Vox Tablet

Breaking Away

A year in the life of Luzer Twersky, a 23-year-old former Satmar who left hasidism behind

December 13, 2010
Luzer Twersky in 2009.(Evan Abramson)
Luzer Twersky in 2009.(Evan Abramson)

Luzer Twersky spent the first 23 years of his life in Hasidic enclaves in Brooklyn, London, and suburban New York. For much of that time, he struggled to square his own beliefs and desires with those of his family and community. Two years ago, he gave up and left. It was a painful decision, and one for which he paid dearly, if predictably—his family now considers him as good as dead.

Reporter Josh Gleason shadowed Twersky during much of the first year on his own. Here is Gleason’s portrait of a young man searching for work and housing, exploring online dating, and seeking a community to replace the one he lost. [Running time: 23:16.]

Vox Tablet is Tablet Magazine’s weekly podcast, hosted by Sara Ivry and produced by Julie Subrin. You can listen to individual episodes here or subscribe on iTunes.

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