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Channels Conversations Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories

I Found Judaism at Columbia

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I Found Judaism at Columbia

Against the backdrop of violent threats, gaslighting, exclusion, and betrayal, Cecile (now Sara) connected to her Judaism for the first time while studying at Columbia University.
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Topics: Chabad on Campus
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Chana Weisberg is host of the Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories podcast and curator of advanced learning experiences on Chabad.org. She lectures internationally on issues relating to women, relationships, meaning, self-esteem and the Jewish soul. She is the author of six books. Her latest book, Shabbat Delights, is a two-volume series on the weekly Torah portion.
More from Cecile Toussaint
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28 Comments
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Loraine Spargo Seattle November 21, 2024

This interview was meaningful to me after finding out several years ago that I am Jewish. I have felt robbed of my heritage after learning the truth so late in my life. I'm sure part of the reason Mom never told me was because of WWII with all of the anti-semitism during that time. She tended to live in a lot of fear, so I'm trying to understand the psyche behind that.

I am thankful to have learned about my roots, and have been doing research and studying Judaism for the last couple of years. There is an awakening in my soul with the study.
Thank you so much for your recordings! Reply

Annie Engelson Chicago via skokiechabad.org September 3, 2024

I am a teenager in a public school, and I have experienced a-lot of anti semetism, so I totally understand what you mean. Reply

Naomi July 10, 2024

Inspiring and Sarah/Cecile is so eloquent and full of contagious Jewish joy. Reply

Chana Brooklyn June 6, 2024

Beautiful interview. With such students as Sara we see lots to be hopeful and positive about for the future. Reply

Miryam Usa June 1, 2024

B'H Sarah! What a wonderful young woman! So proud of you. Keep up the beautiful gift Hashem gave all of us! Reply

Jodi Nicastro Stony Brook May 31, 2024

What an amazing young woman! Reply

chana weisberg June 4, 2024
in response to Jodi Nicastro :

Yes, she really is. Thanks for your feedback! Reply

Trany Deutsch Spring Valley May 31, 2024

Sara's passion and sincerity is a true inspiration!!!
Thanks for coming on!
Sending hugs! Reply

chana weisberg June 4, 2024
in response to Trany Deutsch:

So true, thanks for writing! Reply

Deanne u. s. May 30, 2024

A lovely young lady. Despite all the hate surrounding the campus and the dangers, the loss of friends and the hurt in that, she is so sweet and positive and full of joy and hope. I would recommend reading and studying Tanach itself. Try to read some of it every day, the actual text. There is so much there.

A book on philosophy I would recommend to Sara…. Law Without Authority or Limits: Kelsen’s Dilemma by Daniel Gruber. Reply

chana weisberg June 4, 2024
in response to Deanne:

Thank you, Deanne.
Yes the Tanach is full of stories of strength, joy and hope despite the challenge and isolation. What a great idea. Reply

Jane Geraghty London May 30, 2024

Sara is an amazing lady and an inspiration. Reply

chana weisberg June 4, 2024
in response to Jane Geraghty:

I couldn't agree more, thanks for writing! Reply

Joyce M. Shulman Santa Maria degli Angeli (PG)-Italy May 30, 2024

This interview with Sarah was so beautiful. I am sorry that I never had the experiences that Sarah had. I, too, grew up with no Jewish education at all. Both pf my parents were Jewish but,
although they were proud Jews,they were not religous. I grew up in Chicago (then Skokie) but, after highschool, decided to travel around Europe and ended up marrying a Roman Catholic man (from whom I am now separated years after my being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis) and I now live in Assisi with a care-giver and am doing well but have NO connection to other Jews. (Here there are only churches. Luckily, through Internet, I am in touch with some Rabbis in Israel.The most interesting part of my life is that I am now (at the age of 76-40 years of MS) am now incredibly proud of being a Jew and dream of being able to learn more of my religion but need someone to help me. Reply

chana weisberg June 4, 2024
in response to Joyce M. Shulman:

Wow, Joyce, what an incredible journey. I'm glad you have rabbis that you are in touch with and I hope you feel part of our chabad.org web community! There is so much available online to learn.
Wishing you well in your continued journey! Reply

Naomi July 10, 2024
in response to Joyce M. Shulman:

Hi, Joyce. You can look up the website Jnet.org or Partners in Torah where they match you up with a partner you can learn Judaism with for free. Reply

David Salford May 30, 2024

So inspirational!

Another wonderful example of the all-embracing approach of Chabad. Reply

chana weisberg June 4, 2024
in response to David :

Thank you! How true. Reply

Elana Zacharin MD May 29, 2024

Thank you Chana for bringing such a beautiful , brave, amazing girl, very inspiring story, Yishar Koach to Sara, and to let her now the the other name of her great grandmother Nili is a very Israeli name acronym of “Netzach Israel Lo Yeshaker” and Sara
Behatzlacha on your right Derech. Reply

chana weisberg June 4, 2024
in response to Elana Zacharin:

Thank you for writing, Elana. So interesting about the acronym of Nili. Thanks for sharing. Reply

J R Israel N. Highlanfs May 29, 2024

I could not stop smiling during this interview. Sara thank you for splashing my day with Jewish sunshine and Hope. Thank you Chana too for your skills and time to bring us such interesting and inspiring people.Blessings. Reply

chana weisberg June 4, 2024
in response to J R Israel:

Thanks for writing! Sara/Cecile's pride really is like a ray of sunshine, making us all smile! Reply

Yael NJ May 27, 2024

Wow!!!! Heaven!!!! Unbelievable!!!! So inspiring!!!! Reply

chana weisberg June 4, 2024
in response to Yael:

Thanks for writing! Isn't she? :) Reply

Diana Mara Henry Newport, VT May 27, 2024

We should organize to accompany the students on campus. Reply

chana weisberg June 4, 2024
in response to Diana Mara Henry:

That's an interesting idea! So sad that we need to even think in these terms... Reply

Christina Switserland May 26, 2024

Wonderful again, love to both of you! Reply

chana weisberg June 4, 2024
in response to Christina :

Thank you Christina! Reply