Boulder Jewish News Arts, Culture, Events, Lifestyles, Holidays, Synagogues, Education
Circle August 22 on your calendar! That’s the date that Leah Schiermeyer, author of “A Simple Twist of Faith,” will present the unexpected story of her midlife conversion from evangelical Christianity to Orthodox Judaism.
Leah was raised as a Missionary Baptist in rural Oklahoma. Evangelical Christian faith seemed to run in her blood. Following in the footsteps of her Baptist minister great-grandfather, her entire family had zealously embraced a Christian way of life. She was a Sunday school teacher and church pianist who married “a good Christian man” in 1984. Yet at the age of 37, Leah experienced an epiphany that would change her life forever.
Despite never having known religious Jews while growing up, she began exploring the Torah and listening to its wisdom, all the while encountering some life-altering events. She was diagnosed with cancer that she would fight off, and most surprisingly, gave birth to twins at the age of 40. Subsequently she and her husband converted to Judaism in 2004.
Come to the Boulder JCC on August 22 at 6:00 pm to hear Leah Schiermeyer discuss her spiritual journey. The $18 cost includes a copy of her book. No charge for admission of additional family members.
Chany Scheiner will give a special memorial tribute and reflection on the life of her father, Rabbi Gerson Chanowitz z”l, in whose memory the program is dedicated.
I heard Leah Schiermeyer speak in Denver and found her presentation moving and inspirational. To have her here in Boulder offers a great opportunity to those who haven't heard her story.
I have heard Leah speak and her talk was extremely moving. Her soft-spoken kindness is compelling and important. So glad the Boulder community will have a chance to hear her speak.
Leah's tenacity and faith combined with her poise as a speaker have inspired me. Happy to have her in Boulder!
I have heard Leah's presentation a few times and each time I find it more compelling! She is passionate about her Yiddishkeit and her story always brings me to tears. You will gain so much from hearing Leah's journey-be prepared to both laugh and cry…
Looking forward to hearing Leah speak! Her story is an inspiration to all about how to seek truth and redefine oneself in the midst of challenge.
In this day and age, it is indeed rare to find anyone seeking truth and meaning. It is particularly incredible to hear the stories of people who discover truth and meaning, decide to live that truth, even when it means turning your entire life and everythiing you have ever believed in completely upside down! It is one thing to change a belief, to start thinking in a different manner. It is quite another to take on a whole new lifestyle. Leah and her family demonstrate a conviction to principles that requires personal strength and integrity that are beyond inspiring.
Leah and Bob are an amazing couple with an amazing family. To hear Leah speak is well worth the drive and the time. I personally have needed a tissue or two. It is such a powerful story how they "choose" to become Jews with 3 of their children, it was not an overnight decision. She is a terrific, humorous speaker. Their level of faith in G-d, their strength in their convictions, Leah's kindness, tenderness and sensitivity and their dedication to G-d and their community — is an inspiration. I hope you attend in memory of Chany's Dad and in honor of Leah, Yedidya and their wonderful family.