Living Jewishly: Traditions, Community, and Connection | Paige, Hazzan, Efrat & Sigal

In this powerful episode of What Makes Us a Family, hosted by Paige Wajsman, we bring together voices from Jacksonville, Florida, and Moshav Maor, Israel, to explore the infinite ways of living Jewishly — across continents, denominations, and generations.

Hazzan Jesse Holzer shares how music, creativity, and community outreach have helped keep Jewish life vibrant in Jacksonville, while Dr. Efrat Hazan and Sigal Lavan describe the deep sense of togetherness in their Israeli moshav, where religious and non-religious families celebrate, mourn, and build community side by side.

Through personal stories of resilience, volunteerism, interfaith work, and the aftermath of October 7th, this episode highlights how Jewish traditions and values can unite us, no matter where we are or how we practice.

• Efrat Hazan – Volunteer and social activist from Moshav Maor.
• Sigal Lavan – Tour guide and geography teacher, P2G host in Moshav Maor.
• Paige Wajsman – Jacksonville Jewish Federation member and P2G participant.
• Jesse Holzer – Cantor (hazzan) in Jacksonville since 2008, active in P2G programs.