In 2012, Rabbi Yossi Sapirman and I established Living Jewish Wisdom, a multi-denominational course ideal for those exploring a deeper connection to Judaism.
( See: https://livingjewishwisdom.org/ )
The program, unique in Canada and perhaps the world, offers a year long course delving into the most important aspects of Judaism and Jewish life, taught by passionate teachers, representing each of the major Jewish denominations - Orthodox, Conservative, Reform & Reconstructionist - and other independent thought leaders and educators.
When the year is over, many participants choose to convert to Judaism in one of the above streams. Even those who do not, have been greatly enriched by the experience and are able to better participate with their Jewish family in the central rituals of Jewish life.
In one of his last YouTube programs of 2024, our dear friend of Avrum Rosensweig interviewed a young, recently married Jewish couple - who had just completed the year-long Living Jewish Wisdom program.
Please see link below to this compelling interview describing the journey of Lauren Mayer, granddaughter of Hungarian Holocaust survivors and her husband Alex Purcell, son of an Anglican minister from Nova Scotia. The interview describes how they first met as aspiring musicians performing at an open mic in a Toronto venue, culminating in the conversion process and their recent wedding.
I should add that I had the privilege of performing Lauren's Bat Mitzvah at Habonim in 2003, Rabbi Cantor Aviva Rajsky (one of Living Jewish Wisdom’s faculty) mentored the couple through the program and also performed their conversion, and Rabbi Audrey Kaufman performed their wedding.
Listening to young couples like Lauren and Alex, reminds me how fortunate the Jewish community is to welcome new members from diverse backgrounds and origins into our ranks, and how greatly enriched the Jewish world becomes by their inclusion.
After watching this moving interview, I think you will agree.
Eli Rubenstein
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https://youtu.be/YI-OyQ92TGk
The Avrum Rosensweig Show
Finding Home: A Conversation with a Convert to Judaism and His Spouse
In this episode, we sit down with Alex Purcell, who converted to Judaism, and his wife, Lauren Mayer, to hear their unique and inspiring story. Alex shares the personal journey that led him to embrace Judaism, and how his family has been mostly accepting of his decision, though not without some reservations from certain members. Alex talks too about losing some friends, once they found out he embraced Judaism and Zionism. Lauren offers her perspective as a Jewish wife, reflecting on the beauty of seeing her husband fully embrace her faith. She shares how her own family has been wholeheartedly supportive, even inviting Alex to light the Hanukkah candles this year, a special moment that signifies their growing bond with Jewish traditions. Lauren also talks about how Alex's journey to become a Jew has strengthened her commitment to faith. Both Alex and Lauren, talented musicians, are excited about creating a home that harmonizes their Jewish faith and musical passions, and they look forward to building a life where both their faith and creativity can flourish together.
