Joanie Applefield is a Senior in high school planning to continue her education at Duke University in the Fall of 2025. She is also a graduate of the Temple Israel High School and a prayer leader in our Teen Tefillah Team.

In this episode, Joanie and I discuss the origins of her commitment to Judaism. Through a series of life changing moments, she returned to her roots and found a home in Jewish life and peoplehood. Her self-discovery is a fascinating and inspiring story of growth. Her passion for being happy is something that can teach us all how to better live our lives. I am excited to share her story with all of you.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and follow Temple Israel on social media to stay up to date on Waking Up To Life.

Edited by: Alex Wolf

Original Music Composed by: Dan Hacker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/templeisraelmi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/templeisraelmi/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn9spWvsCBvcQ-o5XLeFLHKcLoj2nBAfM

Web: https://www.temple-israel.org/wakinguptolifepod

You can get this podcast anywhere you get your media. Join over 10,000 listeners who have been inspired by the show.

And if you have someone with a story to tell, please contact me at josh@temple-israel.org

After a short delay, the first formal episode of Season 4 is dropping!

Every summer, I spend two weeks at the URJ 6 Points Sports Academy in Asheville, North Carolina. It has changed my life!!! This is why I am so excited to welcome the 6 Points Sports Director, Jackie Gordon to the show.

In this episode, Jackie and I talk about her path from public school gym teacher to coach to Jewish Life (JLIFE) Coordinator to 6 Points Sports Director. It is a journey that has brought her an incredible sense of accomplishment...and gives Jackie the chance to lead Jewish Athletes to be their best. JEWISH SPORTS CAMP all at the same time! This conversation about camp translates into every aspect of our lives.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and follow Temple Israel on social media to stay up to date on Waking Up To Life.

Edited by: Alex Wolf

Original Music Composed by: Dan Hacker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/templeisraelmi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/templeisraelmi/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn9spWvsCBvcQ-o5XLeFLHKcLoj2nBAfM

Web: https://www.temple-israel.org/wakinguptolifepod

You can get this podcast anywhere you get your media. Join over 10,000 listeners who have been inspired by the show.

And if you have someone with a story to tell, please contact me at josh@temple-israel.org

In this special BONUS episode, we are checking out some new technology giving us the chance to record studio sessions for the podcast.

I am so excited to share this time with Cantor Neil Michaels who is featuring his new prayer/song Bring On The Night. The performance includes the added guitar riffs of Aaron Markovitz who is the Zipser Foundation Artist In Residence at Temple Israel.

Join me for a soulful conversation about the Jewish prayer Ma'ariv Aravim and Cantor Neil's approach to "The Golden Hour" when the angels mingle with people on earth. It is the perfect opportunity to Wake Up To Life!

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and follow Temple Israel on social media to stay up to date on Waking Up To Life.

Edited by: Alex Wolf

Original Music Composed by: Dan Hacker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/templeisraelmi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/templeisraelmi/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn9spWvsCBvcQ-o5XLeFLHKcLoj2nBAfM

Web: https://www.temple-israel.org/wakinguptolifepod

You can get this podcast anywhere you get your media. Join over 10,000 listeners who have been inspired by the show.

And if you have someone with a story to tell, please contact me at josh@temple-israel.org