Have you had this kind of experience with religion?

I am Catholic and was a nun for 12 years. When I decided to leave Religious life my family welcomed me with open arms. I met my husband 3 years after I left and have been married almost 48 years. I thank God that my family was always with me. I am so sorry for all you have been through. By the way, my husband is not Catholic and that was also quite alright with my family.

I know exactly what you mean about the magical time with just you and your children. When my abusive husband left, it was me and my 4 children! I parented the way I wanted! I cooked what I wanted, our schedule was for us! I went back to nursing school. I wasn’t scared anymore. I wasn’t being watched with an angry and critical gaze. I was enough for my children. It was my most productive time in my whole life! It was wonderful.

As a hypnotherapist the idea of a ¨professional¨ teaching a client self hypnosis to dissociate during unwanted sex is horrendous. It sickens me to think they found this ethically acceptable. It compounds the trauma.

I’m now on my own after 33 years of marriage. Just being able to set the thermostat the way I want is the best. He didn’t consider me. So now listening to your story my story isn’t on the same level. I send my love to you.

No matter how we mother's lose our children, the pains is Unbelievable. It nearly killed me. The quiet time is the noisiest time.

Off the drech is such a definition of "us". Pressuring us not to leave because we will loose our children is emotional terrorism. I lost a small child and it almost killed me. He was taken to Israel and I could not get him back. Thank God , you got custody of your children back.

What a remarkable and intelligent woman she is, I could listen to her for hours. God bless her!

I'm at the procreation part and the FLDS popped into my head, Andrew. She is so open and honest. Love this lady

Dear Andrew, thank you so so much! Please know that you are doing extraordinary work on your KZfaq channel. When this remarkable woman, Chavie, lost her children, this reminded me of the pain that Nicole Kidman must have felt when she lost her beloved two children to Tom Cruise and Scientology. Thank you once again, and I look forward to enjoying your channel time and time again!❤️🌹🙏

I gotta say I'm shocked that people could lose their children over this. Shocked. Also, I call BS to ppl who don't support their kids just because they have different beliefs. You can still absolutely love and support your child even IF you have different personal beliefs. Do you "out" your friends over different beliefs? To do this to your own children is deeply upsetting to me. Ive heard ppl saying they're doing the more loving thing. I call BS. My heart goes out to her. I know this would definitely be the very worst pain imaginable. Best to her. She's adorable.

The one thing I can't shake in the custody story is that since Chavie was the one that was taking care of the family affairs in her marriage; I'm almost 100% sure that when their father had their custody, he "dumped" them on his new wife, who now had both her own and her step children to take care of.

The fact her ex husband ABANDONED his kids at first helps her so much and I cannot believe the court is still letting him fight this,🖕🏼to the court and her ex!!! It’s absolutely disgusting!!! She’s already won because she was the bigger person, she escaped and she is leading the life she wants. So proud of her. ❤❤❤ and I’m an LBGTQ+ ally and always will be and so proud of you for living your authentic self! ❤

Chavie is just so lovely 😊 Hers, like many, are hard to listen to, but she has such a genuine sweet way about her. The last question about her family, although a brief mask attempt of laughter, her eyes welled up as she talked about the complicated relationship with her mum. Chavie is another brave escapee, who saved herself and her children. She is a Shero ❤

Chavie is not only an intelligent woman, she is brave for speaking out. I really enjoyed listening to her, but also heartfelt for the plight the cult affect has/had on her. My parents weren't religious, but were narcissistic psychopaths and how I broke free of their hold continues to astound me to this day. I feel greatful I'm nothing like them. 💜

Thank you for sharing this with us. I was raised in a cult in Oregon believing my dad was Jesus, the Messiah and have just left this faith in the last 6 months after finding out there are other people around the world claiming to be Jesus. I have allowed myself to be educated on cults and see my family and church indeed fit all the cult definitions. Losing my family has been devastating and these common stories are so helpful. Thank you

Yes. I was raised in a Pentecostal household. Grandfather, Aunt and a cousin were ministers. What a picnic. An yes I'm in therapy

I love how articulate and really pointed she was... it is true ...STOP trying NOT to offend the religious community and put the responsibility back on them!!! They shame the victims for telling their stories and ripping the veil to show what kind of atrocities (mental, physical and spiritual!) are going on. Sometimes you have to summon the courage and TRUE righteousness to advocate for these survivors.

What a strong woman she has become. I wouldn't want one second of what she's been through.

She's a beautiful person, very strong but you can sense the toll it has had on her. And all because she chose to fight for her right to be herself! I'm not a mom but it was scary hearing that her ex is still fighting for custody of her kids and that other people DO lose their kids in these battles. The level of power cults exercise is sick. Wishing her the best!

2/3rds of Chavie's children are far too old for the "father" to get "custody" of them. Moreover, he basically abandoned them initially. It's a very sick aspect of this sort of cultish sect that parents are forced to constantly fight for their kids, not because the cult parent wants them, but because the cult wants them.

Thank you so much Fr! My mother was a shopper and hoarder and when both my parents died a year apart they left me a houseful of religious objects amongst other things. I'm down to 3 remaining boxes and these have been sitting there for nearly 2 years as I've been at a loss as to how I can dispose of them, especially when they also include objects from a house of prayer that doesn't have church approval here in Ireland. Please God now I will be able to finally rid myself of this burden. God bless you Fr 🙏🙏🙏

Chavie is such a healing speaker. It would be wonderful for her to host a podcast. She is an eloquent respectful teacher.

Chavie is classy. I have seen and semi experienced some of this . I admire her strength, courage, and generosity of spirt. Thanks so much Andrew! God Bless you ,both.

I am glad she got her kids back.

Blessings on this smart, strong mother! I’m a childless, old, Protestant woman. I will pray for her.

Chavie is a beautiful woman. Her smile is so lovely and her testimony is amazing. I wish her so much happiness in her marriage. May she be so blessed. She is lovely. So intelligent.

The main reason the individual loses custody is because the community basically surrounds the parent still in. The legal system feels that if anything happens the community will take care of them.

Great and honest interview! Such a brave woman. Another good one Andrew.

Thank you Andrew for being such an excelsior interviewer! 💗 I learn something new from every person that you interview on your channel. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.

She went from warm memories to it was intense and chaotic childhood. We love our parents no matter what.

Wait, wait, wait. You are expected to be the bread winner, and manage and run the household, and be the primary parent?? What do the men do then? I thought the whole trade off on men being the ones with the additional privileges was at least they have financial responsibility. Do they just study the Torah all day and expect to be fed and allowed access to their wives?

She’s a powerhouse, and a delight. Appreciate the authentic empathy shown by you, Andrew.

What a wonderful person. Being so full of love when you went through so much pain is pretty amazing.

This was such a great interview! I appreciate the point about focusing on the vulnerable people instead of assuming people are attacking their religion or lineage. It’s got to be tough to walk that line as an interviewer, but you do that with compassion and respect💗

Chabad is known as a more open minded chasdidic ultra orthodox community to the degree that some satmar don’t consider our butchered meat kosher. And would only eat it if they were dying of starvation. These rifts are slowly falling away the past twenty years or so.

It's amazing to hear such a unique perspective from Chavie, her answers to Andrew's questions were never quite what I expected; I've heard so many stories of people leaving ultra-orthodox/fundamentalist cults and there are threads of similarity that ruin through them all, but there was something so raw and real about the way Chavie talks about her experiences. I'm so happy you made it, that you can show your kids who you are, and your world; and that your children are happy, and get the chance to decide what their own futures look like.

One of the best testimonies I have ever heard. So articulate and honest, thank you. It came up in my KZfaq recommended. I have equivalent experiences in other ways. I have struggled to see the positives about certain things. Feel so inspired now. It's a real gift to hear a positive take on having to find your own truth, aside from being defined by others.

Hey Andrew, U have the best guests - I enjoyed this interview and would love to spend time with Chavie - she’s so interesting and very genuine

Another amazing interview! I adore and admire how lovely she seems and so smart!! I really enjoyed listening to how she told her story!! ❤️

My late husband became religious in Emunas Yisroel and we (I am a Hispanic Giyores) we're incredibly welcomed. People were actually refreshingly honest and open. When my husband passed away they took me in. They paid my bills, helped me with my newborn twins and truly loved me. I used to sit in shul next to your grandmother. Your father taught my husband at Ohr Somayach. When I was married we honored your father by including his name on our bentcher. When I became widowed, your mother consoled me as another widow can only console. I had such an incredible experience with this community. I'm so sad you had this experience. As someone who came from a very secular society, finding Judaism and specifically EY was life changing. Specifically, the loving and respectful relationship between your grandmother and grandfather. He wouldn't go anywhere without her. He was so respectful to her. I came from a world where men treated women like meat not like queens. It was so special to see. I thank your grandparents and parents for so much. You look just like your mother.

Excellent interview Thank you Wishing her & her kids healing So heartbreaking what so many women endure 😢

Thank you for speaking up, I feel seen and represented.

A highly intelligent and articulate person with a self-awareness that few others are capable of attaining. I am uplifted by the beautiful humanity of this person.

Horrible custody rules. Scary! Such a brave woman 😘

I love listening to this lady. Great interview!

What a very deep but real needy chat. Amazing on the edge. Thank you!

Having affairs at summer camp, getting engaged, going back to summer camp. This is the basic denial of reality that I have faced in childhood when forced to accept things I distrusted so my mind just told the story as if the event wasn’t happening, it was something else. I totally understand this form of thinking. It is difficult not to be able to trust anyone because your mind has been manipulated to not perceive the real world: and it takes sooo much time to unravel the real world from the acceptable story.

**sidebar** Chavie could be a model. She has a beauty that is not of the conventional cookie-cutter style, but very unique, identifiable and magnetic. I couldn't tear my eyes away as she spoke. She also seems really humble, so this type of compliment would no doubt sit uncomfortably with her. If so, I apologize.

What a phenomenal interview, amazing guest, intelligent, well balanced and insightful. I wish her the best and thank you Andrew for bringing her to us 🤗

I am orthodox Jewish woman living and thriving in the " cult" that Chavie describes. Chavie has been through alot and i feel sorry for her. Unlike her most of us are living very fullfiling happy free lives. We don't feel limited, nor squashed... Our men are good to us , and don't force us in any way. The simplicity and Insulation allows for more family time, connection and living in the moment. Clarifying for those that feel " bad for us" or think we're living in harsh conditions. Thank you

Such an awesome interview- thank you to both of you for giving us an insight into what other people have experienced especially when they have had to live by religious beliefs whether good or bad for them- we can’t think everyone’s experiences of life are as we experience, and channels like yours opens our eyes and minds that we don’t all have similar lives 🥰👍🏻🇦🇺

My heart breaks for the children who are so sheltered and unprepared to ever live outside of this community if they ever chose to. Keeps them corralled for sure.

Wonderful episode. Thoughtful and insightful, difficult subject delivered with such warmth from you both. Many thanks

Good on Chavie for telling her story and helping others going through this! It takes a lot of courage

This is putting me into despair and depression and I’m not even involved in this side of life. I can’t even continue to watch but my love and prayers go out to all in these kind of communities. Much much love to you.

Very impressed by her ability to see the reasons and different layers of why and see the good and not just bad in people and situations. She tells a story in the most respectful way it's possible to also share her story. Beautiful heart and insight to her. She made situations she had to change, the best she could. If people could be able to put themselves in others shoes, like she does, and even if she had to divorce because of how difficult it is to live in such a situation, she was betrayed, but still she is so aware ,she understands why and how few could actually go through something like that and still not bash the other(s) like bad people, she tells it ,but in the best way. This is a trustworthy person with insights and empathy who if you are her friend and gets in a disagreement, one gets hurt , it wasn't intentional and she won't go and add fuel and try to get others to hate you , she'll probably tell her closest what happened, but in a respectful way , explaining both sides without adding, like so many unfortunately do. Just hear how people hear something about someone they don't agree with, and suddenly they make videos telling everyone how no good, that person is. All the other layers of that person and good things about them , doesn't matter and not where they're coming from ,even how tragic or pressured they are , still they are suddenly just trash and the more that agree, the better. This is how cancel culture has become and too many people are talking about people who they feel let them down or for small or valid big reasons. I like people who can see layers of situations from both sides and see the situation is tragic and people react in a way she wouldn't and think is wrong and is wrong, but she's still able to tell it and explain the different sides and also share what was good and not try to kill someone s character, but tell it dignified and still tell how it was difficult. It has to have been much harder than she tells it,but we can understand how hard it must have been. If poleticians and people in power had her ability to see the layers and try to make better solutions, it would have been less people suffering and less anger and hostility. I understand after her experience it's difficult to believe in God, but I hope she..you try Jesus, because he is real ( I know it's hard to believe, I just feel I have to mention it) But it's very easy to understand why your religion didn't seem Godly and it's difficult to believe in God when so much hasn't come from how God would have wanted for you. You need to heal your traumas and I believe Jesus knows everything and also how religion has caused you much suffering and unfairness. It's understandable difficult for you to believe there is a real living good God. Jesus has cried seing what you and your kids has gone through. I believe that . I understand why you don't, but I hope you heal and give him a "call " later , because he doesn't care about religion, just a personal relationship with you when you're alone and you seek him and don't think about prayers , just talk to him as if he was your trusted kindest best friend, a hero and teacher and comforter who only wants the best for you and yours and the world and everyone in it. But we have to seek him , share thoughts, worries and thank him for whats good and the more we listen to him , talk and ask for him and guidance, he'll reveal himself . When you get confirmations, you'll understand he's real. Ask for dreams and the Holy Spirit and learn how to ( Troy Black, is an amazing teacher and listen to those who met Jesus in Near death experiences, full of them on KZfaq,Randy Kay, forexample have guests telling) anyway, I say only because I hope the best for you ❤. But respect your choice to believe or not ,and now I understand it's probably the last on your mind, but just remember Jesus is real and will help your life even more, even if it's hard to believe, especially after your life experience. Sorry if I seem like a fanatic, I m not, just human,just finding out more of life and gone through a bunch of things, just discovering a few important things now, but have a far way to go before I'm where I need to be. Thank you for sharing much of what you experienced and I like so many sides I see in you. So much you have understood and you have so much good in you and many good values. Already you're more God like than many religious people. No one is perfect, but you have come further than most even Christians,and Jewish religious people and all kinds of religions.,because of your heart and sides I see you have, so rare in the world today, unfortunately. Wish you and yours well. 🙏 :) ❤🤲❤

Having been born in Queens and raised in NY I enjoyed the familiarity of Chavie's accent. It soon occurred to me that being in an isolated community impedes one of the things that makes me love NY. I could bring a new friend home to meet with three close friends from school, and my friend would notice we each have a different accent, even if we grew up in the same borough. My Puerto Rican friend sounds different from my Jewish friend. They both sound different than my Italian friend, and I sound different from all of them. I love that. I was very lucky, and I'll be careful not to take it for granted. Chavie would have been prevented from becoming close to people that live a few blocks, a subway station, or a bus stop away if they had a different background. That's almost like growing up in a completely different NY altogether.

I love her. What an incredibly strong human and to have gone through all of this pain and still be so kind hearted and positive is incredible. What a gift to her children. I wish her all the best.

Chavie has impressed me so much. I am a teacher in Virginia. I have taught history and Catholic Church history for over 30 years. I have left the Catholic Church because of some of the same reasons you have separated from your extremist Jewish experiences. I admire how knowledgeable about extremism vs. just Judaist extremism. I try to bring to my now public school students an open view of the world and your story will become part of my background knowledge when questions of religion do arise. I appreciate how delicate you were not to offend believers while asserting your truths. Thank you for your bravery.

Wonderful interview, thanks!

Wonderful interview! 👏🏻💗

Incredibly fascinating interview! Much love from the beautiful Arkansas River Valley 💞

Fundamentalism is Fundamentalism is Fundamentalism- so true! Every religion that has a Fundamentalist branch has the same fears and bigotry, the same misogyny, the same power directed in negative ways towards the most vulnerable. The focus should absolutely be on shining light on the darkness and helping the victims! She is so strong- such an inspiration!❤

I really enjoyed her testimony and find her strength amazing.

I am so happy that she was able to get her children back. I know the pain and frustration of losing custody... She's a beautiful lady and I wish her all thee luck in the future.

Thank you for another very interesting interview!

What a brave and wonderful young woman to have followed her heart and never given up. Thank you for sharing your story.

What an\ wonderful interview. Chavie, you are strong and wonderful, I really enjoyed listening to you and learning about your experience. Keep going!

What an amazing woman! I could listen for several more hours of her telling her story, so well spoken and non judgmental, even though the trauma she gone true ❤ I really respect the way she talks about religion and don't judge others that partake in different religions but see the difference between a healthy relationship with a religion and extremism ♥️ I myself have never practiced any religion but I'm very fascinated in all religions as a interesting topic, but I have never lived in a religious home, even though my sons father is from the Muslim community and I'm born in Sweden so true that I'm living in a somewhat Christian religious country, but most Swedish people are not practicing Christianity, and our government and the church are separate so we do have completely religious freedom, that I personally really enjoy but I see that it also can be difficult for many people! It is a really complicated topic Thank you Andrew for yet another great episode 🙏🏻

Wow! This is all I have right now...going to process this amazing interview! Thank you. This was both painful and fascinating. Bless you both and all of her children!

A lovely, together lady. So well done for travelling that tormented path to where you have gotten now. All the very best to you and your family :)

It was so great to listen to this. I was so impressed that Chavie spoke so well and without rancor--she has a pure heart, I think. God bless her.

Thank you for representing us Chavie.

Another wonderful episode!Andrew, I love your KZfaq channel!❤ Your content is awesome and your approach refreshing! You are truly a special person! The amount of research you put into each episode is evident! The sincere empathy and professionalism you display should be the bar for all journalists! I love that you clearly care about what you present by actively and objectively engaging with and listening to your guest(s). Keep up the great work! Cheers from Canada ~ Christina 🤍💚😊

Andrew, you bring to us such interesting people, they have quite extraordinary experiences, I would like to thank them all, for having the courage to share their stories. A big thank you Andrew..

Beautiful interview ! Andrew keep on spreading the injustice of it all !!! Good work👏

Chavie is very thoughtful, fair and intelligent. Excellent interview, thank you for your frankness so that we learn and gain in wisdom about others.

Great interview; she is lovely -tough, bright, articulate and a true momma bear. You are a gifted interviewer; a natural. Looking forward to more of your work.

Thank you for this articulate and thoughtful video. Here’s to understanding and learning. You are making the world better, I appreciate the courage of you both.

Go Chavie, go Chavie go go go!! Excellent interview. Much love to you.

Fascinating! Thank you, sir! ❤️

I love how opinionated Chavie is. Keep being you, you’re a force for good ❤

This is so interesting! I have sooo many more questions for your guest. Will have a look fabulous out for more interviews.

Thabk you Chavie for being courageous and speaking out and always being supportive for myself and the general OTD community

Great Interview.

Fascinating content. Very eye opening. Chavie is such a strong woman and a fantastic representative for her community

Chavie, I am so glad that you were able to get out of that marriage & that sect & most importantly that you were able to get your children back. I have added you to my intercessory prayer list, of which I pray over daily. May our Father in Heaven bless you abundantly more than you can possibly ask or think & keep you in His loving care 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼

What an incredibly brave woman, wishing her well for the future. Thanks for sharing.

I was raised modern orthodox and I was taught that a woman can never be forced to marry a man she doesn't want, and that within the marriage a man is not allowed to force himself on his wife, ever.

A bit off topic here but I want to say Chavie has an infectious smile, crystal clear voice and a lively personality which makes this video a pleasure to watch!

I came across a video Chavie made a few years ago, and it’s so amazing to see how far she has come and how much she has grown into the person she was always meant to be. I have so much respect for someone who can go through everything she has, yet still acknowledge the positive experiences she had within that life. That takes a strong person!

She’s so strong and so irrepressible. I’m just amazed. 💜

I am struck by her strength and wisdom. Hard won wisdom but she is so intelligent and very strong in her convictions. Inspirational.

Wonderful interview.

This was a wonderful interview. Thank you so much. People really need to stand up to religion and what it does to people.

what a good example of non-judgmental and empathic living Chavie is to her children. Despite all the pain and difficulties she has been through, instead of showing animosity she does not condemn these religious people. While at the same time helping others who have chosen their own way to distance themselves from a closed belief system.

What a blessing that she was able to leave a constraining situation and then find love and be engaged again. 💕

Nice people, both of you. I really enjoyed this conversation. So many people do so much talking without saying anything.

Excellent interview.