Lizzy Savetsky: Becoming a Jewish Influencer and Israel Advocate [Outreach 4/5]
Feb 25, 2025
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Lizzy Savetsky, a dynamic digital influencer and advocate for Israel, shares her evolution from fashion and singing to a passionate Jewish activist. She delves into the transformative power of social media, discussing how it reshapes Jewish discourse and community engagement. Lizzy reflects on her personal journey, grappling with identity and embracing her advocacy role amidst societal pressures. With insights on the complexities of modern activism, she highlights the need for authentic representation and informed engagement within the Jewish community.
Lizzy Savetsky illustrates how personal narratives have transformed Jewish outreach by enabling influencers to connect authentically with diverse audiences online.
The podcast emphasizes the dual-edged nature of social media in Jewish advocacy, presenting both opportunities for connection and challenges from negative discourse.
A call for strengthened Jewish identity highlights the importance of cultural and spiritual roots in fostering unity and resilience against external challenges.
Deep dives
The Changing Landscape of Jewish Thought Leadership
The rise of social media has transformed the dynamics of who we consider thought leaders within the Jewish community. In the past, authority was often granted through institutional approval, such as being a rabbi or educator associated with major organizations. Now, individuals like Lizzie Sivetsky can reach audiences far beyond traditional pathways, utilizing platforms to engage with Jews who may not have accessible connections to educational resources. This shift reflects a broader trend where personal narratives and grassroots movements can substantially influence Jewish identity and outreach, presenting a unique opportunity to democratize Jewish ideas.
Navigating the Challenges of Social Media
Social media presents both unique opportunities and significant challenges for those who wish to engage in Jewish outreach. While it allows for the quick dissemination of information and the ability to connect with a wide audience, it also exposes individuals to negativity and criticism from within the community. For many, including those with prominent voices, the experience can lead to feelings of frustration and despair, particularly when witnessing fellow Jews engage in harsh discourse online. This environment necessitates careful navigation, prompting leaders to balance their interactions and strive for constructive conversations over conflict.
The Importance of Jewish Identity in Outreach
As the world grapples with rising anti-Semitism and division, there's a poignant call for a renewed focus on strengthening Jewish identity within the community. Emphasizing the importance of cultural and spiritual connections, there’s a push for Jews to become more rooted in their heritage and traditions. This foundation not only fortifies individual identities but also creates a unified front against external challenges. The process of leaning into one's Jewish identity—through practices like observing Shabbat or engaging in communal activities—is essential for fostering a solid sense of belonging and purpose in today's world.
The Role of Personal Stories in Jewish Outreach
Personal narratives play a crucial role in effective Jewish outreach, as they resonate deeply with diverse audiences. By sharing experiences of self-discovery and connection to Jewish values, individuals like Lizzie Svetsky help others find pathways to embrace their identity. These stories often illustrate the journey from cultural disconnection to a profound sense of belonging, demonstrating that it is possible to create meaningful engagement with Judaism. Empowering individuals to share their unique narratives can encourage others to embark on similar journeys, fostering a greater sense of community across various backgrounds.
Collective Responsibility and Jewish Solidarity
As Jews face challenges from external forces, there's a growing recognition of the need for collective responsibility and solidarity. The sentiment expresses that, in times of crisis, Jews must unite and support one another rather than turn against each other. This principle is vital for ensuring the survival of Jewish identity and for addressing the root causes of anti-Semitism. By nurturing communal bonds and prioritizing internal unity, the Jewish community can better withstand external pressures and create a foundation for future generations to thrive.
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Lizzy Savetsky, who went from a career in singing and fashion to being a Jewish activist and influencer, about her work advocating for Israel online. While, in past decades, Jewish thought leaders were mainly only rabbis and rebbetzins, the current information revolution is transforming our notions of what it means to be a Jewish public figure. In this episode we discuss:
How did Lizzy’s life path take her from being a recipient of Jewish outreach to doing a form of outreach herself?
How should we weigh the opportunities and dangers of social media?
How did Lizzy decide to give up her previous career to speak out for Israel full-time?
Tune in to hear a conversation about the democratization of mass influence and what that means for the Jewish People.
Interview begins at 11:57. Lizzy Savetsky is a digital influencer who uses her platform to advocate for causes that are close to her heart. She shares her journey of fashionable motherhood on her social media channels, often featuring her two young daughters and baby boy. Lizzy is an outspoken activist for Israel and the Jewish People and works with numerous non-profit, philanthropic movements to support her people and homeland. Subscribe to our email list here. References: Origins of Judaism Series