1. I'm Not a Rabbi (I Just Play One on TV): Why I'm Making This Podcast

"I'm Not a Rabbi (I Just Play One on TV): Why I'm Making This Podcast"

Journey with the Jewla — Build your Jewish confidence. Strengthen heart, mind, and skill.

⭐ Episode Summary

Welcome to the very first episode of Journey with the Jewla, where we gently (and Jewishly) unpack why so many smart, capable, justice-loving Jewish women still feel like outsiders in their own tradition — and why it’s absolutely not their fault.

In this debut episode, Sabrina shares her own winding Jewish journey, explains why she’s stepping behind the mic, and shows you how Jewish time, ritual, and learning can become tools of confidence, connection, and continuity — not sources of shame or overwhelm.

If you’ve ever stood on the bimah whispering, “Wait, which way do I face?”
If you’ve ever prayed for subtitles during services…
If you’ve ever felt “not Jewish enough,” “not educated enough,” or just plain “not enough”…

…this episode is your welcome mat.

⭐ What We Cover in This Episode

🔹 Why this podcast exists (and who it’s for)

The Jewish women (and non-binary + men folk!) who want to feel connected, but are carrying years of mixed messages, mediocre teaching, or straight-up exclusion.

🔹 The “I’m not a rabbi” confession

Sabrina explains why she feels like she’s constantly playing the rabbi/cantor/gentle Jewish auntie role — even though she’s technically none of those things — and how that actually makes her exactly the right person to guide you.

🔹 The emotional reality of Jewish imposter syndrome

Why so many adults feel lost or intimidated during services, and what really creates that “I don’t belong here” feeling.

🔹 The beauty of Jewish time

How our ritual cycle invites us back again and again:
Shabbat → Rosh Chodesh → holidays → Torah cycle → return, return, return.

And why this rhythm makes Judaism a life-long practice, not a test you either pass or fail.

🔹 How Jewish confidence builds Jewish continuity

When you learn the blessings, understand the rituals, and finally feel at home in your own practice — your kids inherit something stronger, richer, and more joyful.

🔹 What this podcast will give you

Little Jew-spresso episodes to help you build:

✡️ Skill
🧠 Knowledge
💖 Confidence
🔥 Jewish joy

All with humour, warmth, and zero gatekeeping.

⭐ Why This Work Matters

Sabrina shares the moment she first put on a tallit — and how what started as awkwardness transformed into pride, belonging, and spiritual courage.

This podcast is her roadmap for giving you that same shift.

⭐ What Makes Journey with the Jewla Different

This isn’t:
❌ A rabbi’s lecture.
❌ A political roundtable.
❌ A guilt-fueled crash course in “Everything You Should Already Know.”

This is:
✔️ Jewish learning for actual humans with actual lives
✔️ A podcast for the mom packing lunches
✔️ The millennial wondering if she should maybe go to shul this year
✔️ The queer Jew who’s never felt fully included
✔️ Anyone ready to reclaim their tradition with humour and heart

All you need is curiosity — and maybe a little courage. The Jewla brings the rest.

⭐ Call to Action

If this episode made you feel seen (or even just giggled nervously at your own synagogue flashbacks), make sure to:

👉 Subscribe to the podcast

So you don’t miss your weekly Jew-spresso shot of courage and clarity.

👉 Follow Sabrina on socials

For wisdom, Torah tidbits, chanting tips, and plenty of Jewish humor.
Instagram: @chantingwithsabrina

⭐ Favorite Quotes from This Episode

“I’m not a rabbi. I just play one on TV… or at least on the bimah when the bubbies need help with the aliyah blessings.”
“If you’ve ever begged the universe for subtitles during services… you’re in the right place.”
“Jewish time doesn’t rush. It invites. It returns. It welcomes you back.”
“Jewish joy is resilience. Jewish confidence is continuity.”
“Every Jew deserves to feel at home in their Judaism. Maybe this podcast is your start.”

⭐ Resources Mentioned

The Jewish ritual cycle: Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh, holidays
Torah reading cycle and annual restart
Tallit, blessings, bimah basics
Emotional barriers to adult Jewish learning

⭐ About the Host

Sabrina Friedman (she/her) is a Jewish educator, b-mitzvah tutor, actor, and your NEW favourite Jewish hype-woman. She specializes in empowering adults (especially women of all genders!) to reclaim their Jewish literacy and step into ritual with confidence, ease, and joy.