Embracing a New Faith: A Journey More Complex Than Transition

Yona Speidel's Spiritual Awakening and Family's Embrace

In March, Emmy-nominated writer and producer Yona Speidel, previously known as Our Lady J, officially embraced Judaism and adopted her new name. Six weeks following her conversion, Speidel experienced a deeply personal moment of grief as a Jew for the first time, commemorating her late brother's Yahrzeit. She lit a candle and recited a prayer for the deceased, sharing the text with her family. Despite her family not being Jewish or having plans to convert, they joined her in lighting candles and acknowledging the tradition, a gesture of profound support that moved Speidel to tears. She expressed immense gratitude for her family's understanding and their evolution into compassionate individuals.

From Amish Roots to Jewish Identity: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Born into an ultra-religious Amish and Mennonite community in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Speidel relocated to New York City at 21, later coming out as trans in 2004. Her immersion in New York's vibrant arts scene, she now realizes, was deeply intertwined with its rich Jewish culture, from musicals and culinary traditions to an ethos of intellectual curiosity, acceptance, and social progress. This connection deepened during her time as a writer on the groundbreaking Amazon Prime Video series "Transparent," which explored the lives of a trans woman and her Jewish family. The writers' room ignited Speidel's formal study of Judaism, culminating in her conversion after what she describes as a lifetime of "casually dating Judaism."

A More Observant Path: The Daily Practice of Faith

Since her conversion on March 23, Speidel has adopted a more observant approach to her faith compared to some of her Reform Jewish acquaintances. She regularly observes Shabbat, celebrates holidays, and is diligently learning biblical Hebrew. Her commitment extends beyond rituals to a deep engagement with the cultural and intellectual aspects of Judaism.

Navigating Societal Reactions: Faith's Unexpected Hurdles

Speidel candidly acknowledges that revealing her conversion to Judaism has been unexpectedly more challenging than disclosing her trans identity. She notes increased pushback and an uncomfortable silence within her social circles, a reaction she finds eerily similar to past experiences. This highlights the complex interplay of identity, faith, and societal acceptance, particularly in the current political climate surrounding Middle Eastern affairs.

The Joys of Jewish Life: Humor, Resilience, and Barbra Streisand

When asked about her love for Judaism, Speidel, with a beaming smile, immediately cites Barbra Streisand, expressing admiration for the legendary artist's 48-hour memoir, "My Name Is Barbra." Beyond her celebrity fandom, Speidel deeply values Jewish humor, its approach to adversity, and the emphasis on intellectual growth. She praises the Jewish community's tendency to confront and creatively solve problems rather than retreat, fostering a spirit of self-reliance and ingenious solutions.

A Multifaceted Artist: Balancing Career and Identity

Speidel's talents extend beyond writing and producing; she is also an accomplished actress, director, and classically trained pianist, notable for being the first openly trans woman to perform at Carnegie Hall. Currently, she serves as co-executive producer and writer for the upcoming Netflix sci-fi adventure series "The Boroughs." While not explicitly a Jewish show, "The Boroughs" explores themes of family, a cornerstone of Jewish culture, resonating deeply with Speidel's personal values. Although the final cuts of the series were completed before her conversion, the production team went above and beyond to update the credits to reflect her new name, Yona Speidel, showcasing immense support for her evolving identity.

Anticipating New Beginnings: "The Boroughs" Premiere

Audiences can look forward to the premiere of "The Boroughs" on Netflix on May 21, marking a significant milestone in Speidel's career as she continues to make her mark on the entertainment industry under her new name and identity.