I Was Adopted at 2 Days Old – A Journey of Faith & Resilience | Tehila & Shaya Landy

·1 hr 1 min·5 clips

Tehillah shares how being adopted at two days old made her question if she was doomed in the dating world.

This episode of Stories of Hope features host Tzipora Grodko in conversation with Tehillah, a woman adopted as an infant, and her husband Shia. Tehillah was born in Jacksonville, Texas, to a Jewish mother and a non-Jewish father, and she was adopted when she was just two days old. She describes entering the Orthodox Jewish matchmaking system, known as the Shidduch world, and initially feeling doomed due to her adoption status. Tehillah recounts the judgment she perceived from others about being adopted within that community. Her now-husband Shia shares his honest reaction upon learning she was adopted, stating it seemed cool and made no difference to him. Shia reveals he prayed intensely during their courtship, and the couple became engaged within just six or seven weeks. The rapid engagement surprised even them, with Tehillah recalling her reaction as one of disbelief. A central theme is Tehillah's struggle with mental health challenges she felt were incorrectly attributed to her. She explains she was told she was experiencing certain issues that she believes she did not actually have. The episode frames adoption as an experience that is not very common within their specific community context. Tehillah openly questions how her adoption shaped her identity, wondering if it made her different or not. The narrative challenges listeners to examine their own preconceived judgments and views of others. It presents adoption and mental health from a personal, firsthand perspective that the host suggests is often unaddressed. A memorable moment is the contrast between Tehillah's fear of rejection and Shia's immediate, unfazed acceptance of her background. The speed and seeming divine orchestration of their engagement stands out as a key plot point. The tone is deeply personal, conversational, and reflective, focusing on emotional vulnerability. The style is an interview-based narrative that weaves a story of personal challenge and romantic hope. Listeners interested in intimate stories of identity, faith, and love within Orthodox Jewish life would connect deeply with this episode. Those seeking a broad sociological analysis or debate on adoption may find the episode too personal and narrowly focused.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Stories Of Hope With Tzipora Grodko