“Poverty, Piety, and Pride”: The Acceptance of Poverty in the American Ultraorthodox Jewish Community

In the present study, we delved into the personal and societal impacts of poverty in the low-income Ultraorthodox Jewish communities of Williamsburg, Borough Park, Lakewood, and Passaic along the East Coast of the United States. Based on 44 interviews with individuals who live in poverty, three main themes were found. The first revolved around issues of identity unique to Ultraorthodox society, characterized by deliberate segregation, the preservation of tradition, and a sense of moral superiority. The second theme revolved around the fact that these values/goals create challenges for people who are poor: Namely, they have expenses that are typical of the community but difficult to meet, such as high tuition in Ultraorthodox schools, the costs of their children’s marriages, and purchasing (expensive) clothing traditionally worn by members of this sector. The way in which these individuals handle such challenges was reflected in the third theme, revealing how community resources and support for poverty management often entrench them in poverty instead of eradicating it. The study reveals an ironic twist: The social capital and support networks meant to empower those in need may instead reinforce a state of dependency, obstructing empowerment initiatives and further entrenching poverty within these communities. The study concludes with proposals for policy changes that aim to alleviate poverty while preserving the fundamental community framework.