Project Ruth - Your People Will Be My People

“Conversion felt less like becoming someone new and more like excavating a Jewish soul that had always been there.”That unforgettable line from writer and musician Yona Speidel sets the tone for one of the most moving conversations we have had on Your People Will Be My People.Yona Speidel shares a remarkable story that spans rural Pennsylvania, New York’s artistic world, Hollywood writers’ rooms, and ultimately the Jewish people.What began as curiosity during work on Transparent became a thirteen-year journey through study, doubt, political upheaval, and spiritual awakening. Yonah speaks candidly about pausing the conversion process because of concerns about rigid gender roles, then rediscovering Judaism through its ancient tradition of questioning, interpretation, and inclusion.The conversation takes a profound turn as Yona describes the aftermath of October 7 and the sense of isolation experienced within many LGBTQ spaces. Rather than pushing Yona away from Judaism, that experience intensified a feeling that Jewish identity was already deeply rooted within.For anyone interested in conversion, Jewish identity, spirituality, or the search for authenticity, this episode offers an honest and deeply human perspective on what it means to find home.Key Takeaways1. Conversion can feel like recognition, not transformation. Yona describes becoming Jewish as uncovering something that had always existed rather than creating a new self.2. Ritual creates structure for the soulPractices such as Shabbat and Havdalah brought a sense of rhythm, restoration, and clarity that had been missing.3. Belonging often emerges through struggleThe experience of antisemitism after October 7th did not push Yonah away from Judaism; it deepened the connection to the Jewish people.Timestamps:[00:00] “Excavating the Jewish soul” and the feeling of coming home[02:00] Growing up in an ex-Mennonite family in rural Pennsylvania[05:00] Discovering Judaism while working on Transparent[10:50] Gender, ritual, and why conversion was paused[17:00] Returning seriously to Jewish study[18:50] October 7th and the rupture within LGBTQ spaces[23:00] “Coming out as Jewish” and recognizing an inner truth[27:00] Falling in love with Jewish ritual, especially Havdalah[30:50] The mikvah, the beit din, and becoming Yona[39:30] Life after conversion and building a Jewish homeLinks:Yona Speidel on InstagramYona SpeidelProject Ruth WebsiteRabbi Adam MintzMeredith Berkman’s LinkedIn

What would make a young woman from rural Wisconsin leave behind everything familiar and embrace Orthodox Judaism?Kennedy Fortgang never met a Jewish person until she was 18 years old.Growing up in rural Wisconsin, Judaism seemed worlds away from her life. Yet a confrontation with anti-Israel activism on campus sparked a curiosity that would eventually transform her future. What began as political advocacy became an intellectual pursuit, then a spiritual calling, and ultimately an Orthodox conversion.In this deeply personal conversation, Kennedy shares her journey from Christian upbringing to Jewish life, the moment she realised her soul had found its home, and how Israel, Torah learning and community shaped her path. She also reflects on family, identity, Shabbat, marriage and the ongoing pursuit of Jewish learning after conversion.This is Kennedy's first extended public conversation about her conversion story, and it is both inspiring and thought provoking.Your path to Judaism can begin in unexpected placesKennedy's journey started through campus Israel activism and intellectual curiosity before evolving into a profound spiritual commitment.2. Shabbat becomes a gift, not a restrictionWhat initially felt like giving things up eventually became one of the greatest sources of grounding, community and renewal in her life.3. Conversion is not the end of learningThe mikveh marked the beginning of a lifelong Jewish journey, with ongoing Torah study becoming one of the most meaningful parts of Jewish life.[00:00:00] Kennedy's powerful Western Wall experience[00:00:50] Introducing Kennedy Fortgang[00:02:35] Growing up in rural Wisconsin[00:03:43] Discovering Israel through campus activism[00:05:12] First visits to Israel and growing curiosity[00:07:32] The programme that changed everything[00:08:41] Beginning the Orthodox conversion process[00:12:05] When the intellectual became spiritual[00:17:03] The challenge and gift of Shabbat[00:21:17] Meeting her future husband[00:22:02] How her family responded to conversion[00:26:34] Israel activism and Jewish identity[00:35:20] Life after conversion and continued learning[00:46:02] Final reflections and closing thoughtsKennedy Fortgang LinkedInProject Ruth WebsiteRabbi Adam MintzMeredith Berkman’s LinkedInKennedy Fortgang - XProject Ruth - https://projectruth.net/Rabbi Mintz - https://rabbimintz.com/Meredith Berkman’s Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-berkman-6a8827146Key TakeawaysTimestamps:LinksYouTube Links

At a time when being Jewish feels more dangerous than ever, why are more people choosing to become Jewish?In this powerful episode, host Rabbi Adam Mintz and Meredith Berkman are joined by Rabbi Myriam Sommer from Paris to explore what conversion to Judaism looks like in a post October 7 world.Myriam shares her personal journey as a modern Orthodox rabbi leading a growing community outside the traditional French system, while raising a young family. Together, they unpack the surprising rise in people seeking conversion during a time of increased antisemitism, and the deeply personal reasons driving that decision.The conversation dives into the realities of Jewish life in France, including the challenges of the Consistoire system, the emotional and social cost of conversion, and the tension between institutional control and grassroots community building.This episode offers a rare and honest look at faith, identity and resilience in one of the world’s most complex Jewish landscapes.Key TakeawaysYou may feel pulled towards identity and belonging most strongly during moments of crisisYou can encounter significant institutional barriers when choosing to convert, especially in traditional systemsYou might discover that community and connection matter more than formal recognitionTimestamps00:00:00 – October 7 as a turning point for Jewish identity00:01:00 – Introduction to the podcast and Rabbi Myriam Ackerman Sommer00:03:00 – Becoming a rabbi while raising young children00:05:00 – Antisemitism and fear in post October 7 France00:06:00 – Why more people are seeking conversion during crisis00:08:00 – The idea of a “spark” of Jewish identity reigniting00:12:30 – What makes the French Jewish community unique00:14:30 – Rising antisemitism and public hostility in France00:24:00 – The hidden reality of converting in today’s climate00:34:30 – Inside the French conversion system and its barriersLinksMyriam Sommer's InstagramProject Ruth WebsiteRabbi Adam MintzMeredith Berkman’s LinkedIn

Sarah Hildering’s life changed the moment silence became louder than violence.Sarah Hildering’s journey is a powerful exploration of identity, courage, and what it means to truly belong. Raised in Amsterdam with a deep respect for Jewish history but not born Jewish, her life took a dramatic turn when rising antisemitism and global events forced her to confront where she stood—and who she wanted to become. What followed was a path marked by fear, resilience, and an unexpected pull toward faith and community.Now living in Israel during wartime, Sarah Hildering, a former global music industry executive who built a career at the highest levels of electronic music, shares how her personal experiences, professional disillusionment, and spiritual curiosity led her to pursue Jewish conversion and a life rooted in purpose. This episode unpacks the cost of speaking up, the power of community, and what happens when you stop running from who you’re meant to be.Key Takeaways You start to realize that silence after trauma can be more damaging than the trauma itself—especially when the world refuses to acknowledge what happened.You see that a meaningful spiritual journey isn’t sudden; it’s built over time through exposure, curiosity, and a deep desire to belong.You understand that while fear can push you out of your comfort zone, it’s faith and community that ultimately pull you toward a life of purpose.Timestamps[00:00] Sarah Hildering’s early connection to Jewish history[03:10] The influence of her grandfather and upbringing[07:15] The Amsterdam attack and community response[09:30] October 7th and the music industry’s silence[12:00] Trauma, silence, and a breaking point[14:30] Early spiritual curiosity and Israel connection[17:45] Terror attack experience at 17[26:45] Fear, antisemitism, and finding Chabad[31:00] Leaving Amsterdam after targeted attacks[34:30] Living in Tel Aviv during war and finding purposeLinksSarah Hildering’s LinkedInProject Ruth WebsiteRabbi Adam MintzMeredith Berkman’s LinkedIn

The easiest time to become Jewish may already be behind us.Becoming Jewish has never been simple. History shows that people often choose Judaism at moments when it carries real risk. This episode explores why conversion happens across centuries, how antisemitism shapes who feels drawn toward Jewish life, and why recent events have reignited identity questions for people standing just outside the Jewish world.Through historical examples and modern reflections, the conversation traces conversion from medieval Europe to post-October 7 America, revealing how belief, love, danger, and belonging intersect. Along the way, it challenges the idea that Judaism thrives only in comfort, suggesting instead that difficulty itself has always been part of the draw.The discussion features insights from a leading historian of Jewish conversion, a former professor at the University of Texas at Austin and author of Conversion in the “Key Words in Jewish Studies” series, who also co-curated a major exhibition on conversion through the centuries at the Jewish Theological Seminary.Key TakeawaysLearn how conversion to Judaism has never been about comfort — and history proves that people often choose it precisely when it’s hardest.See how antisemitism, identity, and belonging are deeply connected to who feels pulled toward Judaism in different eras.Understand that modern conversion stories can’t be separated from October 7th and the emotional reckoning it triggered.Timestamps[00:00:00] The post-war “golden age” of American Jewry and why it may be ending[00:01:30] How antisemitism historically affects conversion rates[00:02:10] Introducing Professor Miriam Bodian and the focus on conversion[00:03:20] Personal background: discovering antisemitism and finding Judaism[00:05:10] Conversos, forced conversion, and why identity doesn’t switch overnight[00:09:50] Warder Cresson: the most radical American Jewish convert[00:14:20] Conversion in early America vs. medieval Europe[00:18:10] Why medieval converts risked everything to become Jewish[00:27:40] October 7th and its impact on modern Jewish identity and conversion[00:44:30] Is the golden age of Jewish comfort and conversion over?LinksMiriam Bodian in the Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish WomenMiriam Bodian’s books on AmazonProject Ruth WebsiteRabbi Adam MintzMeredith Berkman’s LinkedIn

This episode is about choosing Judaism when it would be easier not to.Choosing Judaism today is not a passive decision. It is a conscious step toward identity, community, and responsibility in a world that often misunderstands Jewish life. This episode explores what happens when curiosity becomes commitment and when learning turns into belonging, especially during a time of rising antisemitism and cultural fear.Through an honest conversation about faith, family, and visibility, this episode examines why Orthodox Jewish life can feel both intimidating and deeply grounding. It offers insight into how Jewish practice creates clarity, connection, and a framework for raising children with intention, without glossing over the real risks and emotional weight of the choice.The episode features cultural storyteller and author, Kaitlin Kehler, whose work explores identity, aesthetics, and meaning. Her journey into Orthodox Judaism brings a rare outsider perspective that challenges stereotypes while highlighting the warmth, rigor, and humanity of Jewish religious life.Key TakeawaysLearning that Judaism is not about blind belief but about living inside questions and debate. That intellectual honesty is what made it feel real to me.Discovering that Orthodox Jewish life is far more human and welcoming than people assume. Fear often comes from distance, not reality.Realizing that building a Jewish family is about values, continuity, and courage, especially in uncertain times.Timestamps[00:00] Introduction and the purpose of sharing this story[03:10] Growing up with little Jewish exposure and early curiosity[06:05] First encounters with Judaism and reform learning[09:20] Why reform did not feel like enough[12:40] Discovering Orthodox thought and unexpected peace[16:00] First synagogue experiences and feeling out of place[19:10] Antisemitism, fear, and choosing visibility[23:30] Sharing the journey publicly on social media[27:45] Creating a Jewish family and raising children[33:50] Why proud Jewish life matters now more than everLinks Kaitlin Kehler’s InstagramKaitlin Kehler’s SubstackProject Ruth WebsiteRabbi Adam MintzMeredith Berkman’s LinkedIn

This is the rare story of a family who became more Jewish not through tradition, but through reinvention.In this conversation, Jacob Gersen opens up about his family history, upbringing, marriage, his childrens journeys and what it meant to support Jeannie Suk Gersen through an Orthodox conversion. He speaks honestly about feeling like an outsider, the vulnerability of joining an Orthodox community later in life, the shift toward public Jewish identity after October 7 and how Jeannie’s boldness reshaped his own relationship to Judaism. A rich, thoughtful and moving portrait of modern American Jewish life.Key TakeawaysIdentity and belonging are rarely linear.Conversion can transform more than one person.In a post–October 7 world, choosing to be visibly Jewish carries new meaning.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Learning to live publicly as a Jew[00:05:00] Deep cultural Judaism and inherited ambivalence[00:09:00] Turning to Eastern religions at Brown instead of Judaism[00:11:00] Early interfaith marriage and unexpected rejection[00:14:00] Raising children with two religious identities[00:17:00] Feeling inadequate next to a non-Jew who practiced more Judaism[00:19:00] Finding Rabbi Minz and beginning Jeannie’s Orthodox conversion[00:23:00] Outsider feelings in Orthodox spaces[00:33:00] Building belonging: the need for support systems in shul[00:45:00] Rejecting the instinct to “keep your head down” after October 7Links⁠Jacob Gersen - Harvard Law School⁠⁠Project Ruth Website⁠⁠Rabbi Adam Mintz⁠⁠Meredith Berkman’s LinkedIn⁠

I thought religion might divide us. Instead, it shaped everything we became.This episode dives deep into love, faith, and identity — following a couple who built a Jewish family that didn’t fit the mold. It’s a story about the tension between devotion and tradition, how community can both challenge and embrace, and what it really takes to belong. You’ll hear how one family redefined what “Jewish continuity” looks like in today’s world — and what we can all learn about courage, compassion, and connection from their journey.Key TakeawaysReal inclusion in faith communities requires courage, conversation, and empathy — not conformity.Love and shared values can be stronger than cultural or religious barriers when grounded in honesty.The journey to belonging isn’t about labels — it’s about creating space where everyone feels at home.Timestamps[00:00] Creating a Vibrant Jewish CommunityPeter opens with the idea of building a diverse and welcoming Jewish community.[01:11] Episode Intro: Orthodox Conversion and ContextAdam introduces the topic and Project Ruth, framing the conversation in a post–October 7th world.[02:15] Introducing Peter Bregman and His Family StoryPeter shares his Sephardic background, his mother’s Holocaust experience, and his spiritual roots.[07:47] Meeting Eleanor: Love Across FaithsPeter describes meeting Eleanor at Princeton and their early conversations about religion.[12:09] Family Pressure and Cultural ExpectationsThe moment when Peter discusses family disapproval, his mother’s Holocaust-driven convictions, and the tension it caused.[18:46] Marriage Despite ResistancePeter explains how they decided to marry, moved the wedding up, and faced family backlash.[24:58] Conversion Challenges and Community PushbackPeter recounts struggles convincing Orthodox rabbis to convert their children and the theological reasoning behind resistance.[33:45] Practicing Judaism TogetherA discussion about raising Jewish children, community response, and finding belonging through schools and Chabad.[46:41] Eleanor’s Conversion After October 7thPeter reflects on how the war, identity, and community shaped Eleanor’s decision to convert and his emotional response.[55:58] Final Reflections on Inclusion and BelongingPeter closes with gratitude and hope for a more open, supportive Jewish communityLinksPeter Bregman LinkedInBregman PartnersProject Ruth WebsiteRabbi Adam MintzMeredith Berkman’s LinkedIn

What happens when your conversion is accepted in one community but rejected in another?This episode dives into the remarkable journey of Danielle Tomson, a scholar of political communication and Jewish convert, who shares how her path to Judaism reshaped her life, identity, and spirituality. From her early encounters with Jewish friends in Pittsburgh to deep involvement at Yale and New York’s Orthodox communities, Danielle reflects on how she found her place within Jewish tradition—even navigating the complexities of undergoing two conversions.She also explores the meaning of Yom Kippur, describing how the High Holidays evolved from feelings of guilt to a season of joy, healing, and spiritual repair. With insights ranging from sea glass metaphors to the politics of conversion recognition worldwide, Danielle offers a refreshing and deeply personal perspective that resonates with seekers, lifelong Jews, and anyone exploring faith, identity, and belonging.Key TakeawaysConversion isn’t a one-time act—it’s a journey of belonging, identity, and sometimes painful politics.Yom Kippur shifts from guilt to joy when seen as an invitation to repair, not punishment.Jewish community is found at the crossroads of tradition, spirituality, and personal truth.Timestamps:[00:00] First Yom Kippur as a new Jew – Danielle’s emotional experience in Central Park[02:10] Danielle introduces herself: background, studies, and first conversion story[04:00] High school in Squirrel Hill and first Jewish friendships[06:00] Discovering Orthodoxy, Yale experiences, and struggle to find a conversion path[10:25] Family ancestry, Jewish connections, and stories of possible Jewish lineage[13:09] Why Danielle converted twice and the politics of recognition[19:40] Deep dive into halacha, learning shochet skills, and continued Jewish study[28:01] Rethinking Yom Kippur: from guilt to joy through teshuva[37:34] Fasting for the first time – challenges and how she prepared[43:00] Experiences with ultra-Orthodox communities and finding beauty in diversityLinksDanielle TomsonProject Ruth WebsiteRabbi Adam MintzMeredith Berkman’s LinkedIn

This is the story of how a Christian minister became Jewish—and why it felt like coming home.In this deeply personal and moving episode, listeners are invited into the extraordinary journey of Eleanor Harrison Bregman—a Christian minister from Savannah, Georgia—whose decades-long interfaith marriage, commitment to raising Jewish children, and deep engagement with Jewish community life ultimately led her to Orthodox conversion. This is not just a story of religion, but of love, identity, and the courage to step fully into a place where the heart has long lived.Eleanor shares how her path wound from seminary classrooms to synagogue leadership, from Christmas traditions to Shabbat tables, and how world events—including the shock of October 7th—crystallized a truth she had been living for years. Listeners will hear about the emotional complexity of interfaith family life, the quiet accumulation of spiritual shifts, and the profound sense of belonging that comes when one’s inner reality finally meets public affirmation.Key TakeawaysA decades-long interfaith marriage can deepen rather than dilute religious identity when both partners explore their traditions fully.Conversion often happens in the heart before it’s made official—and can be triggered by unexpected world events.Ritual, community, and family support are just as critical to spiritual transformation as personal belief.Timestamps[00:00] Follow your own heart in interfaith relationships[01:58] Eleanor’s upbringing in Savannah and path to New York[04:04] Deciding to raise Jewish children while in ministry[07:00] Family reactions to Orthodox conversion of children[10:34] Navigating faith and identity after children are born[19:00] Starting “Strangers No More” for interfaith couples[27:45] Moving from B’nai Jeshurun community life[34:17] Windham’s role during COVID in deepening Jewish connection[39:00] October 7th and realizing “I was Jewish from the inside out”[44:10] Mikvah, wedding celebration, and feeling true belongingLinks Eleanor Harrison Bregman’s LinkedInEleanor Harrison Bregman’s BioProject Ruth WebsiteRabbi Adam MintzMeredith Berkman’s LinkedIn