Gendered Religious Experiences of Women Disaffiliated from the Orthodox Jewish Community

This study addressed the need to understand the unique experiences and needs of women who were raised in the Orthodox Jewish community. There is limited research on adverse religious experiences and their impact, and majority of existing literature focuses on Christian populations. This study sought to explore the gap of knowledge related to gendered religious experiences of women who were raised in the Orthodox Jewish community. This study sought to explore what, if any, Orthodox Jewish practices, teachings, symbols, and experiences had a traumatic impact on women, and how these experiences impacted mental, emotional, physiological, and spiritual wellbeing, self-concept, and religious beliefs.

The sample for this study included 24 women who were recruited through social media and online platforms that cater to individuals who leave the Orthodox community. Participants were screened for eligibility and provided informed consent prior to being interviewed. A prescreening survey was used to determine eligibility. Inclusion criteria for this study included: 1) raised as female in the Orthodox community, 2) reports an Orthodox upbringing, 3) is no longer practicing or identifying as Orthodox, 4) is 21+ years, 5) has been out of the community for 1+ years. Exclusion criteria includes: 1) non-English speaking, and 2) untreated mental health concerns. Interviews took place via Zoom and were 45-90 minutes in length. Demographic information was obtained during the interview. With participants’ consent, all interviews were recorded and transcribed to capture accurate data. The researcher conducted the data analysis and manually coded the transcripts, finding meaning units and emerging themes across transcripts.

The findings emphasize the participants subjective experiences with growing up Orthodox and subsequently disaffiliating. It underscores the challenges they faced within their families and communities, and the ways in which their experiences led them to transition to a new way of life. Elements or shame, control, and belonging are highlighted in their challenges, while agency, empowerment, and freedom emerged from the experiences of disaffiliation. The findings also demonstrate the ways in which participants’ experiences of splitting led to a disconnection from self, as well as an unraveling of faith. Building of identity in the aftermath of leaving is also highlighted, particularly in participants’ accounts of developing a sense of self and reclaiming Jewish identities.

The findings highlight the family and religious systems that led to adverse experiences, the significance of agency and freedom, and most significantly, the findings establish a conceptual framework of religious trauma experienced in the Orthodox community. More importantly, it provides imperative contributions to the social work profession and other healthcare professions by shedding light onto some of the key components of care for both women who live in the community, as well as those who have left. Understanding the impact of adverse religious experiences and the importance of agency and identity in the healing process can help inform treatment and future research.