Abby Shapiro

From:: Northbrook, IL
Age:: 20
College:: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Major:: Psychology
Minor:: Creative Writing, Business
Career:: Undecided (Options include Business, Health Care, History)

The Interview

Tell us about your Jewish family background: from where is your family ancestry?

I am a 4th-generation Chicagoan from BOTH sides; my family has been in America, specifically Chicago, for a very long time. I don't know much about my family's background before coming to America, but I did an ancestry book a few years back that reported most of my family is from present-day Ukraine, Poland and Russia.

My Nonny (grandmother) told me that her grandmother from Ukraine (who lived with them until her passing when my Nonny was 10) came over in the early 1900's, and that during Prohibition, she used to sell alcohol that she made in their bath tub.

What type of Jewish home did you grow up in, and what type of Jewish education did you receive?

I grew up in a Conservative household, with a Conservative Jewish education until around 8th grade, which culminated in a trip to Israel. Then I stopped with formal Jewish education. In college, I took it upon myself to go to different Jewish centers on campus to learn parsha and topics of spirituality.

How did you find out about The Podcast Fellowship?

I found about TPF through friends and the rabbi and rebetzen on campus, Rabbi Shmuel and Jackie Hauss [of JET (https://linktr.ee/jetuiuc) and JLIC (https://illinois.oujlic.org/)]

Would you have been interested in TPF without the $15 stipend?

I would definitely like to think so! I go to many Hillel, Chabad, JET and JLIC events and classes, many of which do not have any money attached. (Laughing) The stipend is definitely a nice thing!

Tell us about your experience with TPF. What are your interactions with your mentor like? How do you prepare and discuss podcasts with her?

I remember my first discussion: it was in the Starbucks in our Student Union. We were a group of four people and the rebetzen. I remember feeling a bit nervous to share my podcast...I believe I had notes on my notes app. And I remember HAVING FUN talking with people. It was really a good time. I was able to develop friendships through TPF, many which I'm still friends with today. I was also able to develop a stronger relationship with my rebetzen through TPF, which was very lovely for me.

More on the learning model. Everyone in the group shared their respective podcasts. People asked questions, and it turned into a collaborative discussion, with insights and responses from the rebetzen. Frequently, the rabbi and rebetzen would lead together. It was a very nice open space, without judgement on us for the questions we asked.

Who is your favorite speaker? What is your favorite podcast topic?

I've really enjoyed listening to Rabbi Henry Abrahamson, especially his Crash Course on Jewish History podcast. I feel that I know many aspects of Jewish history, but I wanted something that put it all together into a succinct timeline, even though it's obviously a very simplified version. This is something I would listen to again to solidify the information and give me a better basis.

Where do you stand in your Jewish observance today?

This is something I'm still figuring out. But it's definitely grown since entering college, with the accumulation of this fellowship and being involved in so many different things: community events, Shabboses. So, I don't know exactly what label I would put on it, but I would say my INTEREST has definitely grown, as well as my observance.

Have you witnessed antisemitism on campus since October 7, 2023?

I have not personally been the target of antisemitism, but I do know of experiences on campus involving others.

Can you summarize your experience with The Podcast Fellowship in one quote?

The Podcast Fellowship is an amazing way to explore whatever you're interested in within Judaism, and to experience comradery and discussion with your Jewish peers and your mentor.