Rachel: Former Ultra Orthodox

In this episode we talk with Rachel about her journey out of the fundamentalist Jewish community she was raised in. Rachel reflects on growing up between Israel and Canada, her involvement as an outreach professional through Aish HaTorah, and the pressures of strict religious expectations. She discusses the challenges of navigating her role as a woman within Orthodox society - extricating her own identity from that of being a wife, mother, and community leader, and the struggles around the treatment of women within the confines of Jewish law and society.Resources:CultishA little bit cultyUnculturedTimestamps:00:19 Meet Rachel01:40 Deciding to Share Her Story03:48 Rachel's Upbringing and Family Background06:39 Navigating Dual Worlds: Israel and North America18:12 Early Struggles with Religious Beliefs30:44 The Role of Modesty and Family Purity38:23 Struggling with Conformity39:27 Rebellious Acts and Consequences40:56 Navigating Teenage Relationships41:45 The Journey to Marriage45:45 Family Purity and Religious Practices54:06 Parenting in Orthodox Judaism01:03:53 The Stillbirth Experience01:11:54 Community Support and Reflection01:14:43 The Cult's Structure and Recruitment Tactics01:16:07 Personal Reflections on Cult Involvement01:16:50 Questioning Orthodox Beliefs01:18:33 Comparing Cult Leaders01:23:36 The Deconstruction Process01:29:55 Life After Leaving the Cult01:37:48 Advice for Others Leaving Cults01:41:54 Final Thoughts and Reflections