I Was a Missionary, But It Felt All Wrong!

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I Was a Missionary, But It Felt All Wrong!

Raised by a mother who was struggling with mental health issues, Leah turned to the church for support. A trip to Israel (and a lot of conversations) finally helped her find her way back to Judaism.

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The Prison Rabbi

Chana Weisberg is host of the Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories podcast and curator of advanced learning experiences on Chabad.org. She lectures internationally on issues relating to women, relationships, meaning, self-esteem and the Jewish soul. She is the author of six books. Her latest book, Shabbat Delights, is a two-volume series on the weekly Torah portion.

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Stephanee Jacksonville FL July 6, 2026

When I moved out of my parents’ home in Miami, Florida to Gainesville to attend college, I left behind all Jewish practice. Rabbi BenYehuda, OBM, said I was easy pickings for everything. When my mom died, I was 23 & told G-d I would no longer believe in Him since He didn’t heal her. In 4 yrs, I was married by a Baptist minister & teaching Sunday School in Spanish! That was the beginning of 30 years off the derech, until I made T’shuvah 18 yrs ago. Reply

Leah Jerusalem July 7, 2026

in response to Stephanee:

Hi, Thank you for your Comments. You also had a long journey to finally come back home where you belong.I am sure there are many Jewish people like us. May they all find there way back home and embrace their authentic self! Reply

Eden Daniella Lazar July 6, 2026

I was hoping to hear more about her mother today. Is she better? Is she still living a Jewish life?Is she part of her life? Also, what happened to the first husband? He is obviously an amazing person who took the hard road of studying and living with her, not bowing out and run, so why aren't they together anymore? Also I was very confused about who yeshka is. I think I got it but I am not sure. Intresting sorry. Reply

Leah Halevy July 7, 2026

in response to Eden Daniella Lazar:

Hi, My Mother is stable, finally after all these years but still very self absorbed and very delicate.My first husband died Suddenly 3 years ago. I was a Widow for 1year and 8months..Then I met my current husband. Yeshka is a way to say J full name. I say it because like that because in Tehillim it says you shouldn't say the name of a person others refer to as their g-d and it's Avodah Zara. Thanks for watching Reply