"בלי כיפה הוא חתיך, עם כיפה דתי": דרכי ההתמודדות של זוגות נשואים שאחד מבני הזוג חזר בתשובה או בשאלה

Background: In recent years in Israel, the number of couples living together with religious differences has increased. This phenomenon has been studied in the United States in a Christian context )Gurrentz, 2017; Mahoney et al., 2005(. While it was previously argued that these differences lead to divorce )Gilat, 1990(,this study examined couples who chose to stay together despite the differences. Aims: To examine the experiences and challenges of Israeli couples who chose to stay together despite religious change and the coping strategies that help them remain together.Method: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 couples, five in which the woman, and five in which the man initiated the change. The data were analyzed using content analysis. Findings: Two main themes were identified: (1) the process of change, including the process leading to change, divine presence in the relationship, and the possibility of separation; )2( coping strategies, including domestic peace,assistance from non-profit organizations, and shared values. Conclusions: Coping with religious differences is an ongoing process. The difficult emotions that characterized the beginning of the process were moderated, and the couples adopted a new routine that allowed the relationship to continue.Implications: The research contributes to the development of intervention programs for couples with religious differences in Israel and provides knowledge for professionals and social organizations that work with these couples.