Shulem Deen

Shulem Deen is an American author and former Hasidic Jew best known for his 2015 memoir "All Who Go Do Not Return," which chronicles his journey from ultra-Orthodox Judaism to secular life. Originally raised in Brooklyn's Hasidic community, Deen was a member of the Skverer sect in New Square, New York. After experiencing a crisis of faith and ultimately leaving Orthodox Judaism behind, he faced severe personal consequences including being declared a heretic and losing contact with his five children. His memoir won the 2015 National Jewish Book Award and established him as an important voice on ultra-Orthodox Jewish life and the challenges faced by those who choose to leave. Beyond his literary work, Deen has written for publications including The New Republic, Salon, and The Guardian. Deen has gone on to advocate for others leaving ultra-Orthodox communities through his work with Footsteps, an organization supporting those transitioning from ultra-Orthodox Judaism to secular society. He continues to write and speak about religious fundamentalism, faith, and identity.

Readers consistently praise Deen's raw honesty and ability to explain Hasidic life to outsiders without sensationalism. His memoir receives high ratings, with 4.24/5 on Goodreads (3,000+ ratings) and 4.7/5 on Amazon (500+ ratings). Readers highlight: - Clear, straightforward writing style - Balanced portrayal of both positive and difficult aspects of Hasidic life - Educational value for those unfamiliar with ultra-Orthodox Judaism - Personal emotional impact of his story Common criticisms: - Some readers find the pacing slow in sections describing religious practices - A few note it can be hard to follow the Hebrew/Yiddish terms - Some wanted more details about his post-Hasidic life As one Goodreads reviewer wrote: "Deen manages to tell his story without bitterness or anger, which makes it all the more powerful." Another noted: "His description of losing faith feels universal despite the specific context." Professional reviewers from The New York Times and NPR praised the memoir's restraint and careful attention to detail.

All Who Go Do Not Return (2015) A memoir detailing the author's journey from ultra-Orthodox Judaism in New Square, New York, to secular life, including his subsequent excommunication and loss of contact with his five children.

Amos Oz writes about his upbringing in Jerusalem and his break from Orthodox Judaism in his memoir "A Tale of Love and Darkness." His work explores themes of family conflict, religious identity, and cultural transitions in Israel.

Deborah Feldman documents her departure from the Hasidic Satmar community in "Unorthodox" and "Exodus." Her memoirs detail the challenges of leaving an insular religious community and building a new life in the secular world.

Chaim Potok examines tensions between Jewish tradition and modernity through characters who struggle with religious obligations and personal aspirations. His novels "The Chosen" and "My Name is Asher Lev" focus on characters navigating between Orthodox Jewish life and the outside world.

Pearl Abraham writes fiction based on her experiences growing up in and leaving the Hasidic community. Her works explore the intersection of gender, religion, and personal autonomy within Orthodox Jewish life.

Nathan Englander creates stories about Jewish identity and religious doubt in contemporary settings. His characters often confront conflicts between religious tradition and secular society, similar to the themes in Deen's work.