Marti Pine

The events of October 7th deeply impacted my life, both personally and professionally. At my workplace, I was one of a few Jewish staff members, but likely the most outspoken about my level of observance. I wore my Magen David proudly and spoke openly about Jewish holidays and practices. My students (and staff members) would often ask about some kosher law and why I can or can't do something. I never expected to face antisemitism so directly, and especially in a school located in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood.

I encountered swastikas, "Free Palestine" messages directed at me, and deeply hurtful accusations (i.e. I am killing innocent babies). Despite reporting these incidents, the experience forced me to reflect on how I wanted to respond. I chose to respond by adding light rather than retreating into fear. I began baking challah for Jewish coworkers and encouraging them to participate in small (easy) mitzvot, like lighting Shabbat candles.

Living a few blocks from one of the college encampments, I also witnessed disturbing rhetoric firsthand. Rather than diminishing my identity, it strengthened it. One afternoon, I stood alone outside the encampment holding an Israeli flag. It was a quiet but powerful act of pride and solidarity.

If anything, these experiences have reinforced a simple but important truth: when faced with darkness, the most meaningful response is to increase light, connection and unwavering pride in who you are.

I grew up in a kosher home, but when I moved into my own apartment, I didn't maintain a kosher kitchen. I always assumed I would "get back to it" when I got married and started a family. After October 7th, I reevaluated that mindset. I realized that if something is meaningful and within my reach, there's no reason to wait for a hypothetical "someday".

Within two months, and after many trips to the mikvah to tovel everything, my rabbi came over, and I had my kosher kitchen. It felt like reclaiming an important part of my identity.

Today, I attend synagogue most Saturdays and have even developed an appreciation for cholent, something my younger self would find quite shocking (that said, I am still on the hunt for a foolproof recipe, so please send them my way)! Friday nights are often spent at Chabad, Olami, or with my family, celebrating Shabbat together.

My family's ancestry traces back to Poland. While I don't have detailed stories passed down through generations, there is something powerful in simply knowing where we come from and carrying that history forward.

I attended public school alongside Hebrew school, which gave me a strong dual foundation. One of the greatest gifts in my life has been my parents' shared love for Jewish learning, which they instilled in me from an early age. That passion continues to shape our relationship today.

The three of us attend the National Jewish Retreat together each year for a week of immersive learning, and our sibling sessions when they come through Chicago. Throughout the year my mother regularly enroll in classes together.

During middle and high school, I was actively involved in NCSY and BBYO, experiences that played a meaningful role in shaping my Jewish identity and deepening my connection to community and tradition.

I initially found out about TPF during COVID, at a time when I was especially interested in exploring the relevance of Judaism.

I began by listening to podcasts by Jackie Engel on finding the right partner from a spiritual perspective. At the time, I stepped away for personal reasons. Fast months ago, I decided to revisit the program and was matched with my Chavi Rabbi's wife. Mrs. Sue Goldfarb (of Chevi K's, Chicago), someone I already knew well and connected with easily.

While the stipend is certainly appreciated, what truly drew me to TPF is the opportunity to engage deeply with topics that align with my professional and personal interests. Many in-person learning classes I attend are enriching, but not always directly relevant to my field or interests. TPF allows me to explore ideas that challenge me intellectually and spiritually.

That said, the stipend does serve as a helpful motivator. It encourages me to stay consistent. I also make it meaningful by donating the money to various Jewish organizations, which adds another layer of purpose to the experience.

The flexibility of the program is one of its greatest strengths. I have the freedom to choose any podcast that resonates with me, exploring topics whenever it suits my schedule. At the start of each week, I reach out and find a time that works for both of us.

I keep a running spreadsheet of notes while listening, which helps guide our discussions. Our sessions typically begin with catching up (because life doesn't pause for learning), and then transition into deeper conversation. Mrs. Sue Goldfarb's experience leads classes around the world reflect on how her ideas apply to my daily life. This thoughtful balance of structure and flexibility has been the learning feel meaningful and sustainable.

I also want to take a moment to give a shoutout to Sue Goldfarb and express my deep appreciation for her mentorship.

One of the most impressive aspects of the greatest strengths. I have the freedom to choose any speaker for sheer variety of speakers and topics. I haven't listened to the same speaker twice, which speaks to the richness of the library. I've explored everything from medical dilemmas to discussions on Harry Potter — because even relatively new topic is a great display of vision.

I particularly enjoy the science-themed podcasts. As a manner that felt very "much-world," I now meet someone who knows these topics greatly fascinating. It is a manner that I am currently using the program. I am of no doubts even joining the Talmud podcasts.

After Mrs. Goldfarb asked if I have it because I have just met her, I had to laugh — if you completely talk-related. But it also felt like one of those uniquely Jewish community moments where everything somehow connects.

"Even when it feels like you don't have an extra hour in your day, The Podcast Fellowship gives you welcome exactly what it needs, whether you knew you needed it or not."