Yocheved shares her journey from growing up in an Orthodox Jewish home in Baltimore to navigating her identity after her parents' divorce. She discusses her anger towards religion during her teenage years and how the events of October 7th reignited her connection to her Jewish roots. Yocheved's brother's military service in Israel influenced her decision to volunteer and support the community. She highlights the importance of understanding the 'why' behind Jewish traditions and the role of Chabad in providing support. Yocheved also discusses her fundraising efforts for supplies in Israel and emphasizes the need for a strong diaspora to support Israel and Jewish identity. Through her work with the Sword of Iron Israel Volunteer Corps, she aims to connect volunteers and inspire others to take action. Guest Bio Yocheved Ruttenberg is the founder and CEO of Sword of Iron Israel Volunteer Corp, the fastest-growing volunteer movement, mobilizing over 40,000+ people worldwide since October 7th. Living in Dallas, Texas, working in sales, she left everything and flew to Israel just days after Oct 7th, bringing 23 duffel bags full of supplies. What was supposed to be a two-week trip turned into Aliyah and a canceled return ticket, dedicating herself fully to bridging gaps between communities globally and inspiring people around the world to take action.
00:00 Childhood in an Orthodox Jewish Home
02:50 Navigating Identity and Assimilation
05:53 The Impact of Divorce on Faith
09:08 Reconnecting with Judaism
11:57 The Role of Chabad in Jewish Life
15:03 Life Changes Post-October 7
18:02 Brother's Heroic Story
23:58 The Aftermath of October 7
26:56 Community Resilience and Jewish Identity
30:03 The Nuances of Antisemitism
32:57 Fighting for Judeo-Christian Values
33:32 The Importance of Civil Discourse
36:09 Fundraising for Israel: A Personal Journey
39:04 Community Support and Solidarity
42:02 The Ripple Effect of Small Acts
46:01 Navigating the Challenges of War
51:00 The Role of the Diaspora
56:57 Sword of Iron Israel Volunteer Corps: Making an Impact