Melinda Strauss is a dedicated mother, wife, and influencer known for sharing her Jewish lifestyle with her audience. With over 1.3 million TikTok followers and more than 160,000 fans on Instagram, she provides insights into Modern Orthodox Judaism. However, her life changed drastically after the events of October 7, a day that deeply impacted the Jewish community and her personally.
“I may appear the same on social media—sharing my love for Judaism and Israel—but inside, I feel a mix of sadness and anger for those fighting against antisemitism,” Melinda shared with Aish. She thinks about the hostages and their pain, the survivors of violence, and the soldiers caught in ongoing conflict. Despite these feelings, Melinda continues her work, determined to educate others about her faith and culture.
Through her videos, she discusses current events, covering topics like antisemitism and life in Israel. Alongside these discussions, she showcases her daily routine, including preparing kosher meals and engaging in community events. Melinda encourages her followers, both Jews and non-Jews, to ask questions openly about their customs and traditions.
“There are no stupid questions,” she says. “I want everyone to feel comfortable asking whatever they’re curious about.” Her interactive approach has attracted a large audience eager to learn more about Judaism.
In addition to creating content, Melinda is running as a candidate for the World Zionist Congress on the Aish Ha’Am slate. She believes strongly in the importance of standing up for Jewish values and encourages others to do the same.
“Being Jewish influences every part of my life—how I raise my kids, make choices about food, even my clothing,” she explained. She emphasizes that all Jews, regardless of how openly they express their faith, should be proud of who they are. With so many people spreading hate today, she believes it’s crucial for Jews to stand up and show their pride.
Melinda is particularly concerned about the rise of antisemitism in educational settings. She points out that many students and teachers feel empowered to express hatred towards Jews without repercussions. “This needs to change. Hate is learned, and our schools should not be fostering it,” she insisted.
Her activism doesn’t end with her online presence. By running on the Aish Ha’Am slate, she hopes to connect with all Jews, whether they are observant or culturally Jewish. She believes Aish offers a unique bridge to help educate the broader community about Judaism.
“I want to make a real impact, not just in how people think but also in how policies are made,” she said. She urges her followers to speak up as well. Every voice matters, whether it’s from someone with a few followers or many.
In a time when Jewish people face challenges, Melinda’s message is clear: “Your voice is unique. Use it. You can make a difference, even if it feels small.”
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