John O’Leary welcomes Lauren Abraham, Ayden Nelson and Yehudah Greenberg onto the Live Inspired Podcast to share how courageous conversations in classrooms are breaking stereotypes and building understanding.
Today, we’re joined by Lauren Abraham, a leader helping guide the national Student to Student Program of the Newark Institute, as well as two student participants of the program: Yehudah Greenberg and Ayden Nelson. Through this program, Yehudah and Ayden are boldly stepping into conversations that many adults shy away from and sharing stories, traditions, and lived experiences in an effort to replace stereotypes with understanding. Together, they are proving that real change begins face to face.
In our time together, Lauren, Yehudah, and Ayden share how courage grows when you choose visibility over fear and how education becomes transformational when it’s personal.
Yehudah speaks about living out his Orthodox Jewish faith openly, even after experiencing antisemitism, and why he refuses to let fear define him.
Ayden reflects on growing up in a split-faith household and how her unique perspective allows her to connect with classmates across differences.
My friends, if you’ve been wondering whether empathy still stands a chance in today’s world, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave reminded that change rarely comes from shouting louder; it comes from listening better. And you’ll be inspired by young leaders choosing courage over comfort…maybe even prompting you to start a meaningful conversation of your own.
Subscribe & listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio or listen here:
Or click here to watch the full conversation on YouTube!
SHOW NOTES:
- Lauren helps lead the Student to Student program, an initiative that brings Jewish teens into classrooms to share their traditions, experiences, and identity with peers who may have never met a Jewish person before.
- The mission is to celebrate the beauty of Jewish life by sharing personal stories, traditions like Shabbat, and the values that shape their faith.
- Yehudah courageously represents his Orthodox Jewish faith in classrooms and in daily life, choosing to wear visible symbols of his identity even after experiencing antisemitic encounters.
- “People fear what they don’t understand. Conversation is how that begins to change.”
- Ayden shares her perspective growing up in a split-faith household, helping classmates better understand both Jewish and Christian traditions while showing how identity can be complex and deeply personal.
- Many of the classrooms these students visit include peers who have never met a Jewish person before, making these conversations a first opportunity to ask honest questions in a safe environment.
- Student to Student presentations invite open dialogue, allowing classmates to ask questions about faith, culture, holidays, and everyday life as a Jewish teen.
- The program reminds us that real change rarely happens through arguments online but rather through human connection.
- “Change doesn’t come from shouting louder. It comes from listening better.”
- Learn more about the Student to Student program and how schools can invite these conversations into their classrooms here.
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You’ll love my conversation with Judith Shulevitz. As a society, we’ve put such an emphasis on work and being busy. In our conversation, Judith reminds us of the importance of Sabbath, what “Sabbath” is and what it means in all of our lives – regardless of our faith background – and the challenge to build pause into your week, nourish your community and be reminded that you are so much more than what you do. Listen to Judith Shulevitz on ep. 140.
***
About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.
LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. Lauren: People Love Dead Jews by Dara Horn. Ayden: Night by Elie Wiesel. Yehudah: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. Lauren: My big personality.
Ayden: Zero inhibitions.
Yehudah: Confidence. - Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A. Lauren: My sterling silver giant Shabbat candles that were my mother's before she passed.
Ayden: My favorite stuffed animal Chaco.
Yehudah: My guitar. - Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A. Lauren: My sorority sisters to talk about life.
Ayden: Olympic gold medalist Ilia Malinin and New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor.
Yehudah: President or leader of a country. Somebody who's in such a larger leadership position. Maybe Barack Obama. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. Lauren: Volunteer. If you're moving to a new community, your child's joining a new school, or you're involved somewhere different... get out and put yourself out there.
Ayden: You're on your own journey. You're on your own time.
Yehudah: Serve your community. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. Lauren: Be patient. - Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. Lauren: Life is gonna be hard. Rise above.
Ayden: She was a good person and served the community all around her. Not only her community, but the community.
Yehudah: Be kind.
