Kassy Akiva on Conversion after October 7

In this deeply personal and reflective episode of The Tikvah Podcast, host Jonathan Silver speaks with Cassie Akiva, a reporter and convert to Orthodox Judaism, about her transformative journey from a secular upbringing in Massachusetts to becoming a committed Jew in the wake of rising antisemitism. Akiva recounts how her first exposure to Judaism came not through tradition, but through hostility—anti-Semitic attacks, threats, and online harassment that intensified after her frequent travels to Israel and growing public profile. These experiences, rather than repelling her, became a catalyst for her conversion, which she completed in 2023. She describes the emotional and spiritual turning point at the Kotel during a Shabbat visit in 2016, where she felt an overwhelming sense of belonging. Her path was shaped by intellectual curiosity, a desire for structure, and the warmth of Jewish family life—experiences she contrasted with what she perceived as performative or intellectually shallow religious practices in Christianity. Now a mother and public figure, Akiva reflects on the paradox of being a convert who is now sought out by lifelong Jews for guidance on confronting antisemitism. She argues that the Jewish community’s strength lies not in assimilation or interfaith dialogue, but in cultivating deep, proud Jewish identity through education and community. Her chosen name, Devorah Roots, symbolizes both her fiery spirit and her deep connection to her family and the biblical figure of Ruth, who chose Judaism in sorrow and solidarity. Akiva’s story underscores a powerful theme: that conversion is not merely a religious act, but a profound reclamation of identity forged in adversity. She challenges the notion that antisemitism is purely destructive, suggesting instead that it can serve as a spiritual litmus test, revealing the resilience and cohesion of the Jewish people. As she raises her daughter in a world where antisemitism is increasingly normalized—even within families—Akiva grapples with how to instill Jewish pride without exposing her child to trauma. Her journey from outsider to insider, from skeptic to believer, offers a compelling narrative of how personal crisis can become the foundation of faith. Ultimately, her story is one of belonging, not as a rejection of the past, but as a reclamation of it—honoring her grandmother’s name, her own resilience, and the enduring power of Jewish continuity.