My intention is never to diminish the suffering of OTDs (Off the Derech, people who left ultra-Orthodoxy) or to dismiss the lack of action from some religious leaders, yet I felt the need to give voice to the Hasidic women whom I had the privilege to meet in person during my fieldwork and whom I follow on Instagram every day. Implicitly, they are creating a counterpublic space ( Hirschkind 2006 Fader 2020) in response to a mainstream religious space.

are each building a new image of Orthodox womanhood. Dobby, Malky, Chany, Sarah, Devorah S.,, Bracha, and Devorah L. Ultimately, their use of Instagram might lead to their broader recognition, and to a range of contracts for live private and community performances. The application serves as a marketing tool and springboard to create a community of followers. They are particularly active on Instagram, where they promote their businesses, music, films, lessons, performances, and albums. These women come from a mixed ultra-Orthodox background, representing Bobov, Chabad, Ger, Litvish, and Satmar communities. Among them are Dobby Baum, Malky Media, Devorah Schwartz, Sarah Dukes, Bracha Jaffe, Devorah Leah, and Chany Rosengarten, each of whom I discovered online in the last two years. Other ultra-Orthodox Jews use technology by choice.

Dobby Baum, April 12, 2020, Concert-Talk on Zoom and InstagramĪlthough the ultra-Orthodox are known for their opposition to the Internet, some hasidic business owners find it necessary to be connected.

Devorah schwartz youtube