Your People Will Be My People is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the deeply personal and diverse experiences of Jewish conversion. Hosted by Rabbi Adam Mintz, a respected scholar and community leader, and journalist Meredith Berkman, this series brings together voices from across the Jewish world to share their stories, challenges, and triumphs
Your People Will Be My People
Claim This Podcastby Project Ruth featuring Rabbi Adam Mintz, Founder and President, Project Ruth
14 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
Your People Will Be My People is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the deeply personal and diverse experiences of Jewish conversion. Hosted by Rabbi Adam Mintz, a respected scholar and community leader, and journalist Meredith Berkman, this series brings together voices from across the Jewish world to share their stories, challenges, and triumphs
Language
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Publishing Since
3/7/2025
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Recent Episodes
June 17, 2026
When Your Soul Finds Its Way Home: Kennedy Fortgang's Jewish Journey
<p>What would make a young woman from rural Wisconsin leave behind everything familiar and embrace Orthodox Judaism?</p><p>Kennedy Fortgang never met a Jewish person until she was 18 years old.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>This is Kennedy's first extended public conversation about her conversion story, and it is both inspiring and thought provoking.</p><ol><li>Your path to Judaism can begin in unexpected places</li></ol><p>Kennedy's journey started through campus Israel activism and intellectual curiosity before evolving into a profound spiritual commitment.</p><p>2. Shabbat becomes a gift, not a restriction</p><p>What initially felt like giving things up eventually became one of the greatest sources of grounding, community and renewal in her life.</p><p>3. Conversion is not the end of learning</p><p>The mikveh marked the beginning of a lifelong Jewish journey, with ongoing Torah study becoming one of the most meaningful parts of Jewish life.</p><p>[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</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennedyjlee">Kennedy Fortgang LinkedIn</a></li><li><a href="https://projectruth.net/">Project Ruth Website</a></li><li><a href="https://rabbimintz.com/">Rabbi Adam Mintz</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-berkman-6a8827146">Meredith Berkman’s LinkedIn</a></li></ul><ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennedyjlee">Kennedy Fortgang - X</a></li><li>Project Ruth - <a href="https://projectruth.net/">https://projectruth.net/</a></li><li>Rabbi Mintz - <a href="https://rabbimintz.com/">https://rabbimintz.com/</a></li><li>Meredith Berkman’s Linkedin - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-berkman-6a8827146">https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-berkman-6a8827146</a></li></ul><p><strong>Key Takeaways</strong>Timestamps:LinksYouTube Links</p>
May 11, 2026
Faith, Identity and Courage in Paris with Myriam Sommer
<p>At a time when being Jewish feels more dangerous than ever, why are more people choosing to become Jewish?</p><p><br></p><p>In this powerful episode, host Rabbi Adam Mince 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>This episode offers a rare and honest look at faith, identity and resilience in one of the world’s most complex Jewish landscapes.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></p><ol><li>You may feel pulled towards identity and belonging most strongly during moments of crisis</li><li>You can encounter significant institutional barriers when choosing to convert, especially in traditional systems</li><li>You might discover that community and connection matter more than formal recognition</li></ol><p><br></p><p><strong>Timestamps</strong></p><ul><li>00:00:00 – October 7 as a turning point for Jewish identity</li><li>00:01:00 – Introduction to the podcast and Rabbi Myriam Ackerman Sommer</li><li>00:03:00 – Becoming a rabbi while raising young children</li><li>00:05:00 – Antisemitism and fear in post October 7 France</li><li>00:06:00 – Why more people are seeking conversion during crisis</li><li>00:08:00 – The idea of a “spark” of Jewish identity reigniting</li><li>00:12:30 – What makes the French Jewish community unique</li><li>00:14:30 – Rising antisemitism and public hostility in France</li><li>00:24:00 – The hidden reality of converting in today’s climate</li><li>00:34:30 – Inside the French conversion system and its barriers</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Links</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rabbanit.myri/">Myriam Sommer's Instagram</a></li><li><a href="https://projectruth.net/">Project Ruth Website</a></li><li><a href="https://rabbimintz.com/">Rabbi Adam Mintz</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-berkman-6a8827146">Meredith Berkman’s LinkedIn</a></li></ul><p><br></p>
March 24, 2026
How Sarah Hildering Turned Chaos Into Purpose in Israel
<p>Sarah Hildering’s life changed the moment silence became louder than violence.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>Key Takeaways </p><ol><li>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.</li><li>You see that a meaningful spiritual journey isn’t sudden; it’s built over time through exposure, curiosity, and a deep desire to belong.</li><li>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.</li><p><br></p></ol><p>Timestamps</p><p>[00:00] Sarah Hildering’s early connection to Jewish history</p><p>[03:10] The influence of her grandfather and upbringing</p><p>[07:15] The Amsterdam attack and community response</p><p>[09:30] October 7th and the music industry’s silence</p><p>[12:00] Trauma, silence, and a breaking point</p><p>[14:30] Early spiritual curiosity and Israel connection</p><p>[17:45] Terror attack experience at 17</p><p>[26:45] Fear, antisemitism, and finding Chabad</p><p>[31:00] Leaving Amsterdam after targeted attacks</p><p>[34:30] Living in Tel Aviv during war and finding purpose</p><p><br></p><p>Links</p><ul><li><a href="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">Sarah Hildering’s LinkedIn</a></li><li><a href="https://projectruth.net/">Project Ruth Website</a></li><li><a href="https://rabbimintz.com/">Rabbi Adam Mintz</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-berkman-6a8827146">Meredith Berkman’s LinkedIn</a></li></ul><p><br></p>
14 total episodes available
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