Why I Decided To Become a Hasidic Jew: Sara Braun's Story | Inspiration For The Nation

Sara grew up in a small village in the Netherlands where her dark skin made her different from the people around her. Her family practiced Hasidic Judaism, but because her mother was darker than the rest of the family, she faced discrimination and didn't practice the religion. Sara always felt a strong desire to connect with her Jewish roots. After a trip to New York City, Sara decided to move there to pursue her dream of intertwining her body, soul, and mind with Judaism. She arrived with only $400 and a determination to create the life she wanted.
Sara's story is an example of how we can take control of our lives and pursue our dreams, despite the obstacles we may face. We had an inspiring conversation about resilience and passion that hopefully encourages you to become your true self and pursue your dreams relentlessly.
Get Sara's book here: bit.ly/3ItenJt
Big thanks to ‪@FriedaVizelBrooklyn‬ for interviewing Sara, you can watch her interview here: • "Why I joined the Hasi...
If you have a shidduch for Sara you can contact her here: [e-mail]
____________________________________
✬ SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE ✬
____________________________________
▶ No shmoozing. No break. It’s the ultimate in learning.
Mesikus Hatorah offers monetary incentive to Yungerleit and Bachurim who learn uninterrupted, the highest most fulfilling form of learning Torah. And you can help (and get rewarded).
Donate here: mesikushatorah...
"Support this. You are changing the world!" - HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky
____________________________________
▶ Join The SIMCHATIME Revolution
Do an act of kindness every day. Go out of your way. Discuss it during "SimchaTime" at your Shabbos table. It's time to bring more simcha into this world.
Look here: www.SimchaTime...
In memory of: Simcha Berel Dovid ben Avraham Moshe
Sponsored by Marc Belsky Ltd
____________________________________
▶ "Good Faith Effort podcast is Brilliant"
The Bible is every bit America’s moral founding document as the Constitution is our political founding document.
Every week, Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm, speaks with thinkers, writers, artists, and faith leaders to explore how the Bible continues to inform our lives today, from politics to psychology to pop culture, bringing Americans of different traditions and persuasions closer together as so much else threatens to pull us apart.
Listen here:
podcasts.apple...
Spotify:
open.spotify.c...
____________________________________
✬ Donate and Inspire Millions (Tax-Deductible) ✬
Your generous donation enables us at Living Lchaim to share uplifting messages globally, enrich lives, and foster positive change worldwide!
Thank you! 🙏 ➡️ www.livinglcha...
This episode is in memory of:
• Shimon Dovid ben Yaakov Shloima
• Miriam Sarah bas Yaakov Moshe
• Simcha Berel Dovid ben Avraham Moshe
Help Support our Episodes with Dedicating an Episode in Memory of a Loved One or As a Zechus for a Refuah Shleima!
► Here: www.livinglcha...
____________________________________
Follow us on social media for more content:
• TikTok - / livinglchaim
• IG - / livinglchaim
• FB - / livinglchaim
• LinkedIn - / living-lchaim
• Website - www.livinglcha...
Our free call-in-to-listen feature is here:
• USA: [phone]
• UK: 0333-366-0154
• ISRAEL: 079-579-5088
Have a specific question? email us [e-mail]
WhatsApp us feedback and get first access to episodes: 914-222-5513
Lchaim.
#jewishpodcast #chasidus #judaism #hasidic

[@DDBb993]

Suri is adorable, I loved watching her story, she is really inspiring to all kinds of different people. Thank you for this.❤️

[@JewishIdea77]

Sara/Suri is our sister, and she's a part of the holy Jewish nation. Greetings from Israel.

[@Liashwarma]

As a non chasidish, non Orthodox Jew I would just like to say what a gem this woman is. I don’t know much about chasidish people but she just seems like the sweetest, kindest, warmest, and accepting person. Thank you for the wonderful interview.

[@freeman.7238]

Shalom from tiny Kibutz in Israel near Gaza. Lovely beautiful lady with powerful heart. Love to meet you in Israel. Hag Hanuka Sameah.

[@kaylaisaacs1313]

Suri, you are such a beautiful person on the inside and on the outside... there are always people who are closed in box, and people who can find shame or highlight peoples sensitivities, that's their issue. Keep strong. You are a true inspiration.

[@CaesarRenasci]

Thank you for letting us meet this wonderful lady. You are an inspiration, madam.

[@mikebcivility6445]

Suri's story is one of endurance. She never stops moving towards her goal of Hasidic Judaism, despite some serious life challenges, including ones with our own community, embarrassingly. Imagine if all Jews had such a willingness and desire to embrace their faith as Suri. Imagine where we would be today. Thank you, Suri, for reminding us what it means to love our beautiful Jewish faith. EPIC interview Yaakov!

[@namuffy]

I'm black and not Jewish, but I enjoy listening to your vlogs, and for obvious reasons, I really enjoyed this one. The young lady has a very interesting life.

[@fanny2fr3sh]

Same here. Knowledge is power regardless of color.

[@georgecalvintharcisius586]

Amazing Amazing 🙌🙏🕎✝️✡️🙏🙌

[@elianayocheved770]

Epic interview. So glad you spoke with her, and could share it with us. Such an amazing, interesting and inspiring person. May she continue to go from strength to strength. ❤️

[@in5minutes556]

we need more black people to convert to judaism. our diversity is what makes us great in the eyes of Yahweh!

[@lynnwilliams8295]

I’ve seen Suri on other shows and she is such an interesting person. She seems so sweet but strong in her personality and beliefs. Hope to see more of her

[@houseoflev]

EPIC!!!!!!!!!! This was a very empowering interview. Thank you Yaakov for all that you do!!

[@in5minutes556]

much love to our Black Jewish brothers and sisters

[@DELRAYDISH]

What an inspiring Woman. And I see your Jewish Soul and Your Beauty , and I would never think anything but that !

[@in5minutes556]

we need to embrace out black Jewish brothers and sisters. There should be no racism and hatred within our community

[@steveneumann32]

What an inspiring story. I love how her advice is “stay true to yourself” BUT understand that doesn’t mean it has to be easy, many times in life the right thing is uncomfortable to do. Epic!

[@la_julz]

I love her mind so much! She is the strongest and most mature person I’ve ever come across 😍 Wow!

[@ethelwoolfolk3491]

'Epic' I am a Beautiful Black Christian woman, I love this interview with Sara, very interesting and personalble Yhank you gpr sharing ❤ 🙏🏽

[@ethelwoolfolk3491]

'Thank you for sharing '

[@shekinah533]

I Love Sara’s response to his question of being a minority within a minority. Sara doesn’t allow negativity to get to her because she is being her authentic self! I love her so much. If more people just connect with their authentic selves then they can respect an appreciate others differences instead of trying to repeal people we draw them in acceptance . Much Blessings to this young lady and children. I pray ABBA connects her to the perfect spiritual love match🙏🏽💞🙌🏽 First time on channel and love the interview. I seen interview on Ms Viziel channel and just went on a whole search for this inspirational young lady Sara Bruan🫶🏽

[@shirak3225]

Thank you so much for this great episode. Suri you are an amazing and inspiring Jewish woman. Lots of הצלחה💕

[@Ozziemisha745]

Very inspirational story, her resilience is epic. Thank you Yaakov

[@LivingLchaim]

Thanks for watching!

[@anthonydavid5121]

I love love love your story Suri. I too am a European born Jew, am of mixed ethnic and religious backgrounds (my dad was a French Catholic) and have a family history that really belongs in a book .... just like yours belongs in a book. Shabbat Shalom.

[@caroleb111]

What a fabulous woman! Absolutely epic interview.

[@mrsisrael6218]

Epic! And Yaakov Langer is an amazing interviewer, so relaxed and attentive.

[@ajarnwordsmith628]

One of the most impactful (positive sense) interviews I have watched on KZbin. B"H.

[@carolinospelt2932]

Very inspiring interview, strong and lovely woman!

[@golda3760]

As listeners, we are aware and respectful of her identity without the need for constant emphasis on her appearance. This focus on physical traits could inadvertently imply that her presence in the Jewish community is an anomaly, which is far from the truth. The beauty of Judaism lies in its diversity, and every Jew, regardless of color or origin, has an equally valid and cherished place in our community. It would be enriching to hear more about the varied experiences, beliefs, and contributions of Jews from all backgrounds, without the primary focus being on their race or how they 'fit' into Judaism. I share this feedback with the utmost respect for what you have created and with the hope that it contributes positively to the ongoing development of your content. Thank you for considering my perspective, and I look forward to future episodes that continue to celebrate the diversity of the Jewish community in a balanced manner.

[@YochevedDesigns]

I am truly glad that this has not been your experience. It would not be fair to face the truth though. The vast majority of Jews of color is very different. We will not merit Moshiach until everyone can see everyone else as valid and precious. Until then, we should all work on yourselves and check ourselves for accidental bias.

[@anthonydavid5121]

Such a great point and I'm so happy you brought it up.

[@1000surig]

EPIC! Wise closing lines..BE EMES Be true to yourself. Emes is the first middle and last alphabet in theTorah. Torah is build on emes. Thank you Suri for sharing your amazing life story and being true to yourself! Your a roll model & so inspiring! Wishing you lots of hatslacha & Bracha in the future and much nachas from your beautiful children.

[@miriamg7949]

This is very very inspiring! Advice to be true to urself is not popular but she is very brave to publicize it!

[@lisaabroad1192]

Epic interview! You even coordinated your shirt color. :)

[@chanalombard699]

Love this woman. she's refreshingly true to self. her attitude is refreshing, i learned from her a lot

[@dikduk]

The problem within Ashkenazi culture is projecting these limitations of acceptance, rejection, and just fitting in with people of African descent in their family. In Sephardic, Yemenite, and Mizrachi cultures, you don’t get this type of energy. The problem has been many Ashkenazim have unconsciously adopted to the American idea of skin color. Almost to the point that even having African looking skin precludes one of being Jewish. And if they are Jewish, they think they are converts and all the stigma of being a convert, and in some kehilahs, they don’t want them marrying into their families. Which leads to a lot of prejudice and discrimination all because someone doesn’t have that Eastern European looking white skin. And, when Jews came to America, they came as Hebrews on the boat and later assimilated into be culturally White. One would think. That an ancient people. With one of the longest periods of persecution, being demonized, the stigma , discrimination, and racism. That they would empathize and “get it”. But when Jews of Color step into these spaces. They tend to give those micro aggressions and act just like the mentally they have culturally assimilated into. I am not saying this of all Ashkenazim. That is a general category. I’m speaking of the dominate culture and mentality when a Jew of Color steps into Ashkenazi social circles.

[@emguilbe]

So true 😊

[@MegaLadyv]

Ashkenazi behave like typical Europeans. Very judgmental and highly structured/categorized…. Humans will do what they know best and that’s to create Heirachy. The fact that so many religions have denominations is an example of human nature. I like the reform Jewish synagogue which teaches acceptance and embracing ALL!

[@JewishIdea77]

Yes and no. This is a very sad typical human behavior. To feel "superior" from someone different to you. Unfortunately, in some cases also Mizrahi Jews behave that way for example the Jewish Persian community in India that didn't want to be in connection with the Jewish Hindu community because of the color. In Orthodox authentic Judaism is forbidden to discriminate other fellow Jews only because the color of their skin.

[@greatballsoffire02]

This is definitely not only in the Ashkenazi or European culture. Even people from Africa think BIPOC is a joke, many have told me they faced discrimination by people lighter than them, not necessarily white or European. When I was young, one elderly person discouraged me from marrying/dating a dark skin person. I knew that was ridiculous, but I still got a lecture about how that's wrong from multiple people, not a single person in my community agreed with even the hint of that.

[@CaesarRenasci]

I am sorry you had such bad experiences. It is a sin to treat a person who has joined the Jewish family any differently than the one who was born into it. The Jews who do that commit a sin. I wish you could visit my Chabad House: we have a black man from Africa, four women born in China -- all more knowledgeable and pious than I am -- all viewed as great inspiration and teachers. There are people from close to Teo dozen countries, and all that matters is that we help each other to be closer to Hashem. Please do not lose faith in humanity and try not to generalize. Just change your house of worship. Hashem made you very special, and if someone cannot see that, it is that person blindness and loss. May He continue to bless you, support you, and sustain you.

[@raversmash]

The only thing that really struck me in a negative light is the way she basically said she divorced her husband because she didn't want autistic children. As a mother of an Autistic child she should know better.

[@Rivershines]

Divorce is very personal and very complicated.

[@Noble724]

What a strong woman, very inspiring. Love this even though I’m not Jewish.

[@dk-wf1yj]

Amazing episode and such a strong woman!!

[@dmbr111]

Epic: Sara has a Jewish soul. It's really as simple as that.

[@anonymousanonymous-qx7mv]

Shes jewish...why shouldnt she

[@in5minutes556]

we need to embrace out black Jewish brothers and sisters. There should be no racism and hatred within our community

[@antoniajane5442]

​@@in5minutes556there should be no racism in any community.

[@dassiglick1640]

This was an EPIC episode 😉!! Thank you!!

[@LivingLchaim]

Thanks!!

[@louisedost8476]

This woman is beautiful all over ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤‼️Thank You!!!!Danke!!!❤❤❤

[@TheCommenterRabbi]

Very inspirational thank you for this episode!

[@lyalya8]

She looks Jewish, she acts Jewish,she speaks jewish, she is smart !!! SHE IS JEWISH !!!

[@natashagrunebaum9422]

I am finding some of the comments very sad. Don't want to turn a very interesting story into a heated debate. Out of respect for Suri I will refrain from responding to very narrow minded views. Respect is all that is needed when someone gives you their life story. It's not necessary to ask questions that are based on naivety.

[@______638]

people can ask whatever they want.

[@in5minutes556]

we need to embrace out black Jewish brothers and sisters. There should be no racism and hatred within our community

[@jmc8076]

@@in5minutes556 It has no place in our world if what we truly want is to live in peace with each other on this tiny planet. We’re all just human and have more in common then not incl 98.5-99% DNA.

[@StarvrosMitchell]

I really enjoyed this amazing story. Baruch HaShem!

[@tessajetta8146]

I’m following your guest. She’s epic!

[@elishevabarenbaum5319]

This is a great interview, with a lovely, inspiring lady. Unfortunately, some people in the comments are projecting their own prejudices about Ashkenazim and . It is normal for people to be curious when they see a stranger who is not from their community and who looks very different to them. Anyone who has travelled to countries with an ethnic majority different to them would know this. People stare at you, follow you and want to have their photo taken with you. It is not malicious, but simple curiousity. And btw, I am typical Ashkenazi, BT, and was also questioned by people when I ventured into their communities. This is normal.

[@efrainbrown1]

This channel has really got me more more interested in Judaism

[@stuartblaustein1199]

Suri, Loved your story, love your personality. Come Home: Israel is waiting for you. Wishing you all the best: may you meet your bashert!

[@shoshanakirya-ziraba8216]

Welcome to the tribe Sister ❤️ I love my Black, Jewish women around the world ✡️ 🕍 🇮🇱 🕎 Am Yisrael Chai

[@myopinions1]

She was never not in the tribe.

[@in5minutes556]

we need to embrace out black Jewish brothers and sisters. There should be no racism and hatred within our community

[@victoriagonzalez7968]

EPIC# What a beautiful conversation with this lovely lady, Sara! She brings me so much inspiration to continue to be myself no matter what religion, race, color or even gender. My father was dark skinned and mother is like latte mocha - like me and I always get looked at strangely even by my own christian community, so I don't go to church or belong to any religious entities! However, part of that reasoning is because I really wanted to get to know what Jesus was truly reading and speaking about. Thank you for sharing this wisdom with me! Also, I need the recipes ;-)

[@gdew9643]

Liked her energy, very positive lady. THanks.

[@sandrai3599]

Wow, Suri, you are such a wonderful person. I would love to meet you and be your friend. You give me inspiration to live like an Ehrlich yid. May Hashem grant you an easy life with brocha and hatzlocha!

[@kazirahman-bw7cn]

im bangladeshi origins from msjlim family but i was athiest all my life in spirit but now i find jewish religion interesting so i want to become jewish

[@greatballsoffire02]

Just so you know we don't look for converts, we discourage it. It's a big commitment, so people take years to learn and sometimes decide its not for them and some decide it is, and both is good. We just like education

[@MSW613]

The caption is very misleading. I thought she was a convert

[@alwaysfabulous399]

Be Jew it’s not about color but unfortunately some ignorant people think like that. They forgot about the mount of Sinai. But that lady…..She is really a strong woman, and she knows what she is really believe I respect her.

[@anonymousanonymous-qx7mv]

Beautiful woman, inside and out...bright too. Lets get a shidduch going....!

[@ManashantiiTheChristian]

I love you Suri as a Sister to Sister. I just watched your Andrew Gold interview and I have just ordered your book.❤ Thank you I am a Black lady half Jewish but Christian. Manashantii The Christian

[@saul2491]

There is no such thing as half Jewish. We only have 100% Jewish and 0% Jewish.

[@anonymousspeaking]

@@saul2491false, you can have a Jewish father and still be partially ethnically Jewish. According to Halacha they are considered “Zera Israel”. Although they aren’t Jewish according to Halacha, they are ethnically Jewish, they are part of the seed of Israel…and rabbis typically give encourage their conversion so they can return fully to the Jewish people both ethnically and under Jewish law. No one can decide who is a Jew except Hashem. ❤ whomever has a Jewish soul will return!

[@saul2491]

@anonymousspeaking if they convert they can be 100% jewish. Otherwise with no conversion or Jewish mother they are not Jewish. They are not half Jewish

[@anonymousspeaking]

@@saul2491 clearly you didn’t read the message above, they still have a Jewish bloodline, also the rabbis changed the the determination of who was Jewish by the mother in 200 CE due to all pogroms and sexual assaults made towards Jewish women. In the Torah it was always recorded by the father. It was later changed. All I’m saying is that they still have JEWISH BLOOD and are Zera Israel and they can convert if they want to be fully recognized under halacha. You can’t change genetics, they still have Jewish blood regardless of Halacha which was my main point. Take your hate elsewhere and educate yourself every rabbi knows this.

[@kongo289]

Thanks!

[@isagive]

Lots of love to you. You are very inspiring ... ❤️

[@mcdan2696]

Our mother is a reflection of G@d's love!

[@mcdan2696]

Amazing

[@springteen3743]

Jew is the one whom knows it and take responsibility. So she is definitely a Jew child of God. Beautiful. Very inspiring 😊

[@heshyk4043]

Epic show and interview with a wonderful person (Suri).

[@jeanjaz]

I've seen Suri in other interviews, and she seems tired in this one. I was surprised she didn't seem MORE tired in another interview when she mentioned the time difference. Like this one, she was in Holland and her interviewer was in the States. Epic!

[@freeman.7238]

What a wonderful lady, she should come to Israel. She will feel home here. Israel is much more colorful country. She is beautiful and lovely lady. Come home, come to Israel. I would love to help out her.

[@chanaglanstein4689]

At the beginning of the book "That Black Chasidishe Lady" it is written that all of the names were changed. This avoiding Lashon Horah or embarrassing anybody. In such an interview the interviewer should be more aware of the questions that he asks can cause the subject to say things that are damaging. Some things should be left alone as taboo subjects.

[@VioletACordy]

😊THANK YOU ~ YAAKOV AND THE HOSTS + PRODUCERS OF LIVING L’CHAIM ❤BLESS YOU FOR INVITIER SARA BRAUN (THE GORGEOUS BLACK JEWISH LADY ~ SINGER) ❤❤WE ENJOY ALL YOUR VIDEO INTERVIEWS IMMENSELY 🌈💥💥💥SHALOM TO YOU YAAKOV AND YOUR BELOVED FAMILY AND BRILLIANT TEAM ~ PRODUCERS ~ Violet (from Toronto and Australia) 🦚🌲🎄🎄🌳🦚🌳🐕🐕

[@Macsdaug]

I was taught that if your mother is Jewish, you are Jewish. But not if it’s the father.

[@zackslabs]

Lovely story. Mazeltov on your future barmitvahs. 3 wow

[@AMERICAFIRSTBOSS]

wow wow amazed hope she has a great life

[@tudormiller887]

Great video Sara. I too would like to become a Hasidic Jew, watching in the UK. ❤

[@juderickman8275]

Total respect

[@a.m204]

BARUCH HaShem. Very encouraging stories. I am coloured too. I am from Asia.

[@chodeshadar18]

I wonder if Suri knows my friend Rabbi Israel Francis of Brooklyn, NY? He's also black, and from Holland!

[@magicmusicproduction]

Epic video

[@cynthiakatz5451]

Epic!

[@hilamerhavi4752]

אתם לבושים באותו הצבע❤יהדות אינה גזע של גוף.אלא גזע של הנשמה❤❤❤חמודה,גם יהודיה וגם שחומה😂לא פשוט

[@healwithjaniele]

EPIC!!!

[@jmc8076]

Beautiful smile and smart lady.

[@batyaseguin6307]

What makes someone Hassidic besides just living in that community ? Day to day what is so different from a regular Orthodox observant Jew. She said she is told that she is Hassidic from regular Orthodox and hasidic s tell her she is regular Orthodox. So what does she do, believe, practice that makes her Hassidic.

[@raizyfried9014]

Very interesting! Thank you!

[@LivingAva]

🎉🎉🎉🎉😂 🎉 🎉🎉 ❤

[@aaronweiss8284]

Epic content!

[@0e0l7i]

Lovely Lady.

[@DJ-uk5mm]

Interesting how her Jewish great grandmother would discriminate on racial grounds against her own family when the Jews themselves were so heavily discriminated against by the Na-sis ….it fascinates me how this could be, but I guess the abused often become abusers …..still the mother did a great job with her daughter……… I wonder how many Orthodox Jews are racist today bearing in mind their heritage hopefully not too many ….. the Jews I’ve met are great … and wow. What a great attitude to life your guest has ….. 😊

[@pinchuschein6116]

Epic

[@dachyomi7808]

I wonder if the kid got shots at a very early stage, many parents delay and only do when the kids are feeling strong and not a few at the same time

[@s.l-b8t]

On you dont need to answering their question by the same one. Because you are uniq. Meny do not ask you if you are jewish, but all of them want to ask (only the people that can not resist from asking you)

[@yankeyd358]

Epic, loved it,

[@josephmauer2591]

Epic😍

[@migili21]

Funny she mentioned "Satmar" young women dress like old bobbe's but actually Satmar women actually dress the most fashionable and modern lol!

[@zephy0910]

Wouldn't it be more likely that the ostracism was because it was apparent that adultery was involved? I have listened to Suri and thank you for sharing your story.

[@theamparson6081]

Like to see Sara Braun prepare for the Shabbath at home.

[@DELRAYDISH]

No , she experienced so much anti semitism, and racism I’m the Netherlands , but her Neshuma told her who she is !

[@geulaMoshiachNow]

EPIC

[@Brainjoy01]

Suri is so beautiful. What a smile

[@NazirBrohi-ht3fr]

Great community ❤❤❤❤

[@bigdog4166]

Hey Living Lchaim I have a question If my mother converted to Judaism orthodoxly the correct way before getting married and giving birth to me would that make me Jewish.

[@greatballsoffire02]

If your mother is Jewish then you are Jewish too, so yes.

[@landmarklaw]

Yes

[@louisedost8476]

So true happy for 50 or 60 years! So true!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ ❤‼️

[@rogerdixon3677]

EPIC!❤❤

[@______638]

so if she's hasidim then that's a wig?

[@Nissa55574]

yes

[@sherrylawrencelewis2544]

Once you are married, it should be worn.

[@greatballsoffire02]

Yes in the chassidish community its normal to wear a wig even if you are divorced. Other communities will not wear a wig if they divorce

[@drnono3386]

♥

[@ofrarosa4511]

Epic Sara great lady

[@lizatab]

Jews❤

[@LivingLchaim]

Yes!

[@a.m204]

So beautiful.

[@LivingLchaim]

Thank you! 😊

[@feigyshtein1207]

EPIC!!!!!!!!!!