#Unorthodox | Netflix - A Perspective Of An Ex-Hasidic Woman Who Found Joy in Judaism

I came here after watching Unorthodox. Although I'm Catholic I have always loved learning more about other religions and cultures. I really enjoyed listening....you are both well spoken! Thank you for the education!

Like any religion, Judaism has humans who do it poorly. The mistake many people make is judging a religion by the improper use of or abuse of that religion by people who are not practicing it well. This is true in extreme orthodox Judaism as well as in Christian fundamentalism. There are humans in both who take what is good and completely distort it and turn it into something unhealthy and abusive.

Hi Alison! I love what you do! Your work is so important, and it's so empowering that you do this as a Jewish woman. I'm a chasidish woman living in the chasidish community (I guess I'm not tucked away enough because I'm seeing this on YouTube, but I attended a chasidish school and send my children to chasidish mosdos). You said you don't know enough chasidim. I would love to chat! Nechuma, I'm sorry about what you went through. Good for you that you were able to find Judaism in a positive way!

I realize this just one aspect of the Jewish experience and I feel a little better hearing the loving part of this community. I could even see that watching Unorthodox for the first time. If you watch it with a desire to learn and know some history that’s easy to see. That said my heart broke for Etsy and I’m trying to get up the strength , and tissues, cause I know I’m gonna be on the edge of my seat crying when I watch it again. Why my interest.. Because looking back growing up, the only teachers willing to come to my community to teach us were young Jewish women. The only folks that would open stores in my community were Jewish. The only doctor that came to our community, when he could have gone anywhere was Dr. Kramer . He is the reason I became a doctor. On the Lower East Side Manhattan where else was I gonna go to buy the one black suit I used to go on my medical school interviews. Delancey St. of course. And guess what medical school gave this black kid with the Afro and the suit from Delancey St. a shot. Mount Sinai School of Medicine. All this LOVE . I need to understand better how the Jewish Community is so overflowing with a love that flows over like this, that lifted people like me up to where I am now.

for those not familiar, the zohar and talmud says a man must please his wife sexually.

You have so much integrity for listening to multiple perspectives. Nechuma, thank you for sharing your story and you have gorgeous hair!

"When someone has been traumatized by judaism how can we possibly judge what choices they make?" I have listened to this over and over again and felt myself get emotional. thank you. the respect and care you show toward those whom have been hurt is greatly needed. i feel that i dont see that enough and it means a lot.

Am a Muslim. I have learnt so much from your videos. Jews and Muslims are sons and daughters Abraham (peace be upon him). Therefore we could learn a lot from each other.

Just wanted to say that I am not sure it’s anti-Semitism that draws people to stories like Unorthodox. I think it’s the same reason people are fascinated by the Amish—people living the life of another century today. Best wishes for your healing journey.

I have learned so much from you, Nechuma. My father was Jewish and absolutely loved his God and his community. Every feast, he would spend time teaching me. I respect you greatly for seeing the beauty of your faith and reveling in it.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Nechama and Alison - as a I too was born and raised in a Satmar Family , albeit a bit more broad minded and went to a Bais Yaakov School so I was exposed to different parts of Judaism. I was also troubled by many things that Nechama describes but went along to get along. Over the years I was able to find the joyful Judaism that she describes by tuning in to many wonderful Shiurim on the website (including finding Jew in the City). I realize that I am lucky and was able to do this on my own, but Alison you are doing a wonderful chesed for all of Judaism by letting everyone know that it is worthwhile to check out the many shades of Jews out there - who follow Torah and are able to live lives of meanning and joy. Hashem should bless you with all the good you deserve for making a difference in Jewish lives. Gitty S.

To me the best part, was when moshe ( husband's friend ) tells the husband " Of course your wife ran off What do you expect you even let her play the piano"....i just broke in tears Because that's exactly how I grew up........ My Parents would not allow me to play the piano at the age of 9 .......ya ya....

Very well done, Allison! Nechuma, you are very brave. I'm so glad you were able to find joy in Judaism.

Speaking towards the education comment, I agree. It’s important to remember that as a people, we’ve all on a large scale and personal scale have had to deal with generational trauma and even current trauma. I do think the healing thing that can help us in talking through this is so important. Glad to see this sincere and open discussion. Thanks!

I know I'm late. But unorthodox or deborah feldman's story for that part is not about Judaism or orthodox judaism. It's specific about her experiences in the satmar community in williamsburg. saying otherwise is ridiculous, as if a movie about the amish would be about all christians.

This was just so refreshing to listen to. Nechuma you are strong and intelligent and a pleasure to listen to. Alison I remember when you started Project Makom (my husband and I were actually very interested in becoming involved as Americans living in Israel despite being practically newly weds). Its wonderful to see how much growth you’ve achieved in this part of your organization and how many lives you’ve impacted in such a short time. Much continued hatzlacha to you both.

Thanks so much for this. I’m Eastern Orthodox Christian and think that we can learn so much from the Modern Orthodox Jewish community. Your analysis of what is missing from the perspectives on Ultra-Orthodox Judaism shown repeatedly in the media is crucial.

Thank you for all you do. I really enjoy this channel and I feel like it's really informative. I can see your heart and intention throughout. I also watched Unorthodox (and read Feldman's book when first published) and I drew a lot of meaning from it. I am an unaffiliated, secular Jew. I think that people tend to clump the Haredi into stereotypes and this is unfortunate. I would have like to have seen more discussion on how Esti's community is different from Nechuma's as well as how there may be similarities. I think it's important too to understand why each community orients as it does. Esti speaks some to the different values and beliefs of the Satmar. Again, thank you for all your good work. Be well. :D

I saw the "Unorthodox" series and if anything, as a Christian, it piqued my interest to have a deeper understanding of Judaism and the rituals/traditions. I am fascinated and have gained a deeper appreciation. Thank you for this frank discussion and thank you Nechuma for your courage to share your experience.

Nechuma thank you so much for sharing your story with the world and of course thank you to Allison for making this possible. I watched Unorthodox and read Deborah's book years ago. I applaud Nechuma's courage and her willingness to speak out about something that is so personal to her. This will undoubtedly help many people not just in the Chassidic community. These stories need to be told. They are not just Hassidic experiences but human ones. Nechuma's future is bright and she deserves only the best in life.