When Your Soul Finds Its Way Home: Kennedy Fortgang's Jewish Journey

What would make a young woman from rural Wisconsin leave behind everything familiar and embrace Orthodox Judaism?Kennedy Fortgang never met a Jewish person until she was 18 years old.Growing up in rural Wisconsin, Judaism seemed worlds away from her life. Yet a confrontation with anti-Israel activism on campus sparked a curiosity that would eventually transform her future. What began as political advocacy became an intellectual pursuit, then a spiritual calling, and ultimately an Orthodox conversion.In this deeply personal conversation, Kennedy shares her journey from Christian upbringing to Jewish life, the moment she realised her soul had found its home, and how Israel, Torah learning and community shaped her path. She also reflects on family, identity, Shabbat, marriage and the ongoing pursuit of Jewish learning after conversion.This is Kennedy's first extended public conversation about her conversion story, and it is both inspiring and thought provoking.Your path to Judaism can begin in unexpected placesKennedy's journey started through campus Israel activism and intellectual curiosity before evolving into a profound spiritual commitment.2. Shabbat becomes a gift, not a restrictionWhat initially felt like giving things up eventually became one of the greatest sources of grounding, community and renewal in her life.3. Conversion is not the end of learningThe mikveh marked the beginning of a lifelong Jewish journey, with ongoing Torah study becoming one of the most meaningful parts of Jewish life.[00:00:00] Kennedy's powerful Western Wall experience[00:00:50] Introducing Kennedy Fortgang[00:02:35] Growing up in rural Wisconsin[00:03:43] Discovering Israel through campus activism[00:05:12] First visits to Israel and growing curiosity[00:07:32] The programme that changed everything[00:08:41] Beginning the Orthodox conversion process[00:12:05] When the intellectual became spiritual[00:17:03] The challenge and gift of Shabbat[00:21:17] Meeting her future husband[00:22:02] How her family responded to conversion[00:26:34] Israel activism and Jewish identity[00:35:20] Life after conversion and continued learning[00:46:02] Final reflections and closing thoughtsKennedy Fortgang LinkedInProject Ruth WebsiteRabbi Adam MintzMeredith Berkman’s LinkedInKennedy Fortgang - XProject Ruth - https://projectruth.net/Rabbi Mintz - https://rabbimintz.com/Meredith Berkman’s Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-berkman-6a8827146Key TakeawaysTimestamps:LinksYouTube Links