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Beyond the DerechBeyond the Derech

A guide for those who have left or are leaving Orthodox Judaism. You are not alone.

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In memory of Moshe Fessel (1975–2024)

© 2026 Beyond the Derech. All content for educational purposes.

You are not alone. You are not broken. You are free.

Resources

You don't have to do this alone. Below are organizations, communities, and tools created by and for people who have left or are leaving Orthodox Judaism.

Need immediate help?

If you're in crisis or feeling unsafe, help is available right now.

Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)Text HOME to 741741

Organizations

Footsteps

USA (NYC)

NYC-based organization providing educational, vocational, and social support to individuals who have left or are considering leaving ultra-Orthodox and Hasidic Jewish communities.

Career supportEducationSocial eventsCounseling

Baal Shem Tov House

Online

Educational resource exploring the origins and evolution of Hasidic Judaism, its founders, and its cultural impact.

EducationHistoryResources

Hillel and Vayter

Israel

Israeli organization supporting those who have left the ultra-Orthodox world, providing practical assistance and community.

Housing helpEducationLegal aidCommunity

Gesher EU

UK

UK-based support for people leaving the Charedi community, offering practical help and emotional support.

Support groupsMentoringPractical help

Mavar

UK

UK charity helping people who are leaving or have left the Charedi or Hasidic community.

HousingEducationEmploymentCounseling

Eshel

USA

Support for LGBTQ+ Jews and their families in the Orthodox community.

Support groupsRetreatsParent supportEducation

ORA (Organization for the Resolution of Agunot)

USA

Helping women who are trapped in marriages because their husbands refuse to grant a Get (Jewish divorce).

Legal aidAdvocacyEducation

Online Communities

Off The Derech (Facebook)

Online

Large online community for people who have left Orthodox Judaism. A safe space for sharing experiences and asking questions.

CommunitySupportDiscussion

OTD - Frum Dialogue (Facebook)

Online

A space for respectful dialogue between those who have left and those still in the Orthodox world.

DialogueUnderstandingBridge-building

Respectfully Debating Judaism (Facebook)

Online

A group for respectful discussion and debate about Jewish beliefs, texts, and practices.

DiscussionDebateEducation

r/exjew (Reddit)

Online

Reddit community for former Orthodox and Hasidic Jews to share experiences and support each other.

Anonymous supportDiscussionResources

Educational Resources

Sefaria

Online

Free online library of Jewish texts with translations and commentary. The best tool for verifying sources and exploring texts yourself.

TorahTalmudCommentariesTranslations

Scrolls & Stones

Online

Interactive exploration of 4,000 years of Jewish history through chapters, quizzes, and AI-powered learning.

HistoryEducationQuizzesAI Chat

Faith Data

Online

Comparative exploration of world religions and worldviews—see how Judaism fits into the broader human search for meaning.

World religionsPhilosophyComparisonQuizzes

Mental Health

Therapy for Religious Trauma

Various

Look for therapists who specialize in religious trauma syndrome (RTS). Many offer sliding scale fees.

TherapyReligious traumaCounseling

Crisis Text Line

USA

Free, 24/7 crisis support. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

Crisis support24/7 text lineFree

Know a resource we're missing?

If you know of an organization or community that should be listed here, let us know.

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