If you used to be a non-observant Jew, what made you become ultra Orthodox/Lubbavitcher?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“Just about the only thing I don't like is the separation of men/women during services, but nothing is perfect.”

This is OP. Um, this is kind of a biggie and tells me a lot.

This is the Chabad-goer.

It's a matter of "choose your poison." I would much rather have to sit with the women during the 2-hour service (everything else is men-women together) than be subjected to be yelled "racist" and made to feel unwelcome at mainstream synagogues, and have to sit through discussions at Kiddush lunch (at the mainstream synagogues) in which they disparage Trump voters as morons and bigots. The fact that about 90% of my fellow Chabad congregants are conservative (in the religious sense), and drive to shul, and have made the same decision tells you how bad it's gotten at the other synagogues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:“Just about the only thing I don't like is the separation of men/women during services, but nothing is perfect.”

This is OP. Um, this is kind of a biggie and tells me a lot.

This is the Chabad-goer.

It's a matter of "choose your poison." I would much rather have to sit with the women during the 2-hour service (everything else is men-women together) than be subjected to be yelled "racist" and made to feel unwelcome at mainstream synagogues, and have to sit through discussions at Kiddush lunch (at the mainstream synagogues) in which they disparage Trump voters as morons and bigots. The fact that about 90% of my fellow Chabad congregants are conservative (in the religious sense), and drive to shul, and have made the same decision tells you how bad it's gotten at the other synagogues.

So, in your opinion it's better to be be a racist Trump supporter, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have seen their community (Chabad-Lubovitch) described online as Hasidic and ultra-orthodox, but their sect’s website also insists they are orthodox, not ultra-orthodox. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I’m not Jewish but from where my husband’s family sits (unobservant Reform), they view it as ultra orthodox. He has the black hat, she wears a wig.

I have become very active in Chabad and can shed some first-hand light on this.

It is true that the Rabbi and his wife of my Chabad House are ultra-Orthodox(although they would not describe themselves that way: they'd just say they are Jewish). But I myself was raised conservative - and remain so - and most of the people who are involved with Chabad are as well. (Just about everyone drives to services, for example.) The Chabad Rabbi and wife never said or intimated anything that gives me even a hint of pressure that they would like me to be more religious. They are simply happy that I remain connected with Judaism - as well as all the others. I find them a warm, welcoming group with interesting classes, GREAT holiday parties, lots of lectures and social activities - you should see Chanukah week (pre-COVID): a big "to-do" every single night! - and meaningful sermons at services. I have learned SO much from this group, and made some really nice friends. Just about the only thing I don't like is the separation of men/women during services, but nothing is perfect.

The website of my local chapter says they make no discernment as to whether someone is Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform - and states that "a Jew is a Jew is a Jew."

(Also, just FYI, the reason I left my conservative synagogue and affiliated with this one instead has nothing to do with religion - it has to do with politics. The conservative and reform synagogues are becoming increasingly hostile to those who do not like liberal policies, and the last step was when a congregant yelled at my mother and me right in the "Kiddush Hall" for voting for Trump - and called us racists. Others at Chabad have told me the same thing - that they joined not because they want to be more religious, but they they want to stay connected to Judaism and feel unwelcome in their previous synagogues due to politics.)

If you voted for T i would yell at you and call you a racist too!

To the person who cared to write that incredibly thoughtful and personal reply, thank you.
To the person who responded re voting for T, please get a life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have seen their community (Chabad-Lubovitch) described online as Hasidic and ultra-orthodox, but their sect’s website also insists they are orthodox, not ultra-orthodox. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I’m not Jewish but from where my husband’s family sits (unobservant Reform), they view it as ultra orthodox. He has the black hat, she wears a wig.

I have become very active in Chabad and can shed some first-hand light on this.

It is true that the Rabbi and his wife of my Chabad House are ultra-Orthodox(although they would not describe themselves that way: they'd just say they are Jewish). But I myself was raised conservative - and remain so - and most of the people who are involved with Chabad are as well. (Just about everyone drives to services, for example.) The Chabad Rabbi and wife never said or intimated anything that gives me even a hint of pressure that they would like me to be more religious. They are simply happy that I remain connected with Judaism - as well as all the others. I find them a warm, welcoming group with interesting classes, GREAT holiday parties, lots of lectures and social activities - you should see Chanukah week (pre-COVID): a big "to-do" every single night! - and meaningful sermons at services. I have learned SO much from this group, and made some really nice friends. Just about the only thing I don't like is the separation of men/women during services, but nothing is perfect.

The website of my local chapter says they make no discernment as to whether someone is Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform - and states that "a Jew is a Jew is a Jew."

(Also, just FYI, the reason I left my conservative synagogue and affiliated with this one instead has nothing to do with religion - it has to do with politics. The conservative and reform synagogues are becoming increasingly hostile to those who do not like liberal policies, and the last step was when a congregant yelled at my mother and me right in the "Kiddush Hall" for voting for Trump - and called us racists. Others at Chabad have told me the same thing - that they joined not because they want to be more religious, but they they want to stay connected to Judaism and feel unwelcome in their previous synagogues due to politics.)

If you voted for T i would yell at you and call you a racist too!

And in pops an intolerant liberal to prove the point! To restate, my choice, along with the other 200 Jews who were formally part of a Conservative synagogue and now joined my Chabad chapter instead was:

1) Join a group that offers meaningful sermons, traditional Jewish services, excellent and high-level classes, great holiday celebrations, an interesting book club, a very supportive atmosphere, and the opportunity to meet lots of nice Jewish friends, but that separates me with the women for Shabbat services, or.....

2) Stay with a group where liberal Jews are so intolerant of anyone who didn't vote for Biden that they not only yell "racist" at me, but at my elderly mother too (!!), and that I have to defend my decision not to vote for a demented candidate who can be manipulated by socialists (and has been) virtually every time I set foot in the place, and make me feel very unwelcome in general. As I stated upthread, the Jews at my Chabad are almost exclusively "Conservative Synagogue Escapees."



To this last point, it seems that liberal Jews in conservative synagogues would be concerned that they are driving out a segment of their congregation - about 1/3 of Jews do and did vote Republican. The fact that are fine with their numbers shrinking if it means getting rid of Trump voters tells you a lot right there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:“Just about the only thing I don't like is the separation of men/women during services, but nothing is perfect.”

This is OP. Um, this is kind of a biggie and tells me a lot.

This is the Chabad-goer.

It's a matter of "choose your poison." I would much rather have to sit with the women during the 2-hour service (everything else is men-women together) than be subjected to be yelled "racist" and made to feel unwelcome at mainstream synagogues, and have to sit through discussions at Kiddush lunch (at the mainstream synagogues) in which they disparage Trump voters as morons and bigots. The fact that about 90% of my fellow Chabad congregants are conservative (in the religious sense), and drive to shul, and have made the same decision tells you how bad it's gotten at the other synagogues.

So, in your opinion it's better to be be a racist Trump supporter, right?

Your premise is wrong, since I am not "a racist Trump supporter." And you're just showing the hate for Trump voters that make us leave traditional synagogues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have seen their community (Chabad-Lubovitch) described online as Hasidic and ultra-orthodox, but their sect’s website also insists they are orthodox, not ultra-orthodox. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I’m not Jewish but from where my husband’s family sits (unobservant Reform), they view it as ultra orthodox. He has the black hat, she wears a wig.

I have become very active in Chabad and can shed some first-hand light on this.

It is true that the Rabbi and his wife of my Chabad House are ultra-Orthodox(although they would not describe themselves that way: they'd just say they are Jewish). But I myself was raised conservative - and remain so - and most of the people who are involved with Chabad are as well. (Just about everyone drives to services, for example.) The Chabad Rabbi and wife never said or intimated anything that gives me even a hint of pressure that they would like me to be more religious. They are simply happy that I remain connected with Judaism - as well as all the others. I find them a warm, welcoming group with interesting classes, GREAT holiday parties, lots of lectures and social activities - you should see Chanukah week (pre-COVID): a big "to-do" every single night! - and meaningful sermons at services. I have learned SO much from this group, and made some really nice friends. Just about the only thing I don't like is the separation of men/women during services, but nothing is perfect.

The website of my local chapter says they make no discernment as to whether someone is Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform - and states that "a Jew is a Jew is a Jew."

(Also, just FYI, the reason I left my conservative synagogue and affiliated with this one instead has nothing to do with religion - it has to do with politics. The conservative and reform synagogues are becoming increasingly hostile to those who do not like liberal policies, and the last step was when a congregant yelled at my mother and me right in the "Kiddush Hall" for voting for Trump - and called us racists. Others at Chabad have told me the same thing - that they joined not because they want to be more religious, but they they want to stay connected to Judaism and feel unwelcome in their previous synagogues due to politics.)

If you voted for T i would yell at you and call you a racist too!

To the person who cared to write that incredibly thoughtful and personal reply, thank you.
To the person who responded re voting for T, please get a life.

Thank you! I'm the one who wrote the "thoughtful and personal" reply.

I think it does explain why some conservative Jews (in both senses of the word) have moved over to Chabad. It doesn't entirely answer the OP's question, since we did not "become" ultra-Orthodox. I'm the same as always - typing away on the computer on Shabbat, keeping kosher-style, observing all holidays - not just the New Year and Yom Kippur, but Shavuot, Sukkot, Purim, etc.) - and still consider myself a conservative Jew.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have seen their community (Chabad-Lubovitch) described online as Hasidic and ultra-orthodox, but their sect’s website also insists they are orthodox, not ultra-orthodox. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I’m not Jewish but from where my husband’s family sits (unobservant Reform), they view it as ultra orthodox. He has the black hat, she wears a wig.

I have become very active in Chabad and can shed some first-hand light on this.

It is true that the Rabbi and his wife of my Chabad House are ultra-Orthodox(although they would not describe themselves that way: they'd just say they are Jewish). But I myself was raised conservative - and remain so - and most of the people who are involved with Chabad are as well. (Just about everyone drives to services, for example.) The Chabad Rabbi and wife never said or intimated anything that gives me even a hint of pressure that they would like me to be more religious. They are simply happy that I remain connected with Judaism - as well as all the others. I find them a warm, welcoming group with interesting classes, GREAT holiday parties, lots of lectures and social activities - you should see Chanukah week (pre-COVID): a big "to-do" every single night! - and meaningful sermons at services. I have learned SO much from this group, and made some really nice friends. Just about the only thing I don't like is the separation of men/women during services, but nothing is perfect.

The website of my local chapter says they make no discernment as to whether someone is Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform - and states that "a Jew is a Jew is a Jew."

(Also, just FYI, the reason I left my conservative synagogue and affiliated with this one instead has nothing to do with religion - it has to do with politics. The conservative and reform synagogues are becoming increasingly hostile to those who do not like liberal policies, and the last step was when a congregant yelled at my mother and me right in the "Kiddush Hall" for voting for Trump - and called us racists. Others at Chabad have told me the same thing - that they joined not because they want to be more religious, but they they want to stay connected to Judaism and feel unwelcome in their previous synagogues due to politics.)

If you voted for T i would yell at you and call you a racist too!

To the person who cared to write that incredibly thoughtful and personal reply, thank you.
To the person who responded re voting for T, please get a life.

Thank you! I'm the one who wrote the "thoughtful and personal" reply.

I think it does explain why some conservative Jews (in both senses of the word) have moved over to Chabad. It doesn't entirely answer the OP's question, since we did not "become" ultra-Orthodox. I'm the same as always - typing away on the computer on Shabbat, keeping kosher-style, observing all holidays - not just the New Year and Yom Kippur, but Shavuot, Sukkot, Purim, etc.) - and still consider myself a conservative Jew.

DP. I feel you and respect you so much PP!!! I’ve had a similar experience among Christians - I am Catholic now after a ridiculously politicized experience among liberal Christians. Geez it was so awful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have seen their community (Chabad-Lubovitch) described online as Hasidic and ultra-orthodox, but their sect’s website also insists they are orthodox, not ultra-orthodox. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I’m not Jewish but from where my husband’s family sits (unobservant Reform), they view it as ultra orthodox. He has the black hat, she wears a wig.

I have become very active in Chabad and can shed some first-hand light on this.

It is true that the Rabbi and his wife of my Chabad House are ultra-Orthodox(although they would not describe themselves that way: they'd just say they are Jewish). But I myself was raised conservative - and remain so - and most of the people who are involved with Chabad are as well. (Just about everyone drives to services, for example.) The Chabad Rabbi and wife never said or intimated anything that gives me even a hint of pressure that they would like me to be more religious. They are simply happy that I remain connected with Judaism - as well as all the others. I find them a warm, welcoming group with interesting classes, GREAT holiday parties, lots of lectures and social activities - you should see Chanukah week (pre-COVID): a big "to-do" every single night! - and meaningful sermons at services. I have learned SO much from this group, and made some really nice friends. Just about the only thing I don't like is the separation of men/women during services, but nothing is perfect.

The website of my local chapter says they make no discernment as to whether someone is Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform - and states that "a Jew is a Jew is a Jew."

(Also, just FYI, the reason I left my conservative synagogue and affiliated with this one instead has nothing to do with religion - it has to do with politics. The conservative and reform synagogues are becoming increasingly hostile to those who do not like liberal policies, and the last step was when a congregant yelled at my mother and me right in the "Kiddush Hall" for voting for Trump - and called us racists. Others at Chabad have told me the same thing - that they joined not because they want to be more religious, but they they want to stay connected to Judaism and feel unwelcome in their previous synagogues due to politics.)

If you voted for T i would yell at you and call you a racist too!

To the person who cared to write that incredibly thoughtful and personal reply, thank you.
To the person who responded re voting for T, please get a life.

Thank you! I'm the one who wrote the "thoughtful and personal" reply.

I think it does explain why some conservative Jews (in both senses of the word) have moved over to Chabad. It doesn't entirely answer the OP's question, since we did not "become" ultra-Orthodox. I'm the same as always - typing away on the computer on Shabbat, keeping kosher-style, observing all holidays - not just the New Year and Yom Kippur, but Shavuot, Sukkot, Purim, etc.) - and still consider myself a conservative Jew.

DP. I feel you and respect you so much PP!!! I’ve had a similar experience among Christians - I am Catholic now after a ridiculously politicized experience among liberal Christians. Geez it was so awful.

We quit our liberal conservative synagogue. Couldn’t stand the woke rabbi. Now we don’t do much that’s Jewish because of that miserable experience. I am too jaded.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have seen their community (Chabad-Lubovitch) described online as Hasidic and ultra-orthodox, but their sect’s website also insists they are orthodox, not ultra-orthodox. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I’m not Jewish but from where my husband’s family sits (unobservant Reform), they view it as ultra orthodox. He has the black hat, she wears a wig.

I have become very active in Chabad and can shed some first-hand light on this.

It is true that the Rabbi and his wife of my Chabad House are ultra-Orthodox(although they would not describe themselves that way: they'd just say they are Jewish). But I myself was raised conservative - and remain so - and most of the people who are involved with Chabad are as well. (Just about everyone drives to services, for example.) The Chabad Rabbi and wife never said or intimated anything that gives me even a hint of pressure that they would like me to be more religious. They are simply happy that I remain connected with Judaism - as well as all the others. I find them a warm, welcoming group with interesting classes, GREAT holiday parties, lots of lectures and social activities - you should see Chanukah week (pre-COVID): a big "to-do" every single night! - and meaningful sermons at services. I have learned SO much from this group, and made some really nice friends. Just about the only thing I don't like is the separation of men/women during services, but nothing is perfect.

The website of my local chapter says they make no discernment as to whether someone is Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform - and states that "a Jew is a Jew is a Jew."

(Also, just FYI, the reason I left my conservative synagogue and affiliated with this one instead has nothing to do with religion - it has to do with politics. The conservative and reform synagogues are becoming increasingly hostile to those who do not like liberal policies, and the last step was when a congregant yelled at my mother and me right in the "Kiddush Hall" for voting for Trump - and called us racists. Others at Chabad have told me the same thing - that they joined not because they want to be more religious, but they they want to stay connected to Judaism and feel unwelcome in their previous synagogues due to politics.)

If you voted for T i would yell at you and call you a racist too!

To the person who cared to write that incredibly thoughtful and personal reply, thank you.
To the person who responded re voting for T, please get a life.

Thank you! I'm the one who wrote the "thoughtful and personal" reply.

I think it does explain why some conservative Jews (in both senses of the word) have moved over to Chabad. It doesn't entirely answer the OP's question, since we did not "become" ultra-Orthodox. I'm the same as always - typing away on the computer on Shabbat, keeping kosher-style, observing all holidays - not just the New Year and Yom Kippur, but Shavuot, Sukkot, Purim, etc.) - and still consider myself a conservative Jew.

DP. I feel you and respect you so much PP!!! I’ve had a similar experience among Christians - I am Catholic now after a ridiculously politicized experience among liberal Christians. Geez it was so awful.

Thank you. And yes, the intolerance running through the liberal branches/churches/synagogues of anyone who doesn't agree with their politics is horrible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have seen their community (Chabad-Lubovitch) described online as Hasidic and ultra-orthodox, but their sect’s website also insists they are orthodox, not ultra-orthodox. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I’m not Jewish but from where my husband’s family sits (unobservant Reform), they view it as ultra orthodox. He has the black hat, she wears a wig.

I have become very active in Chabad and can shed some first-hand light on this.

It is true that the Rabbi and his wife of my Chabad House are ultra-Orthodox(although they would not describe themselves that way: they'd just say they are Jewish). But I myself was raised conservative - and remain so - and most of the people who are involved with Chabad are as well. (Just about everyone drives to services, for example.) The Chabad Rabbi and wife never said or intimated anything that gives me even a hint of pressure that they would like me to be more religious. They are simply happy that I remain connected with Judaism - as well as all the others. I find them a warm, welcoming group with interesting classes, GREAT holiday parties, lots of lectures and social activities - you should see Chanukah week (pre-COVID): a big "to-do" every single night! - and meaningful sermons at services. I have learned SO much from this group, and made some really nice friends. Just about the only thing I don't like is the separation of men/women during services, but nothing is perfect.

The website of my local chapter says they make no discernment as to whether someone is Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform - and states that "a Jew is a Jew is a Jew."

(Also, just FYI, the reason I left my conservative synagogue and affiliated with this one instead has nothing to do with religion - it has to do with politics. The conservative and reform synagogues are becoming increasingly hostile to those who do not like liberal policies, and the last step was when a congregant yelled at my mother and me right in the "Kiddush Hall" for voting for Trump - and called us racists. Others at Chabad have told me the same thing - that they joined not because they want to be more religious, but they they want to stay connected to Judaism and feel unwelcome in their previous synagogues due to politics.)

If you voted for T i would yell at you and call you a racist too!

To the person who cared to write that incredibly thoughtful and personal reply, thank you.
To the person who responded re voting for T, please get a life.

Thank you! I'm the one who wrote the "thoughtful and personal" reply.

I think it does explain why some conservative Jews (in both senses of the word) have moved over to Chabad. It doesn't entirely answer the OP's question, since we did not "become" ultra-Orthodox. I'm the same as always - typing away on the computer on Shabbat, keeping kosher-style, observing all holidays - not just the New Year and Yom Kippur, but Shavuot, Sukkot, Purim, etc.) - and still consider myself a conservative Jew.

DP. I feel you and respect you so much PP!!! I’ve had a similar experience among Christians - I am Catholic now after a ridiculously politicized experience among liberal Christians. Geez it was so awful.

We quit our liberal conservative synagogue. Couldn’t stand the woke rabbi. Now we don’t do much that’s Jewish because of that miserable experience. I am too jaded.

(Chabad-goer here.) That's understandable - and so sad. But it does speak to the complete disregard among the "woke" Jews of anyone who doesn't worship at the altar of liberalism. That they are willing to drive Jews away from Judaism if they don't agree with the leftist mindset proves the adage: "Their liberalism trumps their Judaism." If alienating or outright verbally abusing fellow Jews drives them out of shul, and further away from Judaism, simply because they are opposed to liberal policies, they're all for it.

On a personal note, if you still want to stay attached to Judaism, you might check out Chabad. They do vary, though, as the one I first visited was almost ALL Orthodox, and I felt out of place (although they were as nice as could be and very welcoming to me). The one I did join is about 90% conservative Jews (most fleeing from the liberal synagogues being hostile to them), and wear pants to services, eat in restaurants, etc. Just a thought...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have seen their community (Chabad-Lubovitch) described online as Hasidic and ultra-orthodox, but their sect’s website also insists they are orthodox, not ultra-orthodox. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I’m not Jewish but from where my husband’s family sits (unobservant Reform), they view it as ultra orthodox. He has the black hat, she wears a wig.

I have become very active in Chabad and can shed some first-hand light on this.

It is true that the Rabbi and his wife of my Chabad House are ultra-Orthodox(although they would not describe themselves that way: they'd just say they are Jewish). But I myself was raised conservative - and remain so - and most of the people who are involved with Chabad are as well. (Just about everyone drives to services, for example.) The Chabad Rabbi and wife never said or intimated anything that gives me even a hint of pressure that they would like me to be more religious. They are simply happy that I remain connected with Judaism - as well as all the others. I find them a warm, welcoming group with interesting classes, GREAT holiday parties, lots of lectures and social activities - you should see Chanukah week (pre-COVID): a big "to-do" every single night! - and meaningful sermons at services. I have learned SO much from this group, and made some really nice friends. Just about the only thing I don't like is the separation of men/women during services, but nothing is perfect.

The website of my local chapter says they make no discernment as to whether someone is Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform - and states that "a Jew is a Jew is a Jew."

(Also, just FYI, the reason I left my conservative synagogue and affiliated with this one instead has nothing to do with religion - it has to do with politics. The conservative and reform synagogues are becoming increasingly hostile to those who do not like liberal policies, and the last step was when a congregant yelled at my mother and me right in the "Kiddush Hall" for voting for Trump - and called us racists. Others at Chabad have told me the same thing - that they joined not because they want to be more religious, but they they want to stay connected to Judaism and feel unwelcome in their previous synagogues due to politics.)

If you voted for T i would yell at you and call you a racist too!

To the person who cared to write that incredibly thoughtful and personal reply, thank you.
To the person who responded re voting for T, please get a life.

Thank you! I'm the one who wrote the "thoughtful and personal" reply.

I think it does explain why some conservative Jews (in both senses of the word) have moved over to Chabad. It doesn't entirely answer the OP's question, since we did not "become" ultra-Orthodox. I'm the same as always - typing away on the computer on Shabbat, keeping kosher-style, observing all holidays - not just the New Year and Yom Kippur, but Shavuot, Sukkot, Purim, etc.) - and still consider myself a conservative Jew.

DP. I feel you and respect you so much PP!!! I’ve had a similar experience among Christians - I am Catholic now after a ridiculously politicized experience among liberal Christians. Geez it was so awful.

We quit our liberal conservative synagogue. Couldn’t stand the woke rabbi. Now we don’t do much that’s Jewish because of that miserable experience. I am too jaded.

(Chabad-goer here.) That's understandable - and so sad. But it does speak to the complete disregard among the "woke" Jews of anyone who doesn't worship at the altar of liberalism. That they are willing to drive Jews away from Judaism if they don't agree with the leftist mindset proves the adage: "Their liberalism trumps their Judaism." If alienating or outright verbally abusing fellow Jews drives them out of shul, and further away from Judaism, simply because they are opposed to liberal policies, they're all for it.

On a personal note, if you still want to stay attached to Judaism, you might check out Chabad. They do vary, though, as the one I first visited was almost ALL Orthodox, and I felt out of place (although they were as nice as could be and very welcoming to me). The one I did join is about 90% conservative Jews (most fleeing from the liberal synagogues being hostile to them), and wear pants to services, eat in restaurants, etc. Just a thought...

The only thing I would say in response to the idea that Chabad doesn't demand any kind of "Jewish standard" from adults is that the same does not hold true in regards to the education they provide in their religious school programs for children. They don't hide this, they are very open about teaching a specific kind of Judaism, but I find most parents don't think deeply about what that really means. I've watched as a few friends who have chosen Chabad for their kids find themselves shocked at the choices those kids make as young adults in terms of their own Jewish practice. C-Teen and programs like that push hard on a yeshivash life post-high school and while not all kids make that choice, the ones that do rarely come from homes where that's the expectation of their parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have seen their community (Chabad-Lubovitch) described online as Hasidic and ultra-orthodox, but their sect’s website also insists they are orthodox, not ultra-orthodox. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I’m not Jewish but from where my husband’s family sits (unobservant Reform), they view it as ultra orthodox. He has the black hat, she wears a wig.

I have become very active in Chabad and can shed some first-hand light on this.

It is true that the Rabbi and his wife of my Chabad House are ultra-Orthodox(although they would not describe themselves that way: they'd just say they are Jewish). But I myself was raised conservative - and remain so - and most of the people who are involved with Chabad are as well. (Just about everyone drives to services, for example.) The Chabad Rabbi and wife never said or intimated anything that gives me even a hint of pressure that they would like me to be more religious. They are simply happy that I remain connected with Judaism - as well as all the others. I find them a warm, welcoming group with interesting classes, GREAT holiday parties, lots of lectures and social activities - you should see Chanukah week (pre-COVID): a big "to-do" every single night! - and meaningful sermons at services. I have learned SO much from this group, and made some really nice friends. Just about the only thing I don't like is the separation of men/women during services, but nothing is perfect.

The website of my local chapter says they make no discernment as to whether someone is Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform - and states that "a Jew is a Jew is a Jew."

(Also, just FYI, the reason I left my conservative synagogue and affiliated with this one instead has nothing to do with religion - it has to do with politics. The conservative and reform synagogues are becoming increasingly hostile to those who do not like liberal policies, and the last step was when a congregant yelled at my mother and me right in the "Kiddush Hall" for voting for Trump - and called us racists. Others at Chabad have told me the same thing - that they joined not because they want to be more religious, but they they want to stay connected to Judaism and feel unwelcome in their previous synagogues due to politics.)

If you voted for T i would yell at you and call you a racist too!

To the person who cared to write that incredibly thoughtful and personal reply, thank you.
To the person who responded re voting for T, please get a life.

Thank you! I'm the one who wrote the "thoughtful and personal" reply.

I think it does explain why some conservative Jews (in both senses of the word) have moved over to Chabad. It doesn't entirely answer the OP's question, since we did not "become" ultra-Orthodox. I'm the same as always - typing away on the computer on Shabbat, keeping kosher-style, observing all holidays - not just the New Year and Yom Kippur, but Shavuot, Sukkot, Purim, etc.) - and still consider myself a conservative Jew.

DP. I feel you and respect you so much PP!!! I’ve had a similar experience among Christians - I am Catholic now after a ridiculously politicized experience among liberal Christians. Geez it was so awful.

We quit our liberal conservative synagogue. Couldn’t stand the woke rabbi. Now we don’t do much that’s Jewish because of that miserable experience. I am too jaded.

(Chabad-goer here.) That's understandable - and so sad. But it does speak to the complete disregard among the "woke" Jews of anyone who doesn't worship at the altar of liberalism. That they are willing to drive Jews away from Judaism if they don't agree with the leftist mindset proves the adage: "Their liberalism trumps their Judaism." If alienating or outright verbally abusing fellow Jews drives them out of shul, and further away from Judaism, simply because they are opposed to liberal policies, they're all for it.

On a personal note, if you still want to stay attached to Judaism, you might check out Chabad. They do vary, though, as the one I first visited was almost ALL Orthodox, and I felt out of place (although they were as nice as could be and very welcoming to me). The one I did join is about 90% conservative Jews (most fleeing from the liberal synagogues being hostile to them), and wear pants to services, eat in restaurants, etc. Just a thought...

The only thing I would say in response to the idea that Chabad doesn't demand any kind of "Jewish standard" from adults is that the same does not hold true in regards to the education they provide in their religious school programs for children. They don't hide this, they are very open about teaching a specific kind of Judaism, but I find most parents don't think deeply about what that really means. I've watched as a few friends who have chosen Chabad for their kids find themselves shocked at the choices those kids make as young adults in terms of their own Jewish practice. C-Teen and programs like that push hard on a yeshivash life post-high school and while not all kids make that choice, the ones that do rarely come from homes where that's the expectation of their parents.

I can't speak to that since I have no school age kids. If that's the case, it makes it harder for politically and religiously conservative Jewish families with kids to find a "home," but it's a good option, I believe, for middle-aged adults with grown children who want to remain connected to Judaism but are no longer welcome in religiously conservative but liberal synagogues.

It's certainly proven a wonderful option for me, and for the others who had similar experiences in our former synagogues.

[Anonymous]

Chabad is a cult, they look for/prey on the weak.

[Anonymous]

And to those who feel alienated by "woke synagogues," I have a question. Is it alienation, or was it a calling in?

OP, you can kind of see a major rift, no?