Sadie Edelstein

I was born in Grayslake, Illinois, into a very loving Jewish home. I am the youngest of four children: boy, girl, boy, girl. When I was very little, my oldest brother and my dad became highly religious. Even though the rest of my family was not on the same path as them, my mom decided that for my oldest brother we needed to be in a Jewish environment. So when I was five years old, our entire family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Not only was this the perfect place for my brother, but for the entire family, as Milwaukee consisted of a vibrant Jewish community with diverse opportunities for all of us. I doubt I would have the same connection and pride in my Jewish identity that I have gained from living in Milwaukee if I had grown up in Grayslake. Thus, moving to Milwaukee turned out to be one of the best decisions that my mom made for our family; I am forever grateful for my mom's selflessness to leave behind her life in Illinois in order to do what was best for her children.

Growing up in Milwaukee, I went to a Jewish elementary and middle school, and was very involved in my Jewish community center and shul. I attended Jewish summer camp and even became a counselor there. Through public high school I remained incredibly active in my Jewish community through many leadership and volunteering roles, as well as being a Hebrew tutor throughout my high school years. In college, I have continued to be deeply involved in the great variety of Jewish opportunities on campus, making connections with other Jews, teaching my non-Jewish friends and peers about Judaism, and teaching Sunday school at a shul near campus.

My mom is a third grade teacher at Yeshiva Elementary School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. One of her former students' mom, Chaya Miller, co-runs a Jewish organization called JEM on campus along with her husband. When I got to Madison, I met Chaya Miller, who told me about the Podcast Fellowship!

Every Monday morning, right before I go meet with Chaya, I listen to my podcast of choice and will sometimes even write notes on the podcast topic. I will then meet Chaya and discuss the big takeaways and/or ask questions I have from the podcast. This always leads to very enjoyable, deep and meaningful conversations. By the end of each discussion, I walk away with a renewed sense of value and awe for Judaism. I find it to be a very fulfilling way to start off my busy week as a college student!

There are so many to choose from; that is a hard question! I have honestly enjoyed every podcast I have listened to and have gained so much new insight into Judaism that has helped me to expand my horizons and grow as a Jew. I am thankful for all of the podcasts I have listened to, because without each and every one of them, I would be missing something of the person I am meant to be.

October 7th was a very eye opening experience for me, in terms of a newfound sense of appreciation and pride in my Jewish identity and community. It also made me realize that there will always be people who are going to be anti-Semitic.

I learned from one of the podcasts I discussed with my mentor Chaya that in a sense, antisemitism is actually what fuels us as Jews to keep going and fulfill the mission we have been given. If everyone in the world loved Jews, it would not be a hard choice to be Jewish or not. However, because it is hard to be Jewish, that is what makes it special and unique, and what instills a fire within our souls to want to continue growing in our faith.

As one of my Rabbis says, "Labels are for grocery stores". Therefore, I don't like to put a label on my unique experiences with different flavors of Judaism. I will say this though: I am a proud Jew who will forever be connected to my community, heritage, culture, traditions, and wisdom. I am always eager to learn more and to teach others what I do know. I am looking forward to future experiences that will continue to enrich my Jewish identity and that can help me give back to my community! When I have kids one day, I hope to show them the same warmth, comfort, and beauty that Judaism has shown me.

"A unique opportunity to start my week off on an uplifting note through growing in my awe and appreciation for Judaism!"