derech

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Hebrew דרך.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈdɛ(.)ɹɛx/, /-ɪx/

Noun

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

The word is frequently used in the phrase off the derech (sometimes abbreviated OTD) referring to ex-Orthodox Jews. While often derogatory, off the derech has been reclaimed by some ex-Orthodox Jews.

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