Kiruv & Orthodox Judaism

I recently observed, upon hearing about the divorce of yet another Aish Rabbi (they are now at the age that they are getting divorced from their second marriages), that “everyone at aish sucks at relationships”.  Not just romantic relationships, but also parent-child relationships as well (I can’t speak to other...

Oh boy, let me fill you in. The literal definition of Baal Teshuva means "master of repentance/return". The broad implication being that they are "returning" to something they have lost, namely their religion, spiritual identity, etc. Inherent in the term Baal Teshuva is the implication that one's previous life was...

I have alluded to this before in other scathing posts, but it's becoming more and more clear to me, to the point that I almost see it as synonymous. People generally become religious because they have a fucked up past, and the more religious they become, the more their...

My partner and I recently attended a retreat organized by Footsteps, the organization that supports (mostly) Orthodox Jews leaving religion, especially in the New York area. The retreat was wonderful, and I am grateful to the organization for creating such an enjoyable experience, with a lot of generosity, abundance,...

It took me a long time to realize this, but the kiruv system pulls some really sophisticated mindfucks while trying to convince people about the “truth” of religion. They will basically play both sides of an idea – contradicting themselves but making some convincing arguments in the process. Until you...

I was recently contacted by a parent of someone who has recently become religious. They found me through my article on Aish Hatorah being a cult, and wanted me to intervene. This prompted me to think about what I'd actually say to someone who was actively involved in becoming...

Are you in the process of getting brainwashed by an Institute for Jewish Wisdom? Is all that mumbo jumbo getting you down as you try to don a black hat a week after being a regular college kid in California? This handy dandy glossary will provide an explanation for...

When he was something like 10 years old, his school’s idea of an educational experience was bringing in a sheep to be ritually slaughtered and dissected.  Nothing could prepare him for the moment when the sheep went from alive, albeit bound, to an explosion of red blood that burst forward...

In the hyperbolic style of Mishpacha Magazine. Inspired by bullshit like this. Mild mannered and unassuming, most people looking at Gedalya Halevi Fleagenkrautz would not realize the man is truly one of the biggest leaders of the generation, a gadol who has brought thousands closer to Yiddishkeit. In the corner, a...

The bible, so full of contradictory statements, is a perfect setting for Rorschach tests. It’s all just spilled ink on the page. You see what you want to see. You want airy fairy hippy shit? You got it. “Sons you are, to the lord your God.” You want dogmatic, oppressive, hardline world views? You’ll...