Hasidic groups vs. other Jews

Apr 24, 2009 07:33

Recently. I've gotten to know someone who is a former Lubavitcher Hasidic Jew, who managed to leave that way of life (rather cult-like, according to her) and build a new life for herself.

Apparently, leaving Hasidic Judaism can be extremely difficult. As a general rule, Hasidic groups shun contact with the outside world and ostracize anyone in the community who breaks that taboo. This means that anyone who leaves the community has to re-build one's entire life.

Here's an article about Hasidim who want to leave but feel trapped: Rebels: The Other Face of Chasidim by Hella Winston, Jewish Journal, November 24, 2005.

And here are some websites by other Orthodox Jews critical of the Chabad Lubavitch movement: Problems with Lubavitch blog and Chabad Mafia (a website by non-Lubavitch orthodox Jews).

judaism, new york city

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