In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode of Stories of Hope, Tzipora Grodko sits down with Sheba and Orian Barzilay to explore their unique spiritual journeys, cultural identities, and the winding paths that led them both to a life of religious observance.

Sheba opens up about growing up in a traditional Persian-Jewish home, navigating the shift from a modern Orthodox education to embracing mitzvot on her own terms. Orian shares how his Israeli-Yemenite background, life experiences, and even a surprising detour into astrology and astronomy eventually led him back to Judaism—with a spark ignited in a Barnes & Noble aisle.

Together, they candidly discuss the challenges of dating while becoming religious, the emotions surrounding the experience, and the clarity that only comes through faith and growth. Their story is one of resilience, timing, and the unexpected roads that lead us home.

To get in touch you can email: 

shourizadeh@gmail.com or barzilayorian@gmail.com

To contact Tzipora Grodko with suggestions, comments or questions, you can email: SOH@meaningfulminute.org or message her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tziporagrodko 

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Editor: Sruly Saftlas