derech

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English[edit]

Noun[edit]

derech (uncountable)

  1. (Judaism) The path of propriety or righteousness, or especially of Hasidism or Judaism.
    • 2019, Abby Chava Stein, Becoming Eve, Seal Press, page 8:
      You see, I had gone off the derech--off the path. To complete my self-determination, to live an authentic life, I would have to leave the community, the most egregious offense imaginable.

Usage notes[edit]

The word "derech" in English is frequently used in the phrase "off the derech", which is an adjective used to refer to ex-Orthodox Jews. While often derogatory, "off the derech" has been reclaimed by some ex-Orthodox Jews.