LeebaW- Firstly, I’m impressed that you have stayed in touch with the Yeshivish world despite your childhood. Many OTD like to deny that part of themselves, and are generally embarrassed of their religious past. (This being from my personal experience during my more rebellious times)
It must be frustrating to see the constant fuss over silly things when many don’t seem to see the whole picture. I know it is for me. I’m glad you spoke out, because what you say is important.
Using Popa’s example, you being vegetarian won’t be good for cholent recipes. However, it’s always important to face the community issues instead of running from them. Vegetarians can explain what is wrong with the whole meat eating process. Perhaps if we listened to those we turned away, we would know what we could do to fix ourselves a create a better society.
I’m sorry that you saw the dark side of religion. Maybe one day you’ll be able to see the beauty our religion has to offer. If there is one thing I have learned, it’s that darkness is everywhere. Horrible people, idiots, and passivity is common no matter the race, religion, or belief. The halo we place around our religion doesn’t stand up to reality, and that can be a deal breaker for many. Try looking past the darkness, and see the goodness in the world. It’s there. It’s in religion. In society. And it’s in Judiasm as well. Once I left my past behind, I was able to see so many modern principles of morality, was already written into our religious code thousands of years ago.
For everyone else here, listen to her voice. Because if we were doing everything right, her voice might still be pro religion, and not OTD.