An Outcasted Hasid Finds the Courage to Live By Her Own Beliefs: Deena Chanowitz

"I exist and therefore I'm good enough."

This woman is our warrior. And her energy and aura is still so positive and lovely.

She was so honest. That was totally refreshing to hear someone talk about abuse they've suffered but not relive it at the same time.

Mental hospitals are not equipped to deal with trauma in a way that promotes healing. They're just like prisons. Thank you for sharing your story

Deena is a SURVIVOR. There is nothing more terrible than going to ones mother and stating that you are being molested, and they do not believe you. I'm glad when she was given the option to conform or leave, she left. Like a bird, she flew. I wish Deena happiness, good health and a long happy LIFE! MAZEL TOV,

If she can survive through all that, I think I'll get through the stupid little things that I'm dealing with

"Treat yourself as you would treat your daughter. How would I treat my daughter?" Dear Deena, that was a beautiful thought that I will take from your video. 💛

She still has her orthodox accent. she is so strong and beautiful this story made me cry

Her story reminds me why sexual education is so important! Even starting early before puberty gives you the knowledge to know what is right and what is wrong... gives power to say 'no'!

the power in her being shamed about her own body for not covering her collarbone to being on camera uncovering way more than her collarbone. not because of abuse or being forced to do anything but because she can. beautiful. one of my favorites.

What a fighter. She's been dealt some of the worst situations a human can be dealt and yet she's here. Something to inspire women everywhere.

“I tried to treat myself the way I would want to treat my daughter” wow that’s a perspective that’s amazing. Truly amazing

Wow, Deena, you're an amazing person! You're going to be an excellent doctor. And don't worry about your age. I started med school when I was 29, after studying two totally different things. Where I live (Israel), med school is six years, and I had to take two years off in the middle because my major depression came back. So, I'm 37 now and taking my licensing exams. Age and experience will only make you a better doctor.

This made me cry. Her story is so sad yet probably the most inspiring thing I've seen. And though i haven't been through what she has, this shows me that i can recover. Ive had OCD all my life, but when my mom committed suicide when i was 12, I developed anorexia, body dysmorphia, social anxiety, self harm, and most recently, bipolar nos. For the past 2 years Ive been in and out of hospitals, and right now I'm trying to recover. What she said at the end about your stretch marks and scars showing the different parts of your life and who you are today was so amazing. I hate my stretch marks and scars, and that made me feel a little bit better about them. THANK YOU SO MUCH TO THIS WOMAN. You're amazing and you really did inspire me

Thanks for your honesty, Deena.. I am Jewish and cannot stand the hypocrisy and double standards of some orthodox individuals.

The human spirit can really take so much..... this is the first time I've heard a story that feels so familiar to my own but which takes my breath away because hearing it from another person who I can objectively see has done nothing wrong to deserve this makes me breathe a sigh of relief... happy healing everyone <3

And you survived it all Deena. Kudos to you sister. Kudos to you.

We have so much in common and I'm glad you've found healing too. I'm Jewish and survived childhood sexual abuse and ended up within an eating disorder too. I was in and out of hospitals for 15 years but was finally able to recover. It is been over 15 years. Right now I'm dealing with the toughest traumas but I am healing from that too. I wish you much joy in your life. What was meant to harm is now helping others to heal. May it continue to be so.

This story is riveting. You've come a long way than I could ever imagine a person would go through. I wish you the best of luck in medical school.

This video in particular reminds me of a quote: "We are all just spirits having a human experience." Our society makes it so hard to be kind to both our bodies and our spirits. So, we work on it daily, sometimes minute by minute. Thanks for helping to change the focus and narrative!!!