Episode 4.
Yasminah is many things – a wife, mother, writer and passionate Jewish educator.  She is a Jew of Color and as such is part of an increasingly visible minority within a minority.  Additionally, she is an Orthodox Jew with deeply held beliefs and practice.  The daughter of educators, she has been steeped in Jewish education since childhood.


Quotes:
“We are Jews through and through.”
 “I guess in most crowds, I say I'm a Jew of color, even though I truly believe I am a Jew, even though I am darker skin.”
 “I think each of us as individuals can do our part to be welcoming and inclusive.”
 “In Judaism, we don't believe that everyone has to be Jewish. Everyone has their purpose, their path. Yes, we ought to embrace that more and understand that. We’re supposed to learn from everyone. And yes, we need to be more of accepting of each other and other people.”
 “I guess human nature, sometimes we tend to be scared of the other, instead of recognizing that God Hashem created us all different and Hashem loves us.”
 “Every little bit that we can be the light to other people is such a Brachah, is such a blessing. And I feel like Hashem gives us the tools necessary to be able to do that.”

Highlights:
·       Yasminah is dedicated to her Jewish path, which has evolved over the years, from a Conservative upbringing to an Orthodox practice.

 ·       Raising their children within Orthodox Judaism is important to Yasminah and her husband.  They are continuing the heritage reaching back to our ancestors in the Bible. 

·       As a Jew of color, Yasminah is a minority within a minority, and the experience has strengthened her identity, but she sees herself as a Jew.

·       God/Hashem made us different, and we would be better off if we accepted those differences.

·       Each person has their path, and each way and level is good.  Observing the Mitzvot/Commandments are our connection to God/Hashem. 

Social Media for Yasminah, the first two created with her husband Ari:
Jewish Education Experience Podcast – https://www.buzzsprout.com/1257653
La-med Learning Center website – https://lamedlearningcenter.com
Flower of Hope blog  – www.flowerofhope.org

Social Media links for Méli:
Email – [email protected]
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Talking with God Project –  https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org

Transcript:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/9980415-4-yasminah-respes-an-integrated-jewish-life/edit

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The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.     


Comments? Questions? Email Meli at:
[email protected]

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.