How to Raise Jewish Kids Who Love Judaism (Even If They Don't Fit the Mold) | Elisheva Segelman

An honest, joyful, and deeply practical conversation about Jewish parenting. We talk about how to genuinely infuse your home with love of Judaism, what to do when you want to teach a value you don't fully keep yourself, the difference between an inherited Judaism and discovered Judaism, how to see every child as an individual, and what to do when your child doesn't fit the school system. We explore confidence-building for kids who struggle academically or socially, the balance between school and home, and why the home is more powerful than we give it credit for. We also talk about technology and eye contact, parenting without controlling, and how to stay open to who your child is actually becoming. We talk about: — How to infuse your home with genuine love of Judaism — What to do when you hold a value you don't fully keep yourself — The difference between inherited Judaism and discovered Judaism and how to give your child both — How to really see each child as an individual, not a projection of who you want them to be — What it means to parent a child who doesn't fit the school system — The teacher who gave Elisheva an F and then invited her to be a role model — Why report cards might be doing more harm than you think — Eye contact, technology, and what we're actually giving our children when we put the phone down — Why it's never too late to shift the culture of your home * * * * * * Mrs. Elisheva Segelman is a respected educator, mentor, and community leader whose warmth, wisdom, and dedication have impacted students, families, and community members across a wide range of settings. She currently serves as the Program Director at Yavneh Hebrew Academy in Los Angeles and as the Mashgicha Ruchanit for the middle school girls, where she is known for her ability to inspire meaningful personal growth, cultivate strong relationships, and help students develop a deep connection to Torah and Jewish values. Mrs. Segelman also serves as the Rebbetzin of the Young Israel of Hancock Park, where she plays an active role in supporting and enriching the spiritual life of the community. A highly sought-after kallah teacher, she has guided countless brides with sensitivity, wisdom, and genuine care. During the summer months, she serves as the Director of Orah Day Camp in Far Rockaway, New York, where she oversees a thriving camp program and mentors both campers and staff. Together with her husband, Rabbi Elan Segelman, Mrs. Segelman has served Jewish communities in both New York and Los Angeles. Since moving to Los Angeles in 2021, she has become a beloved presence in the community, known for her dedication to Torah, education, chesed, and helping others navigate life's opportunities and challenges with confidence and faith. Rabbi and Mrs. Segelman are the proud parents of six children. Contact her at [email protected] * * * * * * To inquire about sponsorship & advertising opportunities, please email us at [email protected] To support our work, visit humanandholy.com/sponsor. Find us on Instagram @humanandholy & subscribe to our channel to stay up to date on all our upcoming conversations ✨ Human & Holy podcast is available on all podcast streaming platforms. New episodes every Sunday & Wednesday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. * * * * * * TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Host's Intro 1:44 Introducing Elisheva Segelman 4:22 Parenting with the long view — seeing your child as a future adult 6:58 Transparency and authenticity at home 9:19 What if you hate Pesach? Finding the Jewish joy you actually feel 13:23 Is it hypocrisy? Teaching a value you don't fully keep yourself 17:39 The Finding Nemo story: what we expose children to leaves a mark 21:00 The power of your home: what you fill it with is yours to choose 23:18 Family pride and identity as a vessel for Judaism 27:11 Inherited Judaism vs. discovered Judaism 30:17 Seeing past your child's grades and struggles 32:36 The teacher who changed everything 35:10 "Just because you failed a class doesn't mean you're a failure as a human" 38:42 Choosing the right school for your specific child 45:14 "You are fingerprinting the world with the next generation of humans" 52:37 School vs. home — where does the real education happen? 57:13 Social struggles — what every child needs to know 59:32 Eye contact, technology, and what our children are actually asking for 1:02:56 Staying open to who your child becomes 1:05:31 Three practical things to infuse your home with Judaism 1:10:52 It's never too late to change course 1:12:32 Building your support system as a parent 1:15:01 Soul to soul message 1:16:00 The "feel good folder" and surrounding yourself with the right people