This week, join us for a conversation with Mindy Roberts—a Spanish teacher, mother, grandmother, and proud Jew. In this episode, we explore her lifelong dedication to her Jewish identity and how it has profoundly shaped her worldview. Through her personal stories, we delve into her upbringing, her experiences with dating and marriage, and the way her faith influenced her approach to parenting. This conversation illuminates how Judaism has been a guiding force in every aspect of her life, revealing a beautiful example of how one's heritage can provide strength, meaning, and a sense of belonging.

Mindy's journey offers a vibrant look at how a Jewish upbringing can be woven into the very fabric of our being from birth. She shares how this cultural and spiritual imprint, often subconscious, creates what can be described as a "Jewish soul." This episode is a deep and moving discussion about identity, heritage, and the indelible mark of faith. Mindy's reflections will resonate with anyone who has explored the intricate relationship between their past and who they are today, showing how the traditions and values of our childhood continue to shape our lives in meaningful and unexpected ways.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and follow Temple Israel on social media to stay up to date on Waking Up To Life.

*Recorded in the Fall of 2024

Edited by: Alex Wolf

Original Music Composed by: Dan Hacker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/templeisraelmi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/templeisraelmi/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn9spWvsCBvcQ-o5XLeFLHKcLoj2nBAfM

Web: https://www.temple-israel.org/wakinguptolifepod

You can get this podcast anywhere you get your media. Join over 10,000 listeners who have been inspired by the show.

And if you have someone with a story to tell, please contact me at josh@temple-israel.org

Join us for this week's conversation with Ethan Marcus, a 4th-year student at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. With a clear path toward a career in real estate and a deep connection to the Jewish community, Ethan brings a unique perspective to the table. In this episode, he shares a moment of unexpected serendipity that profoundly changed his understanding of his family's heritage.

Our discussion goes beyond his personal story to explore a universal theme: the responsibility we all carry to live up to our name. We dive into the idea that our lives are a result of our ancestors' journeys and the opportunities they created. It's a powerful reminder that we are here because of the luck of our circumstances, and the true measure of our lives is what we choose to do with that chance. Ethan’s story is a beautiful example of how we can honor our past by building a meaningful future.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and follow Temple Israel on social media to stay up to date on Waking Up To Life.

*Recorded in the Fall of 2024

Edited by: Alex Wolf

Original Music Composed by: Dan Hacker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/templeisraelmi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/templeisraelmi/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn9spWvsCBvcQ-o5XLeFLHKcLoj2nBAfM

Web: https://www.temple-israel.org/wakinguptolifepod

You can get this podcast anywhere you get your media. Join over 10,000 listeners who have been inspired by the show.

And if you have someone with a story to tell, please contact me at josh@temple-israel.org

Joanie Applefield is a Senior in high school planning to continue her education at Duke University in the Fall of 2025. She is also a graduate of the Temple Israel High School and a prayer leader in our Teen Tefillah Team.

In this episode, Joanie and I discuss the origins of her commitment to Judaism. Through a series of life changing moments, she returned to her roots and found a home in Jewish life and peoplehood. Her self-discovery is a fascinating and inspiring story of growth. Her passion for being happy is something that can teach us all how to better live our lives. I am excited to share her story with all of you.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and follow Temple Israel on social media to stay up to date on Waking Up To Life.

Edited by: Alex Wolf

Original Music Composed by: Dan Hacker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/templeisraelmi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/templeisraelmi/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn9spWvsCBvcQ-o5XLeFLHKcLoj2nBAfM

Web: https://www.temple-israel.org/wakinguptolifepod

You can get this podcast anywhere you get your media. Join over 10,000 listeners who have been inspired by the show.

And if you have someone with a story to tell, please contact me at josh@temple-israel.org