New Square
Why So Many Ultra-Orthodox Jews Will Vote for Hillary Clinton — Not Donald Trump
The Satmar and the Skver are among the most socially conservative and religiously observant Jewish groups in the United States. But they are solidly in the Clinton camp.
Skverer Rebbe’s Aide Accused of Secretly Filming Nude Couples at New Jersey Motel
An employee of a Rockland County Hasidic grand rebbe has been arrested and charged with secretly taking photos of couples having sex in a New Jersey motel.
Closing Arguments Made in New Square Hasidic Abuse Trial
Did a respected Hasidic educator shamelessly abuse a boy for five years — or is his accuser a liar? A judge will decide after both sides made their closing arguments in a riveting trial.
Did Hasidic Neighbor Start Sex Abuse Reign of Terror on September 11?
A man testified that he suffered years of child sexual abuse after visiting a respected member of his upstate New York Hasidic community for comfort on the day of the September 11 terror attacks.
Lessons of Crime and Punishment in New Square Yeshiva
As a young dad in the Skverer sect, Shulem Deen took the one job open to him: teacher. He was shocked to find that punishment was the bedrock of education at the New Square Yeshiva.
Hasidic Enclave Keeps Its Secrets Amid Elusive Rebbe’s Tight Control
Grand Rabbi David Twersky enjoys near-divine status among his devotees. But some report being rebuffed when seeking help in sex abuse cases.
New Square to Neighbors: Stay Away from Our Holy Shtetl!
Frimet Goldberger pokes fun at the Hasidic village of New Square’s recent letter asking neighbors to refrain from buying property (and bringing impurities) too close.
When Torah Is Too Hot for Schoolgirls
A Bible study guide in use in a Hasidic village in suburban New York omits risque passages and entire passages of the Book of Genesis. But some R-rated tales slipped through the cracks.
Deb Tambor Child-Custody Woes Common Among Parents Who Leave Hasidic World
Deb Tambor ended her own life after leaving the Hasidic community. Like many others, she lost custody of her children to a spouse backed by a unified ultra-Orthodox community.
Deb Tambor's Bright Smile — and Potent Message
Deb Tambor’s death sparked a firestorm in the Hasidic world. The young mother was memorialized as a loving beacon of hope and unity at a poignant memorial service.