74 min listen
Ep. 64: "People need to be called in." Rachel Wegner explains why she wrote "To Be a Jew" and the healing power of sharing your story.
FromYour Mom™
Ep. 64: "People need to be called in." Rachel Wegner explains why she wrote "To Be a Jew" and the healing power of sharing your story.
FromYour Mom™
ratings:
Length:
59 minutes
Released:
Apr 16, 2024
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
Back in October, Ashley came across a Medium story written in the aftermath of the Hamas terrorist attacks: “To Be A Jew” by Rachel Wegner.As Ashley read the first line–“I believe in the power of stories to bring people together, to build bridges and to create connection”–she stopped in her tracks. She had jotted down almost the exact same words during a previous conversation with our executive producer Betsy Bloom. The universe was sending a powerful message: reach out to Rachel to see if she would share her story on the pod. Long story, short: she generously agreed, and we are thrilled to now share it with you. The Jewish holiday of Passover– which commemorates the Israelites' freedom from slavery in Egypt– begins at sundown on Monday, April 22nd and ends the evening of Tuesday, April 30th. It is a time of reflection and celebration, an opportunity to be together in community to acknowledge an ancient, complicated history and lift each other up with unrelenting hope for a future where all people are fully free. In this episode, we explore Rachel's personal struggle with modern-day othering and her internal quest for freedom while also rejoicing in the moments that bring her light and keep her hope for a future of true togetherness alive.We hope this episode inspires you to build your own bridges of connection, be they across the table or across the aisle. Chag Sameach! --About Rachel Wegner: "I am an educator and school leader with over 20 years of experience teaching and leading in schools. I believe education is freedom and it is the key to the Jewish concept of "tikkun olam" - repairing the world. When we know, love and serve students fully, we create the next generation of learners, leaders and listeners who believe in their abilities and have the skills to create change. I am passionate about equity work and it is at the center of what I do, what I believe in and what I have come to see as the most important work there is. I believe dialogue founded on trust, intentionality and vulnerability has the power to rebuild dysfunctional systems and structures so everyone has an opportunity to live their most meaningful life."
Thanks as always for listening and being a part of our community. You can watch all our episodes and find bonus content on our YouTube channel. Questions, ideas or feedback? Email: ashley@yourmom.co.
Thanks as always for listening and being a part of our community. You can watch all our episodes and find bonus content on our YouTube channel. Questions, ideas or feedback? Email: ashley@yourmom.co.
Released:
Apr 16, 2024
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (74)
Episode 4: Ryan Leaf's Mom: Ryan Leaf was an All-American quarterback at Washington State University. He was the No. 2 overall NFL Draft pick by the San Diego Chargers in 1998. A few years later, he was known as the No. 1 overall NFL Draft bust. Much has been written about the small town, big-armed quarterback from Montana who went from living out his dream to enduring life in prison. Today, we hear a uniquely intimate perspective on that journey, as Ryan's mom joins the show. Marcia Leaf tells Ashley and Lisa about some of the joyful moments, like the time she crowd-surfed one at of Ryan's games. She also opens up about some of her most painful memories and regrets, including being in denial as Ryan struggled with drug addiction. Today, Ryan advocates for those struggling with mental and behavioral health issues. He’s found purpose in his career as a college football analyst and - more importantly - in his role as a father. Come listen to this emotional journey like you've neve by Your Mom™