Shuva Full Circle: Baal Teshuva Integration

Mendy and Sandra Paul - A BT-FFB Couple Share Their Story

Mendy Paul is an FFB, the child of baalei teshuva. Sandra Paul (nee Bram) is a baalas teshuva who became frum after encountering religious Judaism on campus at California State University of Northridge (CSUN). Today, as a married couple, Mendy and Sandra are on staff at Chabad of CSUN. For our thirteenth episode, we sat down with them to find out how it works when a BT like Sandra marries an FFB like Mendy. Join us as we enjoy a frank, rollicking conversation exploring a range of topics many of us have often wondered about but never dared to ask!This episode is generously sponsored by KosherMeatStore.com, America's local kosher butcher, providing easy access to glatt kosher meat throughout the USA. For questions, comments, and sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at https://www.btcenter.org.- Emmett and RivkaProduction and editing by Gary WaleikAll rights reserved to The BT Center

Mrs. Leah Loksen - Demystifying the Sheitel Process

In our twelfth episode, we discuss everything you ever wanted to know about wigs with highly respected sheitelmacher and stylist Mrs. Leah Loksen . From comfort to cost, we ask the tricky questions and get the candid answers you've been waiting for. Make sure to listen through to the end, where Leah shares her contact information so you can follow up with any individual questions.For questions, comments, and sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at https://www.btcenter.org.- Emmett and RivkaProduction and editing by Gary WaleikAll rights reserved to The BT Center

Mrs. Menucha Schwartz - Making a Mitzvah Our Own Through Learning

In our eleventh episode, we sit down with Mrs. Menucha Schwartz, a daughter of baalei teshuva who now serves the Roswell, GA community as a shlucha. Menucha describes her upbringing in an environment with both religious and secular influences, her journey to personally discover the value of learning, and her experience sharing those lessons with others as a teacher and shlucha. We then dive deep into one area of Torah in particular--the mitzvah of hair-covering for a married woman--and ask Menucha to teach us how women (and their husbands) can understand and relate to this unique expression of Jewish identity and marital sanctity.  This episode is generously sponsored by Avi and Tamar Feinsod. For questions, comments, and sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at https://www.btcenter.org.- Emmett and RivkaProduction and editing by Gary WaleikAll rights reserved to The BT Center

Rabbi Manis Friedman: We Must All Become Baalei Teshuva

In our tenth episode, we discuss with Rabbi Manis Friedman what it means to join Chabad in our generation. Rabbi Friedman explains that Chabad's goal today is not primarily to make Lubavitchers, but rather to bring G-dliness and Torah to every part of the world. Whether born into Lubavitch or joining later in life, each of us must find spirituality on our terms and educate our children to ask what Judaism means to them. Rabbi Friedman also unpacks the challenges of living in Crown Heights and the importance of living in a place where you are needed and make a difference. Stay tuned 'til the end, when we ask Rabbi Friedman to share his sought-after advice on marriage and intimacy. This episode has been anonymously sponsored by a generous donor. For questions, comments, and sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at https://www.btcenter.org.- Emmett and RivkaProduction and editing by Gary WaleikAll rights reserved to The BT Center

Rabbi Menachem and Mrs. Chava Schmidt - Using All Our Abilities to Bring Moshiach

In our ninth episode, we interview senior shluchim and baalei teshuva Rabbi Menachem and Mrs. Chava Schmidt about how they have integrated their musical and artistic backgrounds and talents into their spiritual leadership in Philadelphia. We learn about how "the Rebbe made hasidim," changing the Anash community's perspective toward baalei teshuva and the world more broadly, and how we can remain connected and inspired post-Gimmel Tammuz by reaching out to help one another in times of need. The Schmidts then share their wisdom and experience on how baalei teshuva must remain connected to their past while raising their own families and participating in our generation's task of bringing Moshiach. Finally, we hear what it was like for the Schmidts to raise three children with special needs before the emergence of Friendship Circle and other support programs. This episode is generously sponsored by the Green family in Morristown. For questions, comments, and sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at https://www.btcenter.org.- Emmett and RivkaProduction and editing by Gary WaleikAll rights reserved to The BT Center