“I Don’t Know How They Can Live A Fully Committed Jewish Life in France”

In this episode, we travel to Paris to speak with Anna Veronese, a rabbinical student at Maharat—the only institution offering both Orthodox ordination to women and virtual learning, creating a global community she deeply values.

We talk about Veronese's identity as a feminist, left-wing Jew who remains a committed Zionist while being selectively critical of some Israeli policies. She shares how the trauma of October 7 continues to shape her parenting, as her children form their own Jewish and Zionist identities. She also reflects on the tension between wanting to shield her children from tragedy and embracing the solidarity shown at their Jewish school with hostage families and Israeli society at large.

Veronese opens up about her complex sense of belonging—born in Italy, living in France amid rising antisemitism, and not being Israeli. She describes the pain of losing ties to the French feminist community and tells a shocking story of being cast out of a feminist march for being a Zionist. She wrestles with her belief in the importance of a vibrant Jewish future in France, even as she doubts whether the next generation can truly thrive there.

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: "Mar'ot" by Anat Malamud

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