Living Your Best Interfaith Jewish Life With Rabbi Robyn Frisch and Nicole Wasilus of 18Doors

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In this episode...

Are you part of an interfaith couple or family? Then today’s episode is especially for you!  Karen sits down with Rabbi Robyn Frisch and Nicole Wasilus of 18Doors, a wonderful organization that helps interfaith couples and families grow their Jewish – or Jew-ish – identities in an authentic way. Rabbi Robyn and Nicole have so much wisdom to share, and this episode is truly a must for anyone who’s part of an interfaith relationship or family. 

You’ll find out:

  • Why getting involved with Judaism can sometimes feel intimidating and how to overcome it
  • How to get started engaging with Judaism if you’re out of practice
  • The importance of open, honest communication with your non-Jewish partner or family members
  • How to find elements of Judaism that spark Jewish (or Jew-ish) joy for you
  • Tips on raising Jewish children in an interfaith environment
  • The importance of setting boundaries with family who may not agree with your choices
  • Small, non-intimidating steps you can take to bring Judaism into your lives
  • What to do when you feel judged
  • Why it’s so important to find a community where you can feel comfortable–even if it’s online!

 

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Episode Guests...

Rabbi Robyn Frisch

Rabbi Robyn Frisch is a summa cum laude graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a cum laude graduate of the New York University School of Law. After a few years practicing corporate law she decided to follow her dreams and go to rabbinical . She received her Masters of Art in Hebrew Literature and rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College. Since 2013 she has worked for 18Doors. She is passionate about the organization's mission of supporting interfaith couples and families and helping them to find their place in Jewish life, and is proud to be the founding Director of 18Doors' Rukin Rabbinic Fellowship. Rabbi Robyn is also the spiritual leader of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, the oldest synagogue in Northeast Philadelphia. Her articles have appeared in the Forward, Kveller, the Jerusalem Post, The Times of Israel, the Philadelphia Inquirer and other publications. Rabbi Robyn and her husband, Rabbi Seth Frisch are the parents of Benji, Noah and Tali, and they have two lovable mutts that they rescued.

Nicole Wasilus

Nicole takes pride in directing the Jewish Clergy Officiation Referral Service which helps connect over 3,000+ couples and families annually to interfaith-friendly rabbis and cantors as 18Doors' Director of Lifecycle Connections. She began her career working for Hillel after graduating from Penn State University in 2011. Nicole received her Masters in Public Administration with a focus in Nonprofit Management from the University of Delaware in 2017. She was recognized in 2020 as a Jewish change-maker in a time of crisis by New York Jewish Week's "36 Under 36". When she's not working, Nicole loves exploring new restaurants in Philadelphia with her husband, seeing independent movies, and taking her Insta-famous dog to the park.

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