This series is sponsored by our friends Sarala and Danny Turkel.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Liel Leibovitz and Lisa Ann Sandell about what happens when one partner wants to increase their religious practice.

Liel grew up a secular Israeli, while Lisa was raised in a traditional home of loosening observance. When, eight years ago, Liel brought up the idea of keeping kosher, they realized they were moving in different directions.

• What first drew Liel toward growing religiosity?
• How did Lisa react to the changes in Liel’s worldview and lifestyle?
• How are they able to run a home, marriage, and family together despite being on separate and dynamic paths?

Tune in to hear a conversation about being a “helpmate,” someone who both challenges and uplifts their spouse.

Interview begins at 11:21.

Lisa Ann Sandell is the author of the young-adult books The Weight of the Sky, Song of the Sparrow, and A Map of the Known World.

Liel Leibovitz is editor at large for Tablet Magazine and a host of its weekly culture podcast Unorthodox and daily Talmud podcast Take One.

References:

8 Minute Daf

Take One

“Eli, the Fanatic” by Philip Roth

Lincoln

Sin•a•gogue: Sin and Failure in Jewish Thought by David Bashevkin

Daniel Deronda by George Eliot

How the Talmud Can Change Your Life: Surprisingly Modern Advice from a Very Old Book by Liel Leibovitz

Isaiah 54:10

“Everlasting Love” by Rabbi Shlomo & Eitan Katz