From Pain to Purpose: Sapir Marom’s Journey of Teshuvah, Illness and a Surprise Wedding

When Sapir Marom celebrated her birthday during the High Holidays of 5780, nothing could have prepared her for the year ahead. She began that year as a brand-new ba’alat teshuvah—single, unemployed, and suffering from severe inflammatory arthritis.

Growing up in Moshav Petachia in a secular home, Sapir describes herself as someone who was born into a path leading toward teshuvah. “Every stop I passed through in my life — even the furthest points from God, woke me up and reminded me who I am and where I want to return,” she explains. “My home was traditional, with deep inner faith but little observance. Three years ago, someone I was dating introduced me to Rabbi Arik Naveh, who teaches Chassidut and the inner dimension of Torah. I fell in love instantly. I listened to every class I could, and my yearning for Torah and for Hashem only grew.”

But Sapir’s road was not simple.

A Battle With Eating Disorders and a Journey to India

During her army service she developed severe eating disorders and spent almost every day in an outpatient clinic. “That was when my inner introspection began — ironically, from a place of deep struggle,” she says. “After two years of battling the disorder, I saved a bit of money and spontaneously flew to India.”

In India, her spiritual search intensified. “I was asking: What are we doing here? Why were we created? Most Israeli travelers in India look for meaning in Buddhism or Hinduism — anything but their own roots. Thank God, I always felt connected to Judaism. My search for truth never stopped.”

“I Started Remembering Where I Came From”

When she returned, Sapir began studying psychology and education. Near the end of her studies she met the man who helped her reconnect deeply with Judaism.

“He was formerly religious but still very connected to the inner world of Torah — Chassidut, Rebbe Nachman, spiritual teachings. Through him I started remembering who I was. It wasn’t new; it was rediscovery.”

How did the transition feel?

“Indescribable. It felt like after years of wandering, of confusion, detachment, searching, I finally came home. The questions didn’t disappear, but everything felt wrapped, safe, and meaningful.”

The Beginning of Teshuvah

Sapir doesn’t believe her teshuvah began at age 26. “I think my teshuvah started in my mother’s womb. My whole life was leading here.”

Practically, things shifted when she began learning with Rabbi Naveh. “For two years I sat in his classes as a secular woman, feeling comfort and peace I had never felt before. I wanted more and more.”

Then, on Shavuot of 5779, something changed. “I was on my way to a party and listening to a class about Matan Torah and the Ten Commandments. When he spoke about Shabbat, I decided on the spot: I’m keeping Shabbat.”

And with Shabbat, everything aligned. “I naturally didn’t want to dress immodestly anymore. I wanted to bless over food, wash my hands, follow halachah. The path became clear, and joyful.”

Faith on Wheels: Illness and Transformation

By this time, Sapir had moved to Pardes Chana and was working as a preschool teacher. But soon her health collapsed.

“I got an infection that triggered severe arthritis. For three months I could barely walk. At one stage I was hospitalized, and even used a wheelchair.”

After treatment and a spiritual high during Simchat Torah, her pain stopped abruptly. She also decided not to return to early childhood education. “I realized that we can reveal Godliness anywhere — not only in what we label as ‘holy work.’ Wherever I am, I can bring kindness, love, and light.”

Her health improved, her job stabilized — but socially, she still felt alone. “I wasn’t spiritually alone — Hashem’s presence filled my life, but socially, yes, it was hard.”

Sapir and Tamir Marom

An Unexpected Love Story

Sapir was ready to give up on marriage. As a new ba’alat teshuvah, she didn’t want a secular relationship but also wasn’t ready for the world of shidduchim. And then she met Tamir — completely by chance. Though not religious, the connection was instant.

Did you know what you were looking for?

“Before Tamir I dated ba’alei teshuvah and assumed that’s what I needed — someone with my background and practices. Tamir seemed the opposite. I thought he was totally secular. But our conversations, our language — it was all aligned. I followed my heart.”

Soon she discovered that he did put on tefillin. And just after meeting her, he began keeping Shabbat. “Today, thank God, he wears a kippah and tzitzit. I think I was simply there to help him uncover the Jewish spark he always had.”

After three months, he proposed.

A “Corona Wedding” Full of Joy

Six months later they married in a backyard wedding with 80 guests — simple, intimate, and perfect.

“We planned a normal wedding but realized COVID wouldn’t disappear. Looking back, it was the best wedding imaginable — just the people we love, and pure joy.”

Today they live in Moshav Gimzo, building a Torah home and strengthening together every day. “I believed I’d meet my husband, but never dreamed it would be like this. I had nearly given up.”

Were there struggles in keeping mitzvot?

“Of course. At first I wanted to take on everything at once. Then I realized I needed to slow down and choose mindfully. But choosing Hashem is the truest thing I’ve ever done.”

She reflects on her previous life: “I used to go out with friends, dance, have everything externally — and still feel empty. That sadness is gone. Life has challenges, yes, but everything is wrapped in deep emunah. That gives purpose to every step.”

Her Message to Others Beginning Teshuvah

“The most important thing is to feel your heart. Do it with genuine joy and love. Each soul has its own path; my journey is tailor-made for me. Don’t compare yourself to anyone. Walk with Hashem, honestly and inwardly, and trust the process.”