Elizabeth Kompus

Actually, only my mother's side of the family is Jewish; my father's side is not.  We were Russian Jews.  My great-grandpa was the only one of his family to escape the Holocaust, he was sent off when he was little, which is how he came to Detroit.  The interesting part of that is that we never knew his age, because we don't know how old he was when he came over.

I heard about it from my friend Annabelle Honet, who thought TPF would be something I would enjoy and a way to help me get more involved.

I thought it was a great idea.

I'm going to be honest, initially it was the money that was enticing and brought me in.  However, my learning with Rabbi Gluck is really enjoyable; if you told me now that I'm no longer getting the stipend, I would do it without the stipend.

My podcast mentor is Rabbi Chaim Gluck (of the JRC at Michigan State).  We've learned a wide variety of topics, a good amount from every category.  I'll give a synopsis of what I've learned and what I find particularly interesting, and he will ask me further questions, and ask if I have any questions.  He's always willing to answer whatever I ask.  We discuss on a much deeper level than if one would just listen to a podcast without discusion.

Rabbi David Aaron.  His video series "The Meaning of Life" is my favorite.  It's such an interesting topic.  I love his take on it.  He's extremely funny and a very knowledgeable, vivid storyteller.

The podcasts have definitely enhanced my Jewish growth.  There are so many topics to learn about and connect further ideas to what I already knew.  Hearing from so many different speakers really allows you to absorb the ideas in different ways.  It's enhanced my knowledge and kept me connected weekly.  It's gotten me more excited about Jewish holidays and practices.

I hope to, and plan on continuing to learn and practice Judaism throughout my life.

“Whatever topic within the realm of Judaism that you want to learn more about, it's available to you at your fingertips”.