect	162	(11)
Truth	173	(13)
Meaning: A Universal Vision	186	(10)
Mitzvot: The Means to Actualization	196	(9)
Reasons and Relevance	205	(9)
What Compromises Universal and National Meaning	214	(12)
What Compromises Personal Meaning	226	(7)
The Role Of Questions	233	(10)
What Compromises Learning	243	(9)
Conclusion	252	(6)
III. Implementation: The Final Step
Implementing Observance: The Role of Character	258	(13)
Implementing Observance: The Role of Community	271	(11)
Gaining Respect	282	(8)
Fostering Spirituality	290	(10)
Conformity and Its Consequences	300	(11)
Narrow Definitions of Being Observant	311	(7)
Our Attitude Toward Other Communities	318	(13)
Our Attitude Toward the Outside World	331	(14)
Conclusion	345	(7)
IV. Conclusion
Putting It All Together: Causes	352	(10)
Those Who Return Again	362	(11)
Putting It All Together: Solutions	373	(9)
Highlights of Web Survey Results	382	(11)
Appendix	393	(3)
Endnotes	396	(18)
Bibliography	414	(11)
Glossary	425