Off the derech (OTD), from the Hebrew word derech (meaning "path"), is an expression Orthodox Jews use to describe someone who intentionally stops practicing the tenets of his or her branch of orthodoxy. The phrase was first used by the medieval sage Rashi to describe the actions of the rebellious son of Deuteronomy.
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The term is often applied to teenagers and adults who leave the orthodox way of life. Teenagers who are not yet off the derech but who display signs of diversion from Orthodox norms, such as changes in dress or associating with off-the-derech friends, are sometimes called "teens at risk." Many Haredi Jews never leave the community despite losing their faith, and they are sometimes referred to as Reverse Marranos or Orthoprax Jews.
The off-the-derech community has developed its own identity, with blogs and active Facebook groups. Some in the community have protested against cover-ups of child sexual abuse and lack of basic secular education among ultra-Orthodox Haredi Jews.
There are parallel movements of OTD in the US and Israel. In Israel, Ex-Haredim or yotz'im bish'ela refers to disaffiliates from the Haredi community and its way of life in Israel.
Depending on personal and other circumstances of the departure, Haredi views of "off the derech" individuals may range from considering them epikoros ("heretics") to viewing them as individuals who have strayed from the path and should be viewed with understanding and brought back to their religion.
History
Off the derech is similar to Haskalah in its disaffection with traditional modes of religion, its secularization and interest in secular education, and in experimenting with a secular Jewish culture. Like Haskalah, its members tend to be secularists and religious decentralists.
Support groups
Tight-knit local and Internet-based support groups exist in Israel, the UK and the US:
A group of OTD individuals launched the "It Gets Besser" initiative, a Yiddish play on words of Dan Savage's It Gets Better Project which sends the message to LGBT teens that their lives will improve. Similarly, the It Gets Besser initiative highlights positive personal developments by OTD individuals after leaving the Haredi community.
Notable people
Examples of notable people who left traditional Judaism or became less observant include: