Ultra-Orthodox Jews Embrace Global Interaction

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    Frieda Vizel, originally a member of an ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect in New York, experienced a crisis of faith at 25 that led her to leave the community. Instead of severing ties completely, she leveraged her background to become an internet personality and guide, bridging the gap between her former way of life and the outside world.

    Through her tours of Williamsburg in Brooklyn—home of the Satmar dynasty—and a popular YouTube channel, Vizel sheds light on this cloistered community, famous for its rigorous adherence to Jewish law and culture. On one occasion in mid-June, she took a mix of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim tourists to explore this world, introducing them to synagogues, kosher delis, and special community shops. These shops sell unique items such as rabbinically approved playthings and technology preloaded with accepted media, which don’t require an internet connection.

    Despite traditional prohibitions regarding internet use, ultra-Orthodox men in the area responded positively to Vizel, commending her work. This dialogue reflects a unique period of greater engagement and curiosity within the community about how they are perceived globally.

    Understanding the cultural landscape, Williamsburg is part of several global locations including Monsey in New York, Stamford Hill in London, and Bnei Brak in Israel that serve as strongholds for the most dedicated followers of Orthodox Judaism. These communities adhere strictly to the Torah and its 613 commandments, setting themselves apart within the 15-million-strong global Jewish population. According to Daniel Staetsky from the Institute for Jewish Policy Research, the strictly Orthodox population could potentially double within 15 years, with projections suggesting a growing proportion of U.S. Jews will identify as Orthodox by 2063.

    The ultra-Orthodox community diverges culturally from Reform Jews, who tend to marry later and have fewer children. As a result, American Jewry displays increasing polarization between those who become Orthodox and those who are more secular, a shift observed in societal patterns nationwide. Research from the Pew Research Center highlights that 17% of young Jews between 18 to 29 identify as Orthodox—a larger share compared to older generations. Their political inclinations also increasingly lean Republican, with 75% of Orthodox Jews reportedly supporting or inclining towards Republican candidates as of 2020. The community’s growth and enthusiasm have heightened political activism, underscoring a strategic focus not just on cultural issues but also on immediate communal interests.

    Vizel’s tour underscores these dynamics. She guided tourists past Yiddish-language political campaign signs and campaign letters from Donald Trump. Orthodox communities in places like New York City and Florida have demonstrated political clout, supporting candidates who align with their beliefs on educational autonomy and social values. However, the broader Jewish political influence remains diverse, as seen in the Reform bloc’s enduring influence.

    A Pew study noted that Reform Jews make up 37% of the American Jewish landscape, with no specific religious affiliation claiming 32%, and Conservative Jews 17%. The Orthodox account for about 9%. Yet, leadership like Rabbi Rick Jacobs asserts that many unaffiliated Jews maintain strong cultural connections, supporting social and political views that reflect liberal values even as the community becomes politically and culturally fragmented. The Reform Jewish community remains committed to justice and peace, advocating that their values adapt to modern challenges. Meanwhile, Orthodox organizations like Eretz Hakodesh reflect an energized push to influence key Jewish decision-making bodies and counterbalance more liberal movements.

    Overall, this period signals a complex interplay between religious practice, community identity, and wider societal involvement among Jews in America and globally.