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This is the Podcast home of TC Jewfolk's Who The Folk?! Podcast. Hear from interesting Members of the Tribe from all over the Minneapolis and St. Paul area.
Lonny Goldsmith (00:05)
Welcome to this week's Who the Folk Podcast. I'm Lonny Goldsmith, the editor of TC Jew Folk. It's a new Jewish year with new intro music for the podcast and a new coworker to introduce to the community. This week I am thrilled to talk to Sophie Homberger, Jewfolk's audience growth and engagement editor. We talk about reintegrating into the Jewish community here in the Twin Cities post-college.
Lonny Goldsmith (00:28)
What life was like on a college campus in the aftermath of october seventh, and what types of stories she's looking forward to covering on this week's Who the Folk podcast.
Lonny Goldsmith (00:37)
But before we hear from Sophie, this week's episode is sponsored by readers and listeners like you who keep independent Jewish media thriving across Minnesota. Think about the stories that bring our community together, the local voices amplified, the connections forged, and the local reporting you rely on every day.
Lonny Goldsmith (00:55)
Behind Jewfolk Inc., there's a dedicated group of leaders helping guide our vision, growth, and sustainability. These are passionate community members who stepped up to serve on our board of directors. If you are ready to leverage your skills to support our mission through expertise in strategy, fundraising, technology, or simply a deep love for local Jewish journalism, you can support the work this organization does. Join us and help shape the future of Jewfolk. Visit our website at tcjewfolk.com to learn more.
Lonny Goldsmith (01:24)
And inquire today by reaching out to CEO Libby Parker at Libby@Jewfolk.com.
Lonny Goldsmith (01:32)
Sophie Homberger, welcome to the Who the Folk podcast. Thank you for joining me. Thank you for having me. I'm excited to be too. Very excited to get to talk to you. You are my new coworker. I am. which is great. You are the audience growth and engagement editor here at Jewfolk And you are a recent grad from George Washington. how did you find your way
Inperson participant 1 (01:32)
Sophie Homberger, welcome to the Who the Folk podcast. Thank you for joining me. Thank you for having me. I'm excited to be here. Very excited to get to talk to you. You are my new coworker. I am. Which is great. You are the audience growth and engagement editor here at Cube Folk. And you are a recent grad from George Washington. how did you find your way?
Lonny Goldsmith (01:53)
back home to Minnesota and and into this opportunity.
Inperson participant 1 (01:53)
Back home to Minnesota and and into this opportunity.
Inperson participant 1 (01:58)
Yeah. so obviously moving back home post grad is very appealing. Just, you know, living at home, being close to family when I was far away for so long. So I was always kind of looking at Minnesota as an opportunity. Also D C is just so expensive. So I've heard. I heard it is oppressively
Lonny Goldsmith (02:16)
I've so I've heard. I've heard it is oppressively
Lonny Goldsmith (02:18)
expensive, especially for a new grad.
Inperson participant 1 (02:19)
especially for a a new grad.
Inperson participant 1 (02:22)
Exactly. So it wasn't necessarily what I was looking for right now. Yeah.
Lonny Goldsmith (02:26)
Yeah.
Inperson participant 1 (02:28)
so I was kind of referred to this position and, you know, I didn't think of it 'cause I studied politics and criminal justice. I was not a journalist.
Lonny Goldsmith (02:39)
Yes.
Inperson participant 1 (02:40)
I dabbled in some media classes, but I was like, no, like why would I apply for a journalist job, you know?
Inperson participant 1 (02:48)
And here I am. I took a risk and I'm here. And you know, it it helps that you can write. Not everybody can, even if it's not what you know, sort of coach you up on the journalism piece of it. But you know, at least having some ability to string sentences together helps. Yeah, that does help. And underrated
Lonny Goldsmith (02:53)
And you know, it it helps that you can write. Not everybody can, even if it's not l you know, it sort of w coach you up on the journalism piece of it, but you know, at least having some ability to string sentences together helps. And underrated
Lonny Goldsmith (03:14)
underrated skill. Not everybody has it.
Inperson participant 1 (03:14)
No,
Inperson participant 1 (03:18)
not nowadays. No, don't don't don't take that for granted. As you've settled in, what's the I mean and this is also a big job because it's like your first job post-grad. What's what is that experience like because it's so many things happening at once. It's graduating, it's moving home.
Lonny Goldsmith (03:19)
No, don't don't don't take that for granted. As you've settled in, what's the I mean, and this is also a big job because it's like your first job post grad. What's what is that experience like? Because it's so many things happening at once. It's graduating, it's moving home.
Lonny Goldsmith (03:37)
It's the pressure of trying to find the right kind of opportunity. What's what what is all what was all of that like for you at the early summer as you were getting to this to this stage?
Inperson participant 1 (03:37)
It's the pressure of trying to find the right kind of opportunity. What's what what is all what was all of that like for you in the early summer as you were getting to this stage?
Inperson participant 1 (03:48)
I was originally very stressed because
Lonny Goldsmith (03:50)
Mm-hmm.
Inperson participant 1 (03:51)
obviously like it's a ha a hard job market right now, and I know I'm not the only one of my peers who is struggling with that. A lot of my friends actually
Lonny Goldsmith (04:01)
Right.
Inperson participant 1 (04:01)
went back to school because they couldn't find a job.
Inperson participant 1 (04:06)
But, you know, I'm very fortunate that I had this opportunity and, you know, that I was that it was pointed out to me. what I will say is it is still a big adjustment. You know, I've been in school for I don't even know how long, like my entire life. Like that's what
Lonny Goldsmith (04:25)
Yeah.
Inperson participant 1 (04:26)
it's been. This is my first time not being in school.
Inperson participant 1 (04:31)
And I think I, you know, it was I'm feeling the that now. Now that everybody's back at school, I do feel that. It's a tough adjustment to me, I think, and again, long time ago for me. But I think the biggest adjustment what when you start working in that first job is that there's sort of the the regimenting of your day.
Lonny Goldsmith (04:42)
And again, long time ago for me, but I think the biggest adjustment wa when start working in that first job is that there's sort of the the regimenting of your day
Inperson participant 1 (04:58)
And the schedule and how everything sort of works is very different than when it you were in college. Yeah. You don't
Lonny Goldsmith (04:58)
and the schedule and how everything sort of works is very different than when it you were in college. You don't
Inperson participant 1 (05:07)
there's a degree here in which you get to pick and choose like you know how much you work in a certain day depending on coverage of stuff and whatever, but it's also a challenge, you know, sometimes it it's just it pres it provides different challenges. Correct than than the school, you know.
Lonny Goldsmith (05:07)
there's a degree here in which you get to pick and choose like you know, how much you work in a certain day depending on coverage of stuff and whatever. But it's also a challenge, you know, sometimes it it's just it pres it provides different challenges than than the school, you
Lonny Goldsmith (05:27)
know, I have a, you know
Inperson participant 1 (05:28)
I have a, you know,
Inperson participant 1 (05:30)
eight o'clock class these three days, but then I have a nine forty-five or ten o'clock class on these other two days. And how you sort of build your schedule is is a little bit different. Yes, it is. Has that been the toughest adjustment piece?
Lonny Goldsmith (05:30)
eight o'clock class these three days, but then I have nine forty five or a ten o'clock class on these other two days and how you sort of build your schedule is is a little bit different. Has that been the toughest adjustment piece?
Inperson participant 1 (05:47)
like it's defin I wouldn't say it's
Lonny Goldsmith (05:48)
It's definitely
Inperson participant 1 (05:49)
the toughest adjustment piece. Like for me that would be like
Inperson participant 1 (05:54)
Living at home. I love my I love my family. It's just, you know, I went from living by myself for four years or like with
Lonny Goldsmith (05:56)
I love my family, it's just you know I went from women by myself for four years
Inperson participant 1 (06:01)
just friends or whatever, to now being back under like
Inperson participant 1 (06:05)
the same roof as like my family, which is just different. It's not a bad thing. It's just different. But in terms of work, I think it's like especially going to school in DC, it's such a work hard environment. And it's like you're expected to take classes and extracurriculars and have an internship. So it was like I went from being
Lonny Goldsmith (06:08)
Which is just different. Yeah, I think different. But in terms of work, I think it's like especially going to school in D C is such a work hard environment. And it's to take classes and extracurriculars and have an internship. So it was like I went from the
Inperson participant 1 (06:25)
like out of my house from like seven to seven every day of the week. Wow.
Lonny Goldsmith (06:28)
seven every day of the week. Wow.
Lonny Goldsmith (06:31)
So like still have work to do, but it's a like you said, it's a different Right. Right. Balancing the day, balancing the sort of the the ins and outs of a schedule is is different. Yeah. for sure. What was what was the experience like living in D C because as you said, I mean, cost stuff aside, you're a student, it's
Inperson participant 1 (06:31)
To like now it's like not I still have work to do, but it's a diff like you said it's a different schedule. Right. Balancing the day, balancing the sort of the the ins and outs of the schedule is is different. Yeah. for sure. What was what was the experience like living in DC? Because as you said, I mean, cross step aside, you're a student, it's
Inperson participant 1 (06:52)
a little bit different, different of pressures. But it is a very pressurized environment to to live in a a college student.
Lonny Goldsmith (06:52)
a little bit different, different sort of pressures, but it is a very pressurized environment to to live in a college student, right? Yeah, it was not a
Inperson participant 1 (07:00)
Yeah, it was not a traditional college experience
Lonny Goldsmith (07:01)
traditional college experience.
Inperson participant 1 (07:03)
that you would think about like the football games and like the
Lonny Goldsmith (07:05)
Okay, so my
Inperson participant 1 (07:07)
parties and whatnot. Like it was it was my
Lonny Goldsmith (07:09)
Yeah.
Inperson participant 1 (07:10)
like everyone there was very, very career oriented and focused, which has its benefits but also has its drawbacks. So like, you know, I would always joke like everyone at my school thinks they're gonna be the next president of the United States. Like that was the that was the environment of my school. It was very, very worried.
Lonny Goldsmith (07:16)
Sure. So like, you know, I would always joke, like, everyone in my school thinks they're gonna be the next president of the United States. Like that would be that was the environment of my school. It was very, very work
Inperson participant 1 (07:29)
Yeah.
Lonny Goldsmith (07:30)
hard. Yeah. Not that much of a joke, I'll bet. I mean I think a lot of people really did sort of take themselves that seriously, right? Yeah, they still do. Really? Like
Inperson participant 1 (07:31)
Not that much of a joke, I'll bet. I mean I think a lot of people really did sort of take themselves that seriously, right? Yeah, they still do. Really? Like,
Inperson participant 1 (07:38)
yeah, I mean
Inperson participant 1 (07:41)
It's you go to DC because in whether you're s actually studying politics or not, there is some interest
Lonny Goldsmith (07:41)
It's you go to D C because in whether you're s actually studying politics or not, there is some
Inperson participant 1 (07:49)
in the political world is what I learned. Even if
Lonny Goldsmith (07:51)
Is what I learned.
Inperson participant 1 (07:52)
you're taking business or like sports management, like you still have some interest in politics. Like you're
Lonny Goldsmith (07:56)
Interest in politics.
Inperson participant 1 (07:58)
aware of what's happening. You can't be in D C and not be aware of what's happening. And there isn't because even if it's you know, even if it's even if it's a non political field, there's something inherently
Lonny Goldsmith (08:02)
And there isn't a because even if it's, you know, even if it's an like you said, even if it's a non political field, there's something inherently
Lonny Goldsmith (08:10)
political just about the atmosphere because of where you are.
Inperson participant 1 (08:11)
political than just
Inperson participant 1 (08:14)
about the atmosphere because think about it like you could be studying medicine and yes like medicine gets politicized but obviously when you're in DC where all the major healthcare decisions are being made it's hard to not even if you're not interested in studying like politics of health, it's still gonna impact you in some capacity. Sure. And because it's I mean healthcare is gonna affect
Lonny Goldsmith (08:29)
Still gonna you in some capacity. Sure. And because it's I mean, healthcare is gonna affect
Lonny Goldsmith (08:35)
you anyway because it's healthcare and that's right.
Inperson participant 1 (08:35)
Anyway, because it's healthcare. Right. But like it doesn't matter what field
Inperson participant 1 (08:39)
you're in, like when the decision when you're in the city where the biggest decisions are being made, you're gonna feel that. That's true. That's fair. What was the draw to DC for you
Lonny Goldsmith (08:45)
That's true. That's fair. What was the draw to D C for you then? Well
Inperson participant 1 (08:50)
though? Well, so when I went into college, I wanted to study politics. That was like I actually
Lonny Goldsmith (08:53)
Okay.
Inperson participant 1 (08:55)
like in high school did had a bill in the Minnesota State Legislature here. Really?
Lonny Goldsmith (09:00)
Really?
Inperson participant 1 (09:00)
Yeah. On improving Title Nine education in schools.
Lonny Goldsmith (09:04)
fascinating.
Inperson participant 1 (09:05)
Yeah, so
Inperson participant 1 (09:07)
I had always been interested in politics and I always like I actually joked in
Lonny Goldsmith (09:09)
In politics or race, like I actually joked in.
Inperson participant 1 (09:12)
my essay to GW that I first became interested when I watched Scandal. which Kerry Washington is a GW alum. but yeah. so I went there,
Lonny Goldsmith (09:19)
Sure. interesting. Okay. so I went through
Inperson participant 1 (09:23)
I was interested in politics. I got there and while I still liked politics, I
Inperson participant 1 (09:29)
You know, I learned that I also liked criminal justice and that DC is equally a good place to be for that, which I never really
Lonny Goldsmith (09:36)
Mm-hmm.
Inperson participant 1 (09:37)
thought about because it's just everyone talks about politics when they talk about DC. Right. But all the like major
Lonny Goldsmith (09:41)
Right.
Inperson participant 1 (09:42)
like law enforcement agencies based in DC. Yeah. Well, that's very true.
Lonny Goldsmith (09:46)
Yeah. that's very true.
Lonny Goldsmith (09:49)
so was a career in law enforcement, not that I'm trying to talk you out of journalism, because you're doing excellent, but was there or is there still an appeal to go the law enforcement route or something in the criminal justice field?
Inperson participant 1 (09:50)
So career in law enforcement. Not that I'm trying to talk yet journalism, because you're doing excellent. But was there or is there still an appeal to go the law enforcement route or something in the criminal justice field?
Inperson participant 1 (10:04)
potentially. So my last semester of college I did an internship with the Washington DC Police Department. Really enjoyed it.
Inperson participant 1 (10:16)
I got to do a lot of the desk work, which is like I would never like go kicking down doors. Like
Lonny Goldsmith (10:21)
Hello!
Inperson participant 1 (10:21)
that's not who I am. But
Lonny Goldsmith (10:24)
Right.
Inperson participant 1 (10:24)
I liked the like kind of puzzle of like, okay, you're looking at the pings on this phone for when a crime happens, like the kind of puzzle of it. Yeah. I've always liked puzzles. So
Lonny Goldsmith (10:33)
Yeah. I've always liked puzzles. Okay.
Inperson participant 1 (10:36)
that's something I could see myself doing. I've actually had a lot of conversations with my mom about this.
Lonny Goldsmith (10:41)
Okay.
Inperson participant 1 (10:42)
And her whole thing is like, you know, what you like at twenty or twenty-two years old might not be what you wanna do when you have a family and like settle down and you know, a career in law enforcement is you see the worst of the worst. Yeah.
Lonny Goldsmith (10:53)
Yeah.
Inperson participant 1 (10:54)
However
Inperson participant 1 (10:55)
Now that I've started this job, maybe I would pursue like an investigative journalist career and like reporting on crime rather than like attacking it head on. So like I'm very open to like possibilities of maybe and taking what I'm doing here as a potential for my future. Which is good again, not trying to chase you out here. Yeah. By any means. So it's been a few months since you started at this point. And
Lonny Goldsmith (11:11)
Sure. Which g again, not trying to chase you out of here by any means. So it's been a few months since you started, at this point. And
Lonny Goldsmith (11:23)
I sort of thought instead of throwing you into the who the folk before you'd really, you know
Inperson participant 1 (11:23)
I sort of thought instead of throwing you into the foot before you really, you know,
Inperson participant 1 (11:28)
learn how to log into the system and your email maybe let me get your feet wet for a little while. How has how is the adjustment to not just like the first job, but also the first postgrad job in a totally almost foreign career that a path you didn't quite see? How is how is that adjustment going?
Lonny Goldsmith (11:28)
learned how to log into the system and check your email, maybe let you get your feet wet for a little while. How has how is the adjustment to not just like the first job, but also the first post grad job in a totally almost foreign career? Like a path you didn't quite see. How is how is that adjustment going?
Inperson participant 1 (11:49)
I think well. I mean, like we talked about at the beginning, like I've always enjoyed writing. Journalistic
Lonny Goldsmith (11:54)
Yeah.
Inperson participant 1 (11:55)
writing was never what I was taught, but so I definitely had to learn it. And I put in the work and the effort to learn it. And like obviously every time I write an article, like I'm improving, I'm getting better. that's just like naturally how it works. you know, I think it's I've come into it with a very open mind. And I think
Inperson participant 1 (12:17)
what I've learned a lot skill wise that I'm gonna be able to use in whatever I do in the rest of my life just because like you need to know how to write. Yes. And
Lonny Goldsmith (12:25)
Yes. And
Inperson participant 1 (12:28)
you know, also not a lot of people can tell a story nowadays. And that's also I think a really important skill I'm learning. So that the new style
Lonny Goldsmith (12:36)
So the the new south?
Inperson participant 1 (12:38)
of writing has been an adjustment, but I'm trying to have that positive mindset of like what I'm learning from it. That's awesome.
Lonny Goldsmith (12:44)
That's awesome.
Lonny Goldsmith (12:46)
And yes, there there have been improvements. It it is the the natural course of of the thing. I I I feel like I still, you know, been doing this a long time. I still feel like I'm getting better. I still have feel like I have things to learn. I still have to cover things that I don't really wanna cover, but sometimes that's right. Sometimes you gotta write about the things
Inperson participant 1 (12:46)
And yes, there there have been improvements. It is the the natural course of of the thing. I I I feel like I still, you know, been doing this a long time. I still feel like I'm getting better. I still have feel like I have things to learn. Yeah. I still have to cover things that I don't really wanna cover. But yeah. Sometimes it's how the cookie crumbles. That's right. Sometimes you gotta write about the
Lonny Goldsmith (13:10)
you don't wanna have to write about.
Inperson participant 1 (13:13)
Right. Yeah,
Inperson participant 1 (13:14)
that's definitely part of it. I mean and I think there's been a lot in the last few years. you know the as the the cliche goes, the Jewish community is not a monolith. So there's a lot of things a lot of people who aren't necessarily going to agree with all the things we have to write about. Correct. But that's sorta how it goes. Yeah. Unfortunately for better or worse. Yes, that is.
Lonny Goldsmith (13:15)
I mean, and I think there's been a lot in the last few years. you know, the as the the cliche goes, the Jewish community is not a monolith. So there's a lot of things, a lot of people who aren't necessarily going to agree with all the things we have to write about in the way we cover the community, but that's sorta how it goes. Unfortunately, for better or worse.
Inperson participant 1 (13:42)
so
Lonny Goldsmith (13:42)
so
Inperson participant 1 (13:43)
as you sort of continue to to settle in, I've been doing this ten years. I don't know if I totally feel settled in. So no no pressure, you know, there's no pressure for you to get there or anything. What's the is there something you're looking forward to to covering or wanting to sort of tackle as you dive into
Lonny Goldsmith (13:44)
As you sort of continue to to settle in, I've been doing this ten years. I don't know if I totally feel settled in. So no no pressure, you know, there's no pressure for you to get there or anything. What's the w is there something you're looking forward to to covering or wanting to sort of tackle as you dive into the
Lonny Goldsmith (14:05)
community?
Inperson participant 1 (14:06)
So although I left Washington DC, the Washington DC is always gonna be in me in some capacity. So I really like covering political events and things happening politically within the Jewish community. So I've done some of that coverage already. That's something I'd obviously like to continue to do just because like can't take the politics out so of me. Like it's been ingrained in my life. So definitely
Lonny Goldsmith (14:27)
Nope, understand that, yes.
Inperson participant 1 (14:31)
like wanna continue covering.
Inperson participant 1 (14:34)
those type of events. And you know, I think in my experience, at least on a college campus, so this is different. But
Lonny Goldsmith (14:43)
Yeah.
Inperson participant 1 (14:44)
sometimes it felt like not everybody knew it was happening all the time. Just because like when one group's hearing about one thing, that doesn't mean another group like you said, we're not a monolith. Like there's different so
Inperson participant 1 (14:56)
I think it's a good way to get coverage and make sure that everyone's hearing what needs to be heard. And then there's the assumption that everybody knows everything that's going on. Right, exactly. It's just so clearly not the case. That's just not how these things work. Right. it'd be nice if we did it. But Yeah, and make our lives easier. So You're not kidding. Make it so much easier. But that's just also it's not how it works. No. As much as we'd like it to.
Lonny Goldsmith (15:01)
And I think there's the assumption that everybody knows everything that's going on. And that's just so clearly not the case. That's just not how these things work. Right. it'd be nice if it did. But it was so God. You're not kidding. It makes it so much easier. But that's just also that's not how it works as much as we'd like it to.
Lonny Goldsmith (15:26)
Yeah.
Inperson participant 1 (15:26)
Yeah.
Lonny Goldsmith (15:28)
that's not how it goes. So
Inperson participant 1 (15:29)
Right.
Inperson participant 1 (15:30)
Yep. It's it's talking about the hard stuff, informing people and
Lonny Goldsmith (15:30)
Yep, it's it's talking about the hard stuff and informing people and
Lonny Goldsmith (15:35)
you know, collecting sources and talking to people at the Capitol and the politicians and their staffs and just trying to figure out the way to best way to tell the story. But look, it'll be great to it is fascinating covering the you know, as we're talking about politics to cover the inner workings of what's going on at the legislative session and
Inperson participant 1 (15:37)
Talking to people at the Capitol and politicians and their staffs and just trying to figure out the way to the best way to tell the story. Yeah. But look, it'll be great to it is fascinating covering the you know we're talking about politics to cover the inner workings of what's going on at the legislative session. Yeah and
Lonny Goldsmith (16:00)
how the Jewish candidates fare in November and
Inperson participant 1 (16:00)
how the Jewish candidates fare in November at
Lonny Goldsmith (16:04)
that's fun stuff to r get to write about. Yeah. So I've always enjoyed political writing too. I am always up late on election night. So I'm happy to hand off some of that writing and or at least get some help with it as much as I So yeah. It takes a team to do that type of writing. It really does. and obviously the
Inperson participant 1 (16:04)
That's fun stuff to r gets written on. Yeah. So I'm excited. I've always enjoyed political writing too. I'm always up late on election night. So happy to turn off some of that writing and at least get some help with it. Yeah. It takes a team to do that type of writing. It really does. and obviously the
Inperson participant 1 (16:27)
political landscape is interesting.
Lonny Goldsmith (16:27)
political landscape is interesting.
Lonny Goldsmith (16:30)
Yeah. Shall we say right now? to use Minnesota. The Minnesota the Minnesota meeting of it of interesting. Yes. Very much so.
Inperson participant 1 (16:30)
Yeah. You have to navigate it. Shall we say right now, to use Minnesota? The Minnesota the Minnesota meeting of it of interest. Yes. The Minnesota meeting, yes. Very much so.
Inperson participant 1 (16:42)
So obviously covering the Jewish community it helped helps me that you are a part of the Jewish community. Active in the Jewish community, you're active in in D C and George Washington. What's it like obviously the last time you were here was like BBYO But
Lonny Goldsmith (16:42)
So obviously covering the Jewish community it helped helps me that you are a part of the Jewish community. You grew up active in the Jewish community, you were active in in D C at George Washington. What's it like? Obviously the last time you were here was like BBYO but
Inperson participant 1 (17:02)
It was you know, youth group and JSU at Minnetonka High School and now it's as a professional. In between, what was sort of your Jewish journey in D C and what's it been like to the community back
Lonny Goldsmith (17:02)
It was, you know, youth group and JSU at Minnetonka High School, and now it's as a professional. In between, what was sort of your Jewish journey in DC and what's it been like navigating the community back here?
Inperson participant 1 (17:14)
here?
Inperson participant 1 (17:15)
My Judaism and like has always been very important to me in being involved in a Jewish community. You know, I went to Minnetonka High School. At the time, there were not a lot of Jewish students. I know that's changed now, but when I was there, that wasn't the case. So you know, it was always important
Lonny Goldsmith (17:26)
A lot, yeah. When was there that wasn't the case. So you know, it was always important to
Inperson participant 1 (17:33)
to me to have my Jewish friends because I didn't have that same outlet at school that like my sister has, for example, now.
Lonny Goldsmith (17:36)
same outlet at school that like my sister has for example now. Right.
Inperson participant 1 (17:43)
So
Lonny Goldsmith (17:43)
so
Inperson participant 1 (17:44)
I always knew it was important to me, but when I went to college, like that wasn't my thing. You know, like I was just like, I wanna meet new people and like, you know, GW, which people don't know this, it's ranked number two on Hillel's top sixty of private universities in terms of Jewish student population. I had no idea.
Lonny Goldsmith (17:58)
Really? I had no idea.
Inperson participant 1 (17:59)
It just marked up above Tulane, which is crazy. Right? Yeah.
Lonny Goldsmith (18:03)
That's crazy.
Inperson participant 1 (18:05)
Obviously it's like based on participation, so it's still kinda give or take, but like
Lonny Goldsmith (18:08)
Yeah.
Inperson participant 1 (18:09)
you know, to when I went to school and every other person was Jewish, it wasn't like not as important, but it wasn't a priority necessarily that I was like, I need this and
Lonny Goldsmith (18:19)
Mm-hmm.
Inperson participant 1 (18:20)
then October seventh happened.
Inperson participant 1 (18:22)
And I think that's the same story of every college kid. A lot of them, yeah.
Lonny Goldsmith (18:25)
A lot of yeah.
Inperson participant 1 (18:27)
Lost a lot of friends, and that's what I real that's like kind of when it became more of like a fight. Like I was like, okay, now is the time to get active, to get involved. So I joined a Jewish sorority. I started Jewish on campus chapter at my school, which is a national organization, which I'm also a part of, and then I helped start it at my school.
Lonny Goldsmith (18:50)
Okay.
Inperson participant 1 (18:51)
and then I ended up
Inperson participant 1 (18:52)
Up also working for administration and creating a Jewish student coalition where Jewish students could give direct feedback to administration on what was happening on campus. That's amazing. Yeah. So
Lonny Goldsmith (19:01)
that's amazing. Yeah. So
Inperson participant 1 (19:03)
I got very involved in obviously then Chabad, Hillel, like the typical. But and I think the I am curious, the DC angle to everything.
Lonny Goldsmith (19:08)
Yeah. And I think the I am curious the DC angle to everything
Lonny Goldsmith (19:17)
everything gets over politicized because it's in DC. Did being a Jewish student on that campus also become hyper politicized, especially post October seventh? Okay.
Inperson participant 1 (19:18)
Everything gets over politicized because it's in DC. Did being a Jewish student on that campus also become hyper politicized, especially post Dr. Rosetta? Mm-hmm. Okay.
Inperson participant 1 (19:27)
Yeah. I mean what I always said, you have a very interesting mix. Like being honest, and this has like nothing to do with like my personal politics, but GW is just a very left-leaning school. It is,
Lonny Goldsmith (19:35)
W is just a very bad leaning school.
Inperson participant 1 (19:38)
like naturally. But then it's also one of the most Jewish schools.
Inperson participant 1 (19:42)
And the country. Yeah. So it was a
Lonny Goldsmith (19:43)
Yeah.
Inperson participant 1 (19:44)
very weird mix of what was going on there. I think at least my sophomore year, it felt very divided. Like it it wasn't like this, but it literally felt like you could stand on a room and it was like the Jews were on this side and the non-Jews were on that side. And it was like that's it, it was like people just assume that because you're Jewish, like
Inperson participant 1 (20:02)
They knew where you stood. Like I had friends who were spit at for wearing their Star of David. Like just walking down the street, like pushed down for just wearing a Star of David necklace Like so yes, it became very politicized. that's crazy. Yeah. Was it GW I know I'm pretty this happened at GW where there were some buildings that Yeah, the library, the projections. Yep, that was GW. I was there. fine. Yeah, that was great. Yeah.
Lonny Goldsmith (20:12)
Yes, it became very polarized. that's crazy. Yeah. Was it G du I know I'm pretty sure this happened to GW where there were some buildings that the library constructed? Yeah. Yeah, that was GW. Okay. fun. Yeah, that's great.
Inperson participant 1 (20:28)
That was at my school.
Lonny Goldsmith (20:31)
How did you navigate that? Because I know like I have a college senior and a high school senior right now. And so navigating the each of them navigated that time in different ways. And
Inperson participant 1 (20:31)
How do you navigate that? 'Cause I know like I have a college senior and a high school senior right now. And so navigating each of them navigated that time in different ways.
Lonny Goldsmith (20:44)
my oldest student really have to navigate it at their school because it's a really small Jewish population. And but there were no counter protests. There was no like counter anything. I think students just sort of went about their day to day. A high school student was a
Inperson participant 1 (20:46)
To navigate it at their school because it's a really small Jewish population. And but there were no counter-protests, there was no like counter anything. Students just sort of went about their day to day. A high school student who's a
Inperson participant 1 (21:01)
little bit different to navigate. how did you sort of find that? Like you could have made the choice to just not get involved also. But you sort of went the other way and got like hyper.
Lonny Goldsmith (21:01)
little bit different to navigate. how did you sort of f find that? Like you could have made the choice to just not get involved also, but you sort of went the other way and got like hyper involved.
Inperson participant 1 (21:16)
So I'm not gonna sit here and pretend like I was like some r when it first happened I was very down. Yeah. I
Lonny Goldsmith (21:25)
Yeah.
Inperson participant 1 (21:25)
was really struggling. I was scared to even leave my room. Like
Inperson participant 1 (21:30)
I also had, you know, I have family in Israel. My cousin was called off reserves. Like it was also just beyond what was happening at my school, an intense time for me and my family. also
Lonny Goldsmith (21:40)
Yeah.
Inperson participant 1 (21:42)
having known people who were also killed in the massacre. so I was struggling
Lonny Goldsmith (21:46)
I was struck.
Inperson participant 1 (21:47)
personally, but when I kind of got over my own personal struggle with it, I was like, okay,
Inperson participant 1 (21:53)
I need to get involved
Lonny Goldsmith (21:53)
I need to get involved.
Inperson participant 1 (21:54)
because I felt that a big part of what was happening on my campus was the lack of conversation between the two groups when honestly like there was a lot that both groups probably could agree on. Yeah. It was just the loud voices were loud. yeah. And that's how it still is. I mean in so many aspects of life that is.
Lonny Goldsmith (22:05)
Yeah. was just loud voices were loud. yeah. And that's how it still is. I think of supply.
Inperson participant 1 (22:12)
So I was like, I could
Lonny Goldsmith (22:12)
So I was like I
Inperson participant 1 (22:15)
sit here and, you know, there was kids in my school who went on the news and they like did all the stuff. And I was like, okay, like, yeah, like you're getting the word out, but what's really gonna happen is change from within. Like that is what is gonna help. So again, that's why I went for administration. Like I was helping like reform or like policy, like creating time, place and manner
Lonny Goldsmith (22:34)
Like creating target.
Inperson participant 1 (22:35)
and like
Inperson participant 1 (22:36)
kind of giving them feedback on those policies and
Lonny Goldsmith (22:37)
Giving them feedback on those policies and
Inperson participant 1 (22:39)
things like that was really what was gonna do the change, in my opinion. Obviously if so much of that can time. Yes. It is not easy to have those things manifest themselves particularly speedy. Right. Did you feel okay with how it proceeded?
Lonny Goldsmith (22:46)
Obviously so much of that can take time. It is not easy to have those things sort of manifest themselves particularly speedy. Did you feel okay with how it proceeded?
Inperson participant 1 (23:01)
It's interesting because I started my work with administration my last year of school. Okay.
Lonny Goldsmith (23:05)
Okay.
Inperson participant 1 (23:06)
So that was post encampments, post everything on my campus. Right. That was my sophomore year. My sophomore year. So No, your last year of twenty five. yeah, fall of twenty five, yeah. So your sophomore year was when you were a sophomore i on October seventh. Yes.
Lonny Goldsmith (23:10)
Right. So that would have been fall of twenty five. My sophomore year was fine No, no, y your last year was fall of twenty five. So your sophomore year was when you were a sophomore in i on October seventh when it happened. Okay.
Inperson participant 1 (23:23)
Okay. So from my standpoint, it
Inperson participant 1 (23:27)
At first felt like the administration wasn't doing enough to protect their Jewish students on campus. I still think there was some truth to that. No administration is perfect. However, what I didn't realize until I started working for administration is our encampments went on for about a month. Okay.
Lonny Goldsmith (23:44)
Okay.
Inperson participant 1 (23:46)
And the reason they went on so long at my school is because they moved to the street, which is public.
Inperson participant 1 (23:53)
property. It's DC property, it's not GW property. Right. So although
Lonny Goldsmith (23:55)
properties, but GW properties. Right.
Inperson participant 1 (23:57)
they were on the streets in GW campus, it was the DC of mayor's problem. GW had their hands tied, there was nothing they could do. So for example, like you didn't realize that because it's on your campus, you're like, why is an administration doing anything? Well they physically couldn't. Right.
Lonny Goldsmith (24:11)
Right. Right.
Inperson participant 1 (24:13)
And when they could, they did. So it's like those type of like nuances that like I didn't really get to see until I was like doing the work that I did.
Lonny Goldsmith (24:21)
Yeah.
Lonny Goldsmith (24:22)
And it's complicated to understand all of the nuance around how those kind of restrictions can work and not work, frankly, for that matter. It it's hard to know. And that's I mean, I always say the best part of my job is that I get to ask
Inperson participant 1 (24:22)
And it's complicated to understand all of the nuance around how those kind of restrictions can work. And not work, frankly, for matter. It's hard to know and that's I mean I always say the best part of my job is that I get to ask
Lonny Goldsmith (24:43)
usually really smart
Inperson participant 1 (24:43)
usually really smart.
Lonny Goldsmith (24:44)
people questions and they get to teach me stuff and then I get to make sense of it for everyone else to read. And that's that remains the case. That has always been, I think, one of my favorite parts of being a journalist. And I think in these last few years that has become even more important that I can talk to people and understand the legal side and how those pieces work and how the policy stuff works. And it's
Inperson participant 1 (24:46)
Teach stuff and then I get to make sense of it for everyone else or read it. And that's that remains the case. That has always been, I think, one of my favorite parts of being a journalist. And I think in these last few years that has become even more important that I can talk to people and understand the legal side and how those pieces work and how the policy stuff works. And it's
Inperson participant 1 (25:13)
it's really helpful to get to know those things.
Lonny Goldsmith (25:13)
It's really helpful to get to know those things
Lonny Goldsmith (25:15)
so that it can be better explained to a broader audience. 'Cause I don't take it it's so nuanced and often so in the weeds. It helps to have other people to talk to about it.
Inperson participant 1 (25:15)
so that it can be better explained to a broader audience. Because I don't take it's so nuanced and often so ill. It helps to have other people to talk to you about it.
Inperson participant 1 (25:30)
Right. And like again, like it was about engaging in tough conversations. Yeah.
Lonny Goldsmith (25:34)
Yeah.
Inperson participant 1 (25:35)
That was super important to me and that was a big way I navigated it. If I sat there and I just said, This is what I believe, I'm not gonna have any conversations with anyone who disagrees, I would not have had friends at that school. That would have been hard. That would have been hard besides my Jewish friends. But it's
Lonny Goldsmith (25:49)
Right.
Inperson participant 1 (25:49)
like that wasn't how I it was felt very isolating and lonely.
Lonny Goldsmith (25:53)
Yeah.
Inperson participant 1 (25:54)
sophomore year and I didn't want to deal with that again. So, you know, I ended up like living with a non-Jewish kid and like we had great conversations and talked about the nuances and you know s I actually think we both learned more from each other having those tough conversations. Even if there was things we still fundamentally disagree on,
Lonny Goldsmith (26:15)
Mm-hmm.
Inperson participant 1 (26:16)
like we learned from each other and there's not enough of that happening.
Lonny Goldsmith (26:19)
no, not at all. I mean that's a that's how you hope it goes
Inperson participant 1 (26:23)
in a perfect world.
Lonny Goldsmith (26:24)
in a perfect world.
Inperson participant 1 (26:27)
But it's it's a challenge. Yeah. Like it can be a real struggle to get to that
Lonny Goldsmith (26:27)
But it's it's a challenge. Like it can be a real struggle to get to that point.
Inperson participant 1 (26:35)
point. Yeah. And also, I mean I think the the hard one of one of many hard things about this is like you don't want I don't think. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe it's just me.
Lonny Goldsmith (26:37)
And also, I mean, I think the the hard one of one of many hard things about this is like you don't want I don't think, maybe I'm wrong, maybe it's just me.
Lonny Goldsmith (26:48)
I don't want my Judaism to be my whole identity. and I'm sure as a college student you probably didn't want that either. You just wanted to be a college student who happened to be Jewish and Zionist and was affected by
Inperson participant 1 (26:48)
I don't want my Judaism to be my whole identity. and I'm sure as a college student you probably didn't want that either. You just wanted to be a college student who happened to be Jewish and Zionist and was affected by that.
Lonny Goldsmith (27:00)
this.
Inperson participant 1 (27:00)
There
Inperson participant 1 (27:01)
were things I was interested in that I had to draw because of it. Like I said, I was very passionate in high school about women's rights. So I did that Title IX bill. Right.
Lonny Goldsmith (27:10)
Right.
Inperson participant 1 (27:11)
on which Title IX sexual harassment law for sort of and gender equality.
Lonny Goldsmith (27:15)
Yeah.
Inperson participant 1 (27:15)
It's a mix of both for people who don't know. But so when I went to college, I was like, I'm gonna be involved in these orgs and these orgs, and then
Inperson participant 1 (27:23)
these female organizations I was a part of started posting about the Palestinian deaths.
Lonny Goldsmith (27:29)
Yeah.
Inperson participant 1 (27:29)
Which I'm not against, but why are we not talking about all the Israelis who were brutally sexually assaulted? Right.
Lonny Goldsmith (27:37)
Right.
Inperson participant 1 (27:39)
so I actually ended up dropping every single one of those organizations because they were making statements about things that had nothing to do with what the organization was fighting for and or standing for. Which is terribly sad and unfortunate.
Lonny Goldsmith (27:49)
Which is terribly sad and unfortunate
Lonny Goldsmith (27:52)
because that's not what the experience should be.
Inperson participant 1 (27:52)
Because that's not what the experience should be.
Inperson participant 1 (27:57)
Right, but that also pushed me into the Jewish world more. Right.
Lonny Goldsmith (28:00)
Right.
Inperson participant 1 (28:00)
Because I didn't have a choice. Yeah. No.
Lonny Goldsmith (28:02)
Yeah. No,
Lonny Goldsmith (28:04)
I get that. I mean, we're thrilled to have you working in the Jewish community, of course. However, the path that you took to get there is also quite sad.
Inperson participant 1 (28:05)
I mean, we're thrilled to have you working in the Jewish community. Yeah, I'm happy to be here. the path that you took to get there is also quite sad.
Inperson participant 1 (28:17)
It is. But again, I try to look at everything with a glass half full instead of half empty just because, you know, as sad as it is, I can't change that it happened and like
Inperson participant 1 (28:27)
I'm gr not grateful that it happened, but I would not my school wouldn't be in the position it's in. Like I wouldn't be in the position it I was in if that didn't happen. Like it really did give me a sense of purpose and belonging at my school where I was like, Okay, this is where I fit in here. Like this is what I'm meant to be doing here. Which is great. you're better for having found a path that was that was I don't say suitable, but
Lonny Goldsmith (28:44)
Which is great. you're better for having found a path that was that was I don't say suitable, but
Inperson participant 1 (28:52)
A path that worked for you and and working for us. Yeah, and I'm happy to be here. And we are thrilled to have you. Last couple questions, Sophie, before we let you go. First, what is your favorite Jewish holiday?
Lonny Goldsmith (28:52)
a path that worked for you and and brought you to working for us. So I'm happy to be here. And we are thrilled to have you. Last couple of questions, Sophie, before we let you go. First, what is your favorite Jewish holiday?
Inperson participant 1 (29:05)
My f I honestly have to say Rosh Hashanah Okay. Just just passed, no recency bias involved in this, having just happened, but why Rosh Hashanah?
Lonny Goldsmith (29:07)
Okay. Just just passed, no recency bias involved in this, having just happened, but why Rosh Hashanah?
Inperson participant 1 (29:18)
that's like one of the holidays where like my family easily can get together. Okay.
Lonny Goldsmith (29:23)
Okay.
Inperson participant 1 (29:23)
just like, you know, there's not the spring break and the this person has this. It's like just kind of like a big family gathering and I really, really value family. So I've always just had great memories. I also love Matsubal Soup and it's always there at Rosh Hashanah and it's like the weather's starting to get perfect for it and it's
Lonny Goldsmith (29:43)
Yep.
Inperson participant 1 (29:44)
The food, I just it's very family feeling. Absolutely.
Lonny Goldsmith (29:47)
Absolutely. And
Lonny Goldsmith (29:49)
speaking of food, what is your favorite Jewish food? Okay. Now this is my opportunity to for you to pit family members against each other.
Inperson participant 1 (29:51)
Matzah ball Soup Okay. Now this is my opportunity to for you to pit family members against each other.
Lonny Goldsmith (29:59)
Whose matzo ball soup?
Inperson participant 1 (30:01)
Okay, so my grandma's. Okay.
Lonny Goldsmith (30:03)
Okay.
Inperson participant 1 (30:04)
But she makes it like the broth from scratch, all of it from scratch. Okay.
Lonny Goldsmith (30:08)
Okay.
Inperson participant 1 (30:09)
So there's just something different about it. I love my mom's too, but hers is just better. I don't know. Would she agree that would Yeah, she would. Okay. Yeah, she would agree. Sophie Homberger we are thrilled to have you with us at Jewfolk Thank you so much for joining me and we really appreciate it. And Shana tova.
Lonny Goldsmith (30:15)
Would would she agree that would your mom agree that her okay. Sophie Hamburger, we are thrilled to have you with us, Edu folk. Thank you so much for joining me and we really appreciate it. And Shanatova.
Inperson participant 1 (30:29)
Shana tova.
Lonny Goldsmith (30:38)
The Who the Folk Podcast is part of the Jewfolk Podcast Network, a product of Jewfolk Inc. Episodes are edited and produced by me, Lonnie Goldsmith, the editor in chief of Jewfolk. If you have suggestions for a great guest, send me an email at editor@jewfolk.com For more great Jewfolk podcasts, go to TCJewfolk.com/podcast.