Shulem Deen, author of the memoir All Who Go Do Not Return, shares his transformative journey from the Ultra-Orthodox community to a more secular mindset. He discusses the struggle of balancing personal beliefs with communal expectations, shedding light on the often painful process of breaking free from tradition. Deen also explores the emotions tied to writing about these experiences, emphasizing the difficulty of reconciling empathy and anger. His insights into the complexities of identity and belonging provide a profound perspective on modern Jewish life.
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Gradual Exit from Hasidic Life
Shulem Deen left the Skvira Hasidic community gradually, pushed out officially when the rabbinical court ordered him to leave.
Despite leaving, he initially continued a pretend religious life before fully stepping away following his marriage breakdown.
insights INSIGHT
Writing From Scars, Not Wounds
Shulem Deen wrote his memoir as literature, not as an angry ex-Ultra-Orthodox exposé.
Distance brought empathy for the community despite recognizing its flaws.
insights INSIGHT
Defining Universal Jewish Values
Jewish values must transcend religious obligations to include universal ethical behaviors.
Values like giving people benefit of doubt and avoiding gossip are uniquely Jewish but often absent in broader culture.
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In this essay, Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik delves into the dual images of Adam presented in the first two chapters of the Book of Genesis. Adam I, the 'majestic man,' is depicted as mastering his environment and fulfilling a secular mandate, while Adam II, the 'contractual man,' seeks redemption and a covenantal relationship with God. Soloveitchik argues that the person of faith must integrate these two aspects, navigating the conflict between the material and spiritual worlds. He draws on Western philosophers like Kierkegaard and Kant, and emphasizes the role of prayer and the covenantal community in alleviating the existential loneliness of the faithful[1][3][4].
All who go do not return
Shulem Deen
Shulem Deen's "All Who Go Do Not Return" is a powerful and moving memoir chronicling his journey from a devout member of the Satmar Hasidic community to a secular life. The book offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the complexities of Hasidic life, exploring themes of faith, tradition, and the challenges of leaving a deeply ingrained religious community. Deen's honest and vulnerable storytelling sheds light on the internal conflicts and external pressures he faced. The memoir has garnered significant attention for its unflinching portrayal of religious life and its exploration of identity and belonging. It has resonated with readers from diverse backgrounds, sparking conversations about faith, family, and the search for self.
In anticipation of our upcoming series, we want to share with you our episode with Shulem Deen, originally released in June 2020.
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, David discusses with special guest and former member of the Ultra-Orthodox community, Shulem Deen, the struggle and importance of balancing one’s individual needs with those of the community.
Though many of us are aware of the extreme disconnect that exists between the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community and the secular world, the result of this unfortunate dynamic offers powerful insight. In particular, the intense and likely under-discussed experience of ex-Ultra-Orthodox community members (a group referred to by many as ‘Off The Derech’ or OTD) raises important questions about the reality of this intercommunity conflict and life as a modern Jew. In what ways do the religious and secular worlds misunderstand each other? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Ultra-Orthodox and secular worlds in facilitating a positive life for their members? How can we as individuals combat the inescapable myopia of living within a social bubble? Tune in to join David and Shulem in seeking answers to these important questions.
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