In this episode of 'Beyond Belief, Tales of Religious Exodus,' we explore Jayson's personal journey out of Orthodox Judaism. Growing up in a religious household in Brooklyn, Jason describes his upbringing as Yeshivish modern and details the nuances of his family dynamics and religious practices.

At the age of 20, he began to question his beliefs after exposure to college science courses and noticing inconsistencies within religious texts. Jason shares the challenges of leaving a religion so deeply ingrained in identity and lifestyle, expressing the difficulty of losing a personal connection with God.

Despite not fully leaving the religious community, Jayson continues to balance cultural orthodoxy with exploration and new life experiences, offering insights into navigating life with one foot in and one foot out of organized religion. The episode highlights the importance of community and shared experiences when questioning and potentially leaving one's faith.

00:00 Introduction to Beyond Belief
00:42 Jayson's Orthodox Jewish Upbringing
03:12 Cultural Nuances and Family Dynamics
06:04 Questioning Faith and Seeking Answers
08:38 The Journey Through Yeshiva and College
15:44 Struggles with Cognitive Dissonance
26:08 Navigating Graduate School Challenges
27:03 Current Life and Identity
28:10 Marriage and Family Dynamics
29:16 Raising Children with Cultural Values
30:32 Finding Meaning in Rituals
33:22 Balancing Community and Personal Beliefs
36:58 Seeking Belonging and Community
40:13 Exploring Life Beyond Religion
42:24 Reflections on Intellectual and Emotional Journeys
54:25 Final Thoughts and Farewell