Living Life on Your Own Terms, with Michael Tejeda

In this episode of Bina, hosts Aviva Feder and Yarden Crane sit down with Michael Tejeda, an 81-year-old volunteer, book collector, and self-described rebel who converted to Judaism after decades of spiritual exploration. Michael shares how he went from a Catholic upbringing to becoming president of Congregation B'nai Shalom, driven by a love of community and the satisfaction of building something with his own hands.

The conversation ranges from the perils of social media permanence and the freedom of the First Amendment, to the joy of passing knowledge across generations. This includes Michael's plan to surprise a teen in the program with a stack of WWII novels. Whether reflecting on his 3,000-book home library or marveling at teenage energy, Michael offers a simple reminder: old people aren't a separate category. They're just what you're going to be someday.

Thank you to our funders: Sinai & Synapses, Contra Costa Jewish Community Center, an anonymous prominent national foundation, the wider Midrasha community for making this show possible and our brand-new media sponsor, the J. Weekly of Northern California!

If you want to donate so we can make more episodes or have questions for our team, email shalom@binapod.com or visit binapod.com