When It's Not Happily Ever After

Tova Mordechai in conversation with Chana Weisberg

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When It's Not Happily Ever After

Hear how a former Christian minister married a convert, struggled to raise their Hassidic family, and grew through the mental illness and loss of their son.

See Also:	The Road Back: An Evangelical Minister Rediscovers Her Jewish Identity
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Topics:	Mental Health

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Tova Mordechai in conversation with Chana Weisberg

Tova Mordechai, formerly an evangelical minister, is the author of her acclaimed autobiography, “To Play With Fire”. She resides in Safed, Israel, with her husband and four children.

Chana Weisberg is the editor of TheJewishWoman.org and host of the Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories podcast. She lectures internationally on issues relating to women, relationships, meaning, self-esteem and the Jewish soul. She is the author of six books. Her latest book, Shabbat Delights, is a two-volume series on the weekly Torah portion.

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8 Comments

Starr D. California June 30, 2025

I thought this was a very good interview with really important points to remember,
for anyone who struggles with tough situations (which I guess is most of us, in one way or another). Chana, I thought you summed it up well at the end, and if you had Tova on a third time at some point, I'd be fine with that! I also love that you do this series, looking at things from a Jewish perspective. Thank you! Reply

Jodi Nicastro Stony Brook June 30, 2025

Chana,

Thank you so much for bringing Tova back for a second interview. You are so right, she is amazing and resilient and such an inspiration. Please bring her back for the rest of her story. Reply

mairon mcintosh Vancouver June 24, 2025

Lovely podcast! I am a Believer and have place my faith in the One that is bringing me a love for scripture, love for G-d, a love for the People & the Land.

I think it's lovely to hear how G-d draws us all to Him (He first loves us). It's all anyone really needs. I believe G-d works with any little bit of faith shown towards Him. He works in developing the open moment to relationship.

Yes, we Faithful's are not perfect, we miss the mark. However, if we are quick to acknowledge our wrongs, we get peace & Presence restored.

Your guest was lovely. Her search to find G-d is inspiring. I believe the quest to find G-d is growing. Sometimes it's the challenging moments that stir up us to finally call out & seek help from a source that is greater than man. There is an innate sense that He is there....., it's just letting those moments, the cracks open to up to cry for help! We are all His creation needing redeeming/restoring. HaShem wants relationship with us. He's living. Reply

Rose Australia June 23, 2025

While I admire Tova's strength and manner of dealing with their family tragedy, I can't help wondering about its effects on the rest of the family. Have they all remained steadfast? Apart from 'opening one's eyes' as The Rebbe said , we nonetheless are no wiser about the steps that need to be taken to deal with such suffering
. What about Nechemia???
How could the community better support a family through such challenges? Is a cone of silence around the family really the best option?
What about the education system?? What about Nechemia's classmates??Tova told the story from her personal trajectory rather than the bigger picture. I feel many other questions need to be addressed. Reply

Rachel Rolla Missouri June 23, 2025

Tovah, thank you for sharing your story! I have a son with a dual diagnosis, too. You encouraged me so much! Thank you! Reply

Sara Pollak Airmont June 20, 2025

Such beautiful vulnerability and raw emotions. So appreciated your humaness. Reply

Eartha San Antonio via JewishTV iOS June 20, 2025

Thank you for sharing your heart.❤️ I can relate to your story. Reply

Léah Boston June 19, 2025

Chana, thanks for the touching interview with Tovah Mordechai. My grandson, age 19, is going through a dual diagnosis cycle, including judicial involvement, and Tovah’s words give me strength. Gd bless Tovah for helping me…and untold numbers of others. Reply

When It's Not Happily Ever After

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