The Avrum Rosensweig Show

Finding Home: A Conversation with a Convert to Judaism and His Spouse (Audio/Visual)

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.

Transcript

Finding Home: A Conversation with a Convert to Judaism and His Spouse (Audio)

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.

A MOTHER'S HEART: SHAYNA PAQUIN & FRIENDS EFFORT TO SHIELD CHILDREN IN SEFAT AGAINST FALLING ROCKETS (Audio/Visual)

💠 Welcome to 'The Avrum Rosensweig's Show' NORTHERN ISRAEL REPORT. In this episode, we will hear the incredible story of Shayna Paquin, a mother of seven, in the city of Sefat, Israel who was faced with the ever-present threat of rocket attacks. Shayna, together with her friend, Clara Levy and their organization, 'Sparks to Life' partnered with Torontonian/Israeli, Shmuel Bowman and 'Operation Lifeshield', took matters into their own hands realizing there were not enough bomb shelters for the most vulnerable—young children. In a remarkable show of resilience and determination, they set out to raise over $1 million, with the help of The Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. With those funds, they purchased 50 bomb shelters for Sefat's schoolyards, providing a lifeline for those with nowhere to hide. Today, we dive into their journey determining what drove these warriors, the challenges they faced, and the lives they changed in the process. Stay tuned for a powerful conversation about courage, community, and the unwavering spirit of a mother and friends, determined to protect the children of their city.

A MOTHER'S HEART: SHAYNA PAQUIN & FRIENDS EFFORT TO SHIELD CHILDREN IN SEFAT AGAINST FALLING ROCKETS (Audio)

Welcome to 'The Avrum Rosensweig's Show' NORTHERN ISRAEL REPORT. In this episode, we will hear the incredible story of Shayna Paquin, a mother of seven, in the city of Sefat, Israel who was faced with the ever-present threat of rocket attacks. Shayna, together with her friend, Clara Levy and their organization, 'Sparks to Life' partnered with Torontonian/Israeli, Shmuel Bowman and 'Operation Lifeshield', took matters into their own hands realizing there were not enough bomb shelters for the most vulnerable—young children. In a remarkable show of resilience and determination, they set out to raise over $1 million, with the help of The Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. With those funds, they purchased 50 bomb shelters for Sefat's schoolyards, providing a lifeline for those with nowhere to hide. Today, we dive into their journey determining what drove these warriors, the challenges they faced, and the lives they changed in the process. Stay tuned for a powerful conversation about courage, community, and the unwavering spirit of a mother and friends, determined to protect the children of their city.

PARSHA & PROSE WITH RABBI SHLOMO GEMARA: MIKETZ & 'THE COUNT OF MONTE CHRISTO' (Audio/Visual)

In this week's Torah portion, Miketz, we encounter the dramatic unfolding of Joseph's rise from a prisoner to a powerful leader in Egypt. His wisdom and strategic thinking enable him to interpret Pharaoh's dreams and manage the impending famine, ultimately reuniting with his estranged brothers. This narrative echoes themes found in The Count of Monte Cristo, where Edmond Dantès, after being wrongfully imprisoned, escapes and uses his newfound power and wealth to seek revenge on those who betrayed him. Both stories explore the complexities of justice, revenge, and redemption, with Joseph and Dantès using their circumstances to dramatically alter their destinies. However, while Dantès’ quest for vengeance leads to personal destruction, Joseph’s rise is rooted in forgiveness and reconciliation, offering a profound lesson on the transformative power of mercy over retribution.

PARSHA & PROSE WITH RABBI SHLOMO GEMARA: MIKETZ & 'THE COUNT OF MONTE CHRISTO' (Audio)

In this week's Torah portion, Miketz, we encounter the dramatic unfolding of Joseph's rise from a prisoner to a powerful leader in Egypt. His wisdom and strategic thinking enable him to interpret Pharaoh's dreams and manage the impending famine, ultimately reuniting with his estranged brothers. This narrative echoes themes found in The Count of Monte Cristo, where Edmond Dantès, after being wrongfully imprisoned, escapes and uses his newfound power and wealth to seek revenge on those who betrayed him. Both stories explore the complexities of justice, revenge, and redemption, with Joseph and Dantès using their circumstances to dramatically alter their destinies. However, while Dantès’ quest for vengeance leads to personal destruction, Joseph’s rise is rooted in forgiveness and reconciliation, offering a profound lesson on the transformative power of mercy over retribution.

ISRAEL'S ENVOY COMBATTING ANTI-SEMITISM, MICHAL COTLER-WUNSH SAYS JEW HATRED IS A WORLD PROBLEM (Audio)

On this episode of my podcast, I had the honor of speaking with Michal Cotler-Wunsh, Israel's Envoy Combating Anti-Semitism. Throughout our conversation, she highlighted the alarming rise of anti-Semitism, focusing on how the demonization of the Jewish people and Israel has become a pervasive issue worldwide. Michal spoke passionately about the damaging impact this hatred has not only on Jews but also on global society at large, stressing that anti-Semitism is a gateway to greater injustices and inequities. As she explained, the fight against anti-Semitism is crucial, not just for the Jewish community, but for the preservation of human rights and the protection of all marginalized groups. Her insights illuminated the broader implications of this age-old prejudice, underscoring the importance of unity in combating hatred and promoting justice for all.

ISRAEL'S ENVOY COMBATTING ANTI-SEMITISM, MICHAL COTLER-WUNSH SAYS JEW HATRED IS A WORLD PROBLEM (Audio/Visual)

On this episode of my podcast, I had the honor of speaking with Michal Cotler-Wunsh, Israel's Envoy Combating Anti-Semitism. Throughout our conversation, she highlighted the alarming rise of anti-Semitism, focusing on how the demonization of the Jewish people and Israel has become a pervasive issue worldwide. Michal spoke passionately about the damaging impact this hatred has not only on Jews but also on global society at large, stressing that anti-Semitism is a gateway to greater injustices and inequities. As she explained, the fight against anti-Semitism is crucial, not just for the Jewish community, but for the preservation of human rights and the protection of all marginalized groups. Her insights illuminated the broader implications of this age-old prejudice, underscoring the importance of unity in combating hatred and promoting justice for all.

'PARSHA & PROSE' WITH RABBI SHLOMO GEMARA: VA'YESHEV & 'UNCLE TOM'S CABIN' (Audio)

The Torah portion of Va'yeshev, which covers the story of Joseph's betrayal by his brothers and his subsequent enslavement in Egypt, shares thematic parallels with the depiction of slavery in Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. In Va'yeshev, Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers, who are motivated by jealousy and resentment, leading to his suffering and displacement. Similarly, in Uncle Tom's Cabin, African slaves, like Uncle Tom, are subjected to inhumane treatment, betrayal, and exploitation by those who see them as property rather than people. Both narratives highlight the deep injustices of slavery, emphasizing the emotional and physical suffering endured by the enslaved. However, while Joseph's eventual rise to power in Egypt serves as a form of divine justice, Uncle Tom's Cabin underscores the moral degradation of slavery and calls for its abolition, reflecting a more direct critique of the system. In both texts, the individuals who suffer under slavery demonstrate resilience and faith, yet the narratives also show the profound moral and social costs of such systems. Please subscribe to 'The Avrum Rosensweig Show' and consider sponsorship by emailing: avrum.rosensweig@gmail.com . Thank you for supporting the channel and show.

'PARSHA & PROSE' WITH RABBI SHLOMO GEMARA: VA'YESHEV & 'UNCLE TOM'S CABIN' (Audio/Visual)

The Torah portion of Va'yeshev, which covers the story of Joseph's betrayal by his brothers and his subsequent enslavement in Egypt, shares thematic parallels with the depiction of slavery in Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. In Va'yeshev, Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers, who are motivated by jealousy and resentment, leading to his suffering and displacement. Similarly, in Uncle Tom's Cabin, African slaves, like Uncle Tom, are subjected to inhumane treatment, betrayal, and exploitation by those who see them as property rather than people. Both narratives highlight the deep injustices of slavery, emphasizing the emotional and physical suffering endured by the enslaved. However, while Joseph's eventual rise to power in Egypt serves as a form of divine justice, Uncle Tom's Cabin underscores the moral degradation of slavery and calls for its abolition, reflecting a more direct critique of the system. In both texts, the individuals who suffer under slavery demonstrate resilience and faith, yet the narratives also show the profound moral and social costs of such systems.

Please subscribe to 'The Avrum Rosensweig Show' and consider sponsorship by emailing: avrum.rosensweig@gmail.com . Thank you for supporting the channel and show.