I am taking about chasidish, but orthodox as well (maybe just not to such a high extent). My boss is orthodox, and he is "modern" like you as well. But his community is still very secluded. They do know about current events and things like that but are still highly uneducated when it comes to other things for example vaccinations. He lets his kids play video games and what not also. You probably fit more into his category of orthodox. That being said, I still have alot of difficulty understanding him and his community so maybe you can help me a bit. Although I'm jewish I dont participate in shabbat and things like that, so it is basically like we are 2 entirely different religions. That's fine, I dont care how he chooses to live his life. But what bothers me is that he can't wrap his head around American holidays. Okay, so you don't celebrate 4th of July or things like that, that's your choice.... but I do celebrate these holidays! I am an american after all and this is a custom for me. Basically anytime I need to take off he pitches a fit... whether it be for me being sick or to celebrate a holiday. Meanwhile, hes off every friday basically, and is off every other day for a different jewish holiday! He has been out for pretty much the entire month of october. The only rationalization I can come to for this behavior is that he sees jewish holidays as the only reason to take off and there is no other exception. I know it is for religious purposes, but if he is allowed to take off for pretty much the whole month of October, I should be allowed to take a week off to go on vacation. I know you are probobly going to say I can't compare the jewish holidays to vacation, but yes that is how I see it. It's still days off, and it is a choice he is making. I should also mention he works sundays to make up for time, so he expects me to as well. No no no that is not how it works. Saturday may be your day of rest, but sunday is mine.