When Your Soul Finds Its Way Home: Kennedy Fortgang's Jewish Journey

When Your Soul Finds Its Way Home: Kennedy Fortgang's Jewish Journey

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. 1. Your path to Judaism can begin in unexpected places Kennedy's journey started through campus Israel activism and intellectual curiosity before evolving into a profound spiritual commitment. 2. Shabbat becomes a gift, not a restriction What 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 learning The 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 thoughts * Kennedy Fortgang LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennedyjlee] * Project Ruth Website [https://projectruth.net/] * Rabbi Adam Mintz [https://rabbimintz.com/] * Meredith Berkman’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-berkman-6a8827146] * Kennedy Fortgang - X [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennedyjlee] * Project Ruth - https://projectruth.net/ [https://projectruth.net/] * Rabbi Mintz - https://rabbimintz.com/ [https://rabbimintz.com/] * Meredith Berkman’s Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-berkman-6a8827146 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-berkman-6a8827146] Key TakeawaysTimestamps:LinksYouTube Links

Faith, Identity and Courage in Paris with Myriam Sommer

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 Takeaways 1. You may feel pulled towards identity and belonging most strongly during moments of crisis 2. You can encounter significant institutional barriers when choosing to convert, especially in traditional systems 3. You might discover that community and connection matter more than formal recognition Timestamps * 00:00:00 – October 7 as a turning point for Jewish identity * 00:01:00 – Introduction to the podcast and Rabbi Myriam Ackerman Sommer * 00:03:00 – Becoming a rabbi while raising young children * 00:05:00 – Antisemitism and fear in post October 7 France * 00:06:00 – Why more people are seeking conversion during crisis * 00:08:00 – The idea of a “spark” of Jewish identity reigniting * 00:12:30 – What makes the French Jewish community unique * 00:14:30 – Rising antisemitism and public hostility in France * 00:24:00 – The hidden reality of converting in today’s climate * 00:34:30 – Inside the French conversion system and its barriers Links * Myriam Sommer's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rabbanit.myri/] * Project Ruth Website [https://projectruth.net/] * Rabbi Adam Mintz [https://rabbimintz.com/] * Meredith Berkman’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-berkman-6a8827146]

How Sarah Hildering Turned Chaos Into Purpose in Israel

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 1. 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. 2. You see that a meaningful spiritual journey isn’t sudden; it’s built over time through exposure, curiosity, and a deep desire to belong. 3. 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 purpose Links * Sarah Hildering’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-hildering-van-lith-44740968/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BsZMTTaGSRU%2BarAhHTPj8vg%3D%3D] * Project Ruth Website [https://projectruth.net/] * Rabbi Adam Mintz [https://rabbimintz.com/] * Meredith Berkman’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-berkman-6a8827146]

Is This the End of the Golden Age of American Jews? With Miriam Bodian

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 Takeaways 1. Learn how conversion to Judaism has never been about comfort — and history proves that people often choose it precisely when it’s hardest. 2. See how antisemitism, identity, and belonging are deeply connected to who feels pulled toward Judaism in different eras. 3. 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? Links * Miriam Bodian in the Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women [https://jwa.org/encyclopedia] * Miriam Bodian’s books on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Miriam-Bodian/author/B001HPG7WC?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true] * Project Ruth Website [https://projectruth.net/] * Rabbi Adam Mintz [https://rabbimintz.com/] * Meredith Berkman’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-berkman-6a8827146]

Why Fashion Writer, Kaitlin Kehler, Felt Pulled Toward Orthodox Judaism

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 Takeaways 1. Learning 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. 2. Discovering that Orthodox Jewish life is far more human and welcoming than people assume. Fear often comes from distance, not reality. 3. 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 ever Links * Kaitlin Kehler’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kaitlinkehler/?hl=en] * Kaitlin Kehler’s Substack [https://themaximalistmindset.substack.com/] * Project Ruth Website [https://projectruth.net/] * Rabbi Adam Mintz [https://rabbimintz.com/] * Meredith Berkman’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-berkman-6a8827146]