Your message is so important! So many chassidim leave their communities and think that they must give up everything. Organizations like Footsteps encourage abandonment of religious observance.
Thanks for sharing this amazing video. As a Satmar chasid myself I think that if many of our young kids who sour on the ways they were brought up in would understand that the option of joining other frum communities that would appeal to them is there, and they would understand that they are no less an ehrlicher yid if they choose that path, then many of them would be saved from going completely off the rails. And that's why your story is so important to be told.
What we found is that a lot of people who leave actually want to join a new community, but don't know how to gain access to it. So we are trying to fill in that gap and make sure everyone has a place in the frum world if they want it.
I am former Satmer as well but still have emunah in HaShem, I have great respect for Chabad and now finally there is my chance for a scholarship in Torah studies.
Wow, this is very inspiring. I am not Jewish, but a tv series about the Hasidic community brought me here, I was curious about how people coped after leaving their insular communities . I really like the way she looks at the way she sees things from a spiritual perspective and how she interprets her faith. It can be applied to people questioning their own respective Faiths. Thanks for sharing.
Totally respect this woman. Wow. To not bash where she came from but calmly explain why she went a different way. Her and her family should only have bracha vhatzlacha!
Thank you Zeldy! You have inspired me to embrace my Orthodoxy,. I want to come back to Crown Heights, I think I have found a purpose outside where I feel secure. I feel my Mitzvah might be to help others here, all Christian, by teaching G-d’s love here, and keeping my roots through my family and Rabbi there. Thank you again.
I love this! I love what she says at 0:35, about the questioning aspect of spiritual life and needing room to put her own interpretation on her faith. Questioning, thinking, exploring are the hallmarks of true spirituality and should always be encouraged! Thank you Zeldy for sharing your story and blessings to you!
I really like this woman. She depicts chasidic community life very accurately, the chesed and the warmth. But she became regular Orthodox because that fit her. I admire her lack of self promotion. She is interested in people other than herself, I can tell. And that she went to a rabbi in Passaic for direction speaks well for her. She is well balanced.
She just looks so glowy! It's the type of spirituality that fill me with joy. I find I do not fit one specific religious set of guidelines (though I don't know if that's a correct phrasing) & I need to research & question & being able to do that strengthens my spirituality, it doesn't harm it.
I like how she explains that this was right for her and not everyone. I like how she explains religion as being a personal journey, and does not judge how anyone else lives. I am glad she is happy.
I am a Roman Catholic , but I wish we had kept a lot of the Jewish faith customs, example Passover. Not sure how this comment will be received by people of the Jewish Faith
As if now, I can't think why 13 people would give this a thumbs' down? She is not going against being orthodoxy. Being Chassidish is not for everyone. And it is refreshing that she didn't bash the world she came from either. Being modern orthodox is not for everyone and being chassidish is not either. There are chassidishe people that wear the clothing of chassidish and don't act chassidish. In short, there are all types and it is OK. One thing for sure is that we should always try to not make a CHILLUL HASHEM. And for this I am grateful too.
I think this is very important, because of all the negative PR about people leaving Judaism from chassidus. I'd just like to point out that there are chassiduses like Chabad, and I believe Breslev, where questions are welcomed. I know many frum from birth kids (including one of my own) who chose to go to baalei teshuvah yeshivos for just that reason. Instead of memorize, memorize, memorize, questions are encouraged and answered.
WOW! You got some Chutzpah, but you also have an amazing family. I have never (everrrrr) heard of an FFB marrying a BT. Being a neo-hassidic BT myself, I can't imagine it. Bless you and continued nachus for you, your family, and the project
How beautiful to see the end of her story. I remember her children as babies. Zeldy is a beautiful women outside and inside. May she be an inspiration for all others.
So lovely to find one's own path, not based on some sort of all-or-nothing thinking, but on honesty and authenticity. I believe that the Holy thrives in the discernment process, if it is earnest, no matter where the discernment leads.
I wish the Hasidic world would be more like you. When I lived in England, our street was half Orthodox Jews and English-Indian-Caribbean. The four worlds didn't speak to each other and the kids didn't play together despite attending the same schools. I'd go into a Kosher shop to buy meat and wouldn't be served or had to wait! It was hell and no way to live! The kids grew up disliking each other! I just want this foolishness to stop! There has to be a middle road, where the people can come together and be part of the community! It's 30 years later and things still haven't changed!
Thanks for your comment. Not to condone any not nice behavior, but the Hasidim who seem less friendly to outsiders, unfortunately, have generations of bad memories of how Jews were treated by their non-Jewish neighbors. Nearly the entire Hasidic community is descended from Holocaust survivors. So there is a lot of fear of the outside world hurting them again.
To anyone in the chasdidish community: Just because you decide long curly payos and a beard is not for you it doesn't mean you cannot be an erliche yid who hashem loves. Its not the beard and payis what makes you a yid, its being an oved hashem what counts.
Hi Victoria, I didn't notice many non-English words but she used a famous expression from the Torah "uvaharta ba'chaim" meaning "you shall choose life". You really get the message from the English even if you miss a few words in Hebrew. All the best, Joan
God shows your happiness in your way you speak about God. You are truely blessed, my God above show you His peace threw out your life. Thank you, for showing your happiness 🙏🏻
Religion could become a blessing or "Religion is the opium of the people" Key is how u take it & apply in your life. Either u become blind follower & ritualistic, or u move towards a deeper understanding of the idea of god echoed by people of direct taste & penetrating insight.
I really like her story but need a little help here just make sure that I understand everything correctly. What happened to her 1st husband? Her 2nd husband -- is he orthodox but not from Hasidim? Why did her parents went to "cry their eyes out" because she was dating somebody instead of go thru a traditional process? thank you in advance.
She divorced her first husband, her second husband is Orthodox but didn't grow up that way. It is not common for Hasidim to marry someone who was not raised Orthodox so her parents were worried, but their rabbi told them it's a good thing and her husband has changed a lot of people's minds.
to bad that so many throw out the baby with the bath water - in other words they leave it all totolly instead of trying another way of serving g-d within halacha
Thank you Zeldy, I am Satmer and left but I still serving HaShem, your video is so inspiring and added this to my website, thank you again
Your message is so important! So many chassidim leave their communities and think that they must give up everything. Organizations like Footsteps encourage abandonment of religious observance.
Thanks for sharing this amazing video.
As a Satmar chasid myself I think that if many of our young kids who sour on the ways they were brought up in would understand that the option of joining other frum communities that would appeal to them is there, and they would understand that they are no less an ehrlicher yid if they choose that path, then many of them would be saved from going completely off the rails.
And that's why your story is so important to be told.
What we found is that a lot of people who leave actually want to join a new community, but don't know how to gain access to it. So we are trying to fill in that gap and make sure everyone has a place in the frum world if they want it.
I am former Satmer as well but still have emunah in HaShem, I have great respect for Chabad and now finally there is my chance for a scholarship in Torah studies.
she strikes me as being a very happy, emotionally well-balanced person
Wow, this is very inspiring. I am not Jewish, but a tv series about the Hasidic community brought me here, I was curious about how people coped after leaving their insular communities . I really like the way she looks at the way she sees things from a spiritual perspective and how she interprets her faith. It can be applied to people questioning their own respective Faiths. Thanks for sharing.
Totally respect this woman. Wow. To not bash where she came from but calmly explain why she went a different way. Her and her family should only have bracha vhatzlacha!
Bless you and your family
Thank you Zeldy! You have inspired me to embrace my Orthodoxy,. I want to come back to Crown Heights, I think I have found a purpose outside where I feel secure.
I feel my Mitzvah might be to help others here, all Christian, by teaching G-d’s love here, and keeping my roots through my family and Rabbi there.
Thank you again.
You hit the string of the violin and the vibration of it resonates to everyone who can hear it sing. Shabbat Shalom, lady 🌷
I love this! I love what she says at 0:35, about the questioning aspect of spiritual life and needing room to put her own interpretation on her faith. Questioning, thinking, exploring are the hallmarks of true spirituality and should always be encouraged! Thank you Zeldy for sharing your story and blessings to you!
LA Fresh Life Beautiful
I dont know how I got here. I'm muslim, but this is really beautiful.
I'm glad you're here. We need to hear each other's stories.
I really like this woman. She depicts chasidic community life very accurately, the chesed and the warmth. But she became regular Orthodox because that fit her. I admire her lack of self promotion. She is interested in people other than herself, I can tell. And that she went to a rabbi in Passaic for direction speaks well for her. She is well balanced.
How refreshing to hear an account of someone leaving a strict Hassidic sect but not losing their Jewish faith.
what a great, inspiring, beautiful, interesting video! More of these stories Please!
She just looks so glowy! It's the type of spirituality that fill me with joy. I find I do not fit one specific religious set of guidelines (though I don't know if that's a correct phrasing) & I need to research & question & being able to do that strengthens my spirituality, it doesn't harm it.
I like how she explains that this was right for her and not everyone. I like how she explains religion as being a personal journey, and does not judge how anyone else lives. I am glad she is happy.
So happy for you and your lovely family❣️
Love it.thanks to share
Excellent. So important to get this positive message out there. Now more than ever !
I am a Roman Catholic , but I wish we had kept a lot of the Jewish faith customs, example Passover. Not sure how this comment will be received by people of the Jewish Faith
As if now, I can't think why 13 people would give this a thumbs' down? She is not going against being orthodoxy. Being Chassidish is not for everyone. And it is refreshing that she didn't bash the world she came from either. Being modern orthodox is not for everyone and being chassidish is not either. There are chassidishe people that wear the clothing of chassidish and don't act chassidish. In short, there are all types and it is OK. One thing for sure is that we should always try to not make a CHILLUL HASHEM. And for this I am grateful too.
I think this is very important, because of all the negative PR about people leaving Judaism from chassidus. I'd just like to point out that there are chassiduses like Chabad, and I believe Breslev, where questions are welcomed. I know many frum from birth kids (including one of my own) who chose to go to baalei teshuvah yeshivos for just that reason. Instead of memorize, memorize, memorize, questions are encouraged and answered.
Beautiful talk -thanks for sharing
Good for you keep up your spirit.
I absolutely loved this!!!!!! Thank you so much! I really needed to hear it. ❤️
We must be careful when we make a distinction between MY TRUTH and THE TRUTH
I love this project. Beautiful story.
Thank you! 😊
I really understand!! We have enough love and strength to be ourselves and be in the world,
good luck!!
WOW! You got some Chutzpah, but you also have an amazing family. I have never (everrrrr) heard of an FFB marrying a BT. Being a neo-hassidic BT myself, I can't imagine it. Bless you and continued nachus for you, your family, and the project
I loved her story Thank you for sharing it
I go to a Hasidic schl and todays days questions r welcome and encouraged
How beautiful to see the end of her story. I remember her children as babies. Zeldy is a beautiful women outside and inside. May she be an inspiration for all others.
Omein
I think this is beautiful. It's not all or nothing.
So lovely to find one's own path, not based on some sort of all-or-nothing thinking, but on honesty and authenticity. I believe that the Holy thrives in the discernment process, if it is earnest, no matter where the discernment leads.
I wish the Hasidic world would be more like you. When I lived in England, our street was half Orthodox Jews and English-Indian-Caribbean. The four worlds didn't speak to each other and the kids didn't play together despite attending the same schools. I'd go into a Kosher shop to buy meat and wouldn't be served or had to wait! It was hell and no way to live! The kids grew up disliking each other! I just want this foolishness to stop! There has to be a middle road, where the people can come together and be part of the community! It's 30 years later and things still haven't changed!
Thanks for your comment. Not to condone any not nice behavior, but the Hasidim who seem less friendly to outsiders, unfortunately, have generations of bad memories of how Jews were treated by their non-Jewish neighbors. Nearly the entire Hasidic community is descended from Holocaust survivors. So there is a lot of fear of the outside world hurting them again.
GREAT VIDEO, THANK YOU
To anyone in the chasdidish community: Just because you decide long curly payos and a beard is not for you it doesn't mean you cannot be an erliche yid who hashem loves. Its not the beard and payis what makes you a yid, its being an oved hashem what counts.
Fantastic stuff!!!
God bless you sweetheart.....
I'd love to know the translation of some of the non-English words she used. Sounds like an interesting journey. Glad she found her happiness.
Hi Victoria, I didn't notice many non-English words but she used a famous expression from the Torah "uvaharta ba'chaim" meaning "you shall choose life". You really get the message from the English even if you miss a few words in Hebrew. All the best, Joan
She said "uvacharta bachaim" - It means "and you will choose life"
Zeldy is a strong, wonderful, sweet woman❣️❣️❣️G-d bless her & her family with good health & lots of success❣️❣️❣️
What a tremendous zechus you have, Jew in the City! What an incredible project... I just signed up to volunteer:)
Beautiful story
God shows your happiness in your way you speak about God. You are truely blessed, my God above show you His peace threw out your life. Thank you, for showing your happiness 🙏🏻
Happiness is knowing who you are.
Inspiring
Well done
She seems sweet & I love her accent.
Simply Beautiful, love this!! hazak ou baroukh :-))
Interesting...ffb's very often look down on us BT's....good for you.
Great!
Zeldy is gorgeous!
So nice to see this. Sick of seeing people drop it all
beautiful and heartwarming
This is fantastic
Thank you!!! I always say why do these people that tell their stories always level yiddishkit find your true neshama!!!
Religion could become a blessing
or "Religion is the opium of the people"
Key is how u take it & apply in your life.
Either u become blind follower & ritualistic, or u move towards a deeper understanding of the idea of god echoed by people of direct taste & penetrating insight.
"Being true to oneself "
Can I just say how gorgeous Zeldy's kids are? (Yes, I can!)
I feel the same, i wish i could do similar what she did.
At Project Makom, we help people do this.
go girl.
individualism is inspirational
May GOD bless you and all
The content is very nice but the side angle of the camera is extremely irritating .
I really like her story but need a little help here just make sure that I understand everything correctly. What happened to her 1st husband? Her 2nd husband -- is he orthodox but not from Hasidim? Why did her parents went to "cry their eyes out" because she was dating somebody instead of go thru a traditional process? thank you in advance.
She divorced her first husband, her second husband is Orthodox but didn't grow up that way. It is not common for Hasidim to marry someone who was not raised Orthodox so her parents were worried, but their rabbi told them it's a good thing and her husband has changed a lot of people's minds.
Semyon Axelrod her second husband is Modern Orthodox
Finally! I tell Chassidim all the time that if your going off don’t go secular just go to regular orthodoxy .. we’re Jews too lol
Love
Extremism in any religion is wrong and dangerous.
I'd appreciate a translation to the hebrew and yiddish
BeautifulHow can we find out more about project makom?
our site - projectmakom.org
one should feel free what level of judasim to be part of!
to bad that so many throw out the baby with the bath water - in other words they leave it all totolly instead of trying another way of serving g-d within halacha
This woman is a kiddush Hashem
Very pretty young lady.
Come visit us in Israel!!