Mike Wagenheim

People talk about changing their life. Mike did it. This single American (very) secular Jew became an Israeli, husband, father, Torah student and TV reporter - all in 15 months.

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About

Mike had never been to Israel. He knew no one there. Hadn't been to shul since his Bar Mitzvah. But, he felt a pull "home." So, he left a successful sportscasting career, packed four suitcases and changed his life. Fifteen months later, he's married to an Israeli and is now a father, Torah student and international TV news reporter. Mike is proof that with enough faith, anything is possible.

Programs

Going Up: How Aliyah Can Change Your Worldview

There is a picture painted by the U.S. and international media. Then, there's the truth. Mike had never visited Israel before making Aliyah. And so much of what he thought he had learned about the Jewish state and its relationship with the world turned out to be wrong. Hear how he gained a true understanding of Israel's place on the global stage and how it affects every aspect of his daily life.

Changing Your Life: Embracing Judaism Step By Step

Mike had never been to Israel. He knew no one there. Hadn't been to shul since his Bar Mitzvah. But, he needed a new direction in life. So, he left a successful career, packed four suitcases and altered everything. Fifteen months later, he's married to an Israeli and is now a father, Torah student and international TV news reporter. How did he do it? The answers could change your life, too!

Jewing The Best You Can

Mike is a new husband, new father and a new immigrant with a new career. And he's a baal teshuva. You want to talk about time management? Everyone has priorities and obligations, and sometimes it's easy to let tradition slip away. So how can you make Judaism relevant every day while navigating through busy and turbulent times? It's a perfect program for college students and young adults!

Lifelong Lessons

As a child, Mike attended a Reform synagogue, then got away from Judaism nearly altogether for two decades. It was only when he rediscovered his heritage did he realize how "Jewish" were the lessons and attitudes his parents imparted to him. Social justice and tikkun olam stayed with him all these years. Those liberal values set the stage for Mike's more recent spiritual and religious journey.

Israeli Politics and the Diaspora

Settlements. Conversions. The Western Wall. The peace process. How are current events in Israeli politics affecting the Diaspora and what does the future hold? Mike is on the scene in Jerusalem, covering the biggest political stories each day, from the Knesset to the Kotel. Let him give you a deeper, better-rounded understanding of all of the hot-button issues.

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Endorsements

I was very impressed with your address. It was informative and entertaining at the same time. You have a powerful story of how one has the ability to transform his life. It's a tribute to your courage and perseverance, but also, as you eloquently stated, the gift of listening to and accepting a “Higher Power” capable of lifting you to a new level of spiritual awareness and elevated consciousness.
— Robert Leib, Senior Rabbi, Old York Road Temple - Beth Am, Abington, PA

Contact Mike

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Articles

Southern Jewish Life 7 September, 2017:

From Thibodaux to Tel Aviv

Daily Comet/Houma Courier 13 July, 2017:

Former ‘Voice of the Colonels’ living in Israel

Jerusalem Post 3 February, 2017:

Roll of the Dice

Interested in booking Mike Wagenheim to speak at your next event? Contact Jewish Speakers Bureau (infREMOVEo@jewREMOVEishspeakerREMOVEsbureau.com), America's only speakers bureau for Jewish-interest speakers, authors, entertainers, and experts.