From the White House to Jewish Faith: Sarah Horwitz’s Journey of Rediscovery

Sarah Horwitz, former chief speechwriter for U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, has experienced a remarkable journey from the White House to reconnecting with her Jewish roots.

Growing up in Massachusetts, Sarah attended Jewish school, but as a child, she didn’t feel a deep connection to the teachings. "I read the siddur, but I didn’t fully understand its depth," she recalls. However, in recent years, Sarah’s perspective shifted. Taking inspiration from Michelle Obama’s advice to pursue things that bring passion and excitement, Sarah began to reconnect with her faith.

At the height of her career, she found herself searching for deeper meaning. In an interview with NPR, she shared how she was drawn to the idea of solitude and spiritual reflection. She began her journey of rediscovering Judaism and, in doing so, found a renewed sense of purpose.

"I started learning – reading a lot, taking classes, and speaking with rabbis," Sarah explains. "Five years ago, I didn’t know much about Judaism at all. It was important for me to start from the basics, to understand what the Torah is about, what it says, and how to read it."

Her experience of exploring Jewish texts as an adult was transformative. "It felt exciting, challenging – like I was on fire," she says.

She also shared how Shabbat experiences with observant families had a profound impact on her. "Without screens or technology, people are so deeply connected to each other. It’s something really special."

Sarah believes that everyone’s journey is unique. "There’s a spark in all of us; sometimes, it just takes a little while to find what will ignite it," she reflects. "Once you find it, it lights up – it was always there."