Off the derech (Hebrew: דֶּרֶךְ, pronounced: / ˈdɛrɛx /, meaning: "path"; OTD) is a Yeshiva-English expression used to describe the state of a Jew who has left an Orthodox way of life or community, and whose new lifestyle is secular, non-Jewish, or of a non-Orthodox form of Judaism, as part of a contemporary social phenomenon tied to ...

Aug 11, 2016 · Named for Deborah the Prophetess, "the woman of torches," the blog highlights the passion and fiery leadership of Jewish feminists, while evoking the powerful image of feminists "passing the torch" to a new generation.

Dec 20, 2017 · There has been growing concern in the Orthodox Jewish world in recent years about people leaving Orthodoxy – going “off the derech ” (off the path) or, as it is sometimes labeled, “going OTD.”

A new book has come out on the topic of the OTD Phenomenon, called Degrees of Separation, Identity Formation While Leaving Ultra-Orthodox Judaism: Zalman Newfield’s book is called Degrees of Separation: Identity Formation While Leaving Ultra-Orthodox Judaism.

Aug 16, 2016 · Leaving Orthodoxy does not mean that one has rejected their relationship to Judaism or the Jewish people. Some “OTDers” are deeply connected to their Judaism, Israel, and the Jewish people.

Jul 7, 2016 · A groundbreaking report illuminates the Jews who leave Orthodox Judaism in search of acceptance and Jewish identity.

Sep 12, 2024 · Those lost ultra-Orthodox Jews, often called OTD — off the derech, strayed from the one true path — sometimes leave the Jewish world entirely, but often they don’t. Sometimes despite...

Jun 1, 2020 · OTD: A hotly contested and controversial term, OTD stands for Off-The-Derech, and this term remains the most popular term, despite intense opposition to it. For many, this term represents a binary false to religious life: either on the path, or off it.

Feb 27, 2023 · There’s a phenomenon in the Orthodox world which is called by various names, though most commonly “Off the Derech” or OTD, and “Datlash,” short for “Dati Leshe’avar” – that is, formerly religious.

The OTD Manual is a free and not-for-profit collaborative project meant as a public service. In this manual, you can find words of wisdom, guidance, and loving support by those who have left the orthodox, ultra-orthodox, and Chassidic lifestyle.