derech

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English

Etymology

Borrowed from Hebrew דרך.

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 "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.