In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we sit down for a special session with our host, David Bashevkin, to discuss one of the podcast’s first topics: going off the derech.

There are many preconceptions that come with leaving one’s religious life. People often claim to know the precise psychological reasons that caused someone to leave and what kind of life they’re currently living. There are always reasons, but these reasons can be varied and unexpected, and can lead people to very different places. Some don’t even think of themselves as having left, as they have found a different derech that works for them.

-Why do people leave religion?
-Where do people go instead?
-What struggles do people experience in leaving their old communities?
-How does the desire for community manifest in trying to build a new life?

Tune in to hear David reflect on his conversations with past podcast guests about this phenomenon of leaving one’s religious community, or going OTD.

References:
Shulem Deen interview – http://18forty.org/otd/#deen
Philo Judaeus interview – http://18forty.org/otd/#judaeus
Kelsey Osgood interview – http://18forty.org/otd/#osgood
Judaism and the Twice-Born by Kelsey Osgood
All Who Go Do Not Return by Shulem Deen

For more, visit https://18forty.org/otd.