Hidden Heretics: Jewish Doubt in the Digital Age

Married ultra-Orthodox Jewish men and women in New York lead "double lives" to protect their families and religious communities, despite no longer believing in God. Ayala Fader's book investigates religious doubt and social change in the digital age, revealing the stresses and strains of hidden heretics and their struggles with faith, skepticism, and family frictions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 05 April 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Hidden Heretics: An Exploration of Jewish Men and Women Who Secretly Explore the Outside World

In the captivating documentary film "Hidden Heretics," we delve into the lives of married ultra-Orthodox Jewish men and women in modern-day New York City who lead "double lives" to protect the ones they love. While these individuals have abandoned their belief in the Torah being given to Jews at Mount Sinai, they remain deeply ingrained in their families and religious communities, secretly engaging in secular pursuits both in person and online.

Over a period of five years, filmmaker Ayala Fader conducted extensive fieldwork, engaging with these hidden heretics, as well as with rabbis, life coaches, and religious therapists who minister to, advise, and sometimes excommunicate them. Through her insightful investigation, Fader explores the profound issue of religious doubt and the impact of social change in the digital age.

One of the key themes explored in the film is the role of the internet, which some ultra-Orthodox rabbis view as more threatening than the Holocaust. Fader demonstrates how digital media has become a focal point for contemporary struggles over authority and truth. She sheds light on the stresses and strains experienced by hidden heretics, including the challenges their choices pose for their spouses, husbands, children, and, in some cases, lovers.

By following the lives of these individuals, who range from religiously observant but open-minded to atheists, Fader delves into universal dilemmas of faith and skepticism. She examines the ways in which digital media can shape our beliefs and behaviors, as well as the family tensions that arise when a person chooses to live a double life.

"Hidden Heretics" offers a thought-provoking and empathetic perspective on a community that is often misunderstood and marginalized. Through its compelling storytelling and insightful analysis, the film sheds light on the complexities of religious identity and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

In conclusion, "Hidden Heretics" is a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of religion, society, and personal identity. It provides a unique window into the lives of individuals who challenge traditional beliefs and navigate the complexities of living double lives in order to protect the ones they love.

Weight: 456g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691234489