Jew Spot's Monica:
Hasidic and Hipster seem to be contradictory. Can you explain to me what a Hasidic Hipster is exactly? And are there more of you? (If so, where can I get one?)

Shmuli (resident Hasid Hipster):
I see my Hasidic presence and way of dress as a hip thing, rather than a dress code that I have to keep in order to fit in someplace. I rebelled against the ideas I was born into as a teenager, although I still proudly wear my full Hasidic garb and I am damn proud of my background. I "look" Hasidic and I practice religion to the level I am comfortable with. As much as I disagree with many aspects of the Hasidic culture, I still think they have something very positive going. I support it. Yet, I am out there talking and surprising all kinds of people who think that Hasidic people are just so out of touch.

I like the shock effect. Yes, that's me — the open minded Hasid, the always smiling Hasid, the Hipster Hasid. I am sure there are more of me, we just don't group. I know guys who are unhappy with being Hasidic, but I wouldn't call them Hipsters. You need the pride to make the cut. As far as getting one... Hey, did you already lose my email address?? ;-) Oh, you meant another Hasidic Hipster...

You said you rebelled against your upbringing. What made you realize you disagree, and how old were you when you branched away from being fully observant?

Everyone dressing the same way, doing the same thing, made me feel like a copy-and-paste product. I said something must be wrong when there are so many people yet only one way, one good way, to live. Besides that, I had issues with people in leadership who didn't exactly practice what they preached. Then there was the sexuality issue. I couldn't deal with the idea that something so tempting should be so sinful. I said, it's one thing if you say it's nice to overcome your so-called "animalistic temptations," giving you a good feeling of control. But why sinful and punishable? I had these thoughts since my early teenage years, and finally broke out of the mold at around 16 years old.

How did your parents and community react?

I left to Israel to supposedly learn in a Hasidic Yeshiva. I quickly dropped out, yet still hung in the Yeshiva for bed and breakfast. At points, I felt trapped in my Hasidic wear and wanted out of it to blend into society. But then I realized that my Hasidic look gives me somewhat of a star status among the secular kids so I decided to hang with the Hasidic style. I would go out to clubs Friday nights secure in my style and the non-observant kids loved me for that.

They called me "Chasid Chilony," secular Hasid. I didn't go home for like three years because I didn't want to face my family and my parents. I would call my parents and pretend it's all OK, but they knew it was far from that. My mother took it very hard and that's what eventually made me come around and stabilize. My love to my parents kept me in check. I was the black sheep of the Yeshiva and community.

Where are you now in your Jewish observance? What would you say to a Jew — unaffiliated, observant and everything in between — also looking to find their balance in observance?

I am pretty much observant. Like prayers, Shabbos, Kosher, etc. I would tell people to do things that make you feel fulfilled. Don't push yourself into stuff out of guilt because that's what makes it backfire later. Religious observance can be very fulfilling if you do it by choice. Do it at a pace that you feel comfortable. It goes for every level, or shall I say lifestyle of Judaism you belong where you feel comfortable. The Hasidic lifestyle is great if you don't feel trapped in it. It's not meant for punishment. It's meant for people who "want to" live a life sheltered from many modern-life distractions.

What has been the biggest change in your life since leaving the ultra-Hasidic lifestyle? Any huge shocks occur since your change in perspective?

My way of thinking was the biggest change. I see people from all walks of life as part of what makes the world go round and interesting. I don't think one group of people is better than the other. People are judged by their actions, not by the place or background they come from. I had my shock when I first hit the facade of the outside world. I was disappointed in more of the way from the Hollywood, MTV, Hip Hop lifestyle (Israeli version). It was a good reality check for me. I asked myself is this really what I wanted? After all, they (Hasidim) may have a point.

You have said that Jews are sexy. What makes them sexy? And what makes you one of the sexy Jews?

Seriously: brains. (I hope my non-Jewish friends don't see this. No, I don't think Jews are the only ones with brains but there's certainly a lot of it in the Jewish community.) Myself, it's the fact that I am different. The Matisyahu effect. You see Matisyahu certainly ain't no DiCaprio, yet, how many times have I heard people say, Matisyahu is hot! I am not saying I am a Matisyahu, but I certainly call it the Matisyahu factor.

It basically comes down to this: Tall + handsome = Sexy. Tall + handsome + totally different = Damn hot sexy!

So are you Shomer Negiah? Had to ask.

Hmmm... How personal (blushing here:-) I am a very respectful guy. I don't touch anyone against their will ;-) I hope this answers the question. BTW, I don't dismiss the Shomer Negiah thing. From what I have heard of people who are or were Shomer Negiah, there is something very hot and sexy about it. I practice the Negiah part of the deal... the Shomer part I left for those who enjoy it. ;-) BTW for those who say what's that??? I made it easier for you Shomer Negiah. Thanks Shmuli! You can find out more about him and his hipsterdim on MySpace.

Have more questions on the Hasidic lifestyle or have an interesting story to share? Email monica at FindMyJewSpot@gmail.com.

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Reprinted with permission from The Jew Spot.