by Sharona Cohen
Last week Israel celebrated the surprising wedding of Shuli Rand (Breslaver Hasidic actor, writer, and singer) and Tzufit Grant (non-religious actress and journalist). Their relationship had received much attention over the last couple years, mainly because Rand began dating Grant after a bitter split with his previous wife, Michal Rand, in 2016. Michal refused to accept the get [Jewish divorce], thereby locking Shuli into the marriage against his will.
Thus, even though Grant and Rand began a relationship over two years ago, they were not able to get married until Rand recently received a rare exemption signed by 100 rabbis that allowed him to remarry. His get is now entrusted with the Beit Din [Rabbinate] and Michal can take it whenever she chooses.
Grant, for her part, has also received much media speculation over her religious observance since she and Rand became an item. She reports that she has always kept kosher, and that since her relationship with Rand began she started keeping Shabbat as well. At their wedding she wore a wedding dress with long sleeves and a high neckline in accordance with Jewish laws of modesty.
It just goes to show, love can overcome many obstacles. As Grant notes, '"The greatest connection between us is how similar we are to one another." She adds, "We have very similar personalities. We set out on this path and there was just no other option; it was as if our souls met and fused into one."