Even the young woman who left Chassidism for a less restrictive life voices no rancor. In fact, she maintains many of her old relationships and often returns . One big question is how Chassidism manages to hold onto young people in New York, surrounded by so much opportunity. Creating a life apart, they eschew the opportunities a university degree would bring, working at jobs that are consistent with their beliefs. Consequently, they are usually poor.
Laws govern most of life's everyday details.
Areas not covered are decided by the rebbe, who is not only the spiritual leader but also father and grandfather. In one scene schoolboys are lined up, bodies touching, hands on each other's shoulders, excitedly anticipating seeing the rebbe. The next scene shows adult men, lined up exactly like the children, waiting their turn to see the rebbe. Men and women have distinct, well-defined roles and are groomed for those roles from early childhood. Although motherhood is extolled, women have no official role.