Better Know a Kofer: Shayah Getzel

Good old DH, the blogger not the hypothesis, has yet another interview up. But you don't need to read it, just read my summary instead!

DH: So describe your background

SG: Chassidish. Beard, Peyes, Shtreimel, Williamsburg, Monsey. You know, Chassidish.

DH: So, just how frum is that?

SG: Well let me put it this way. The Miami Boys Choir was too treif for us.

DH: Got it - crazy frum. So what made you go OTD?

SG: Crazy Frum?

DH: Oh yeah. So what do you miss most about being frum?

SG: Mostly the assuredness. Ignorance is definitely bliss.

DH: And what do you like the most about not being frum?

SG: The fact that when I finally stopped believing in God, it was a huge burden off my shoulders. People say religion is comforting, I see it quite the opposite. 

DH: Err, what happened to 'ignorance is bliss'?

SG: Hmmm, I guess I'm a bit confused. Did I mention I come from a BT chassidish background?

DH: Oh, BT as well as Crazy Frum. Great. So what can you do now that you could never do when you were frum?

SG: Run, go to university, and be able to talk to people.

DH: Huh? You could do all that and still be frum!

SG: Crazy BT Chassidishe Frum?

DH: Oh yeah.