Divided families: Impact of religious difference and geographic distance on intergenerational family continuity

We examine the effects of an adult member's religious difference and geographic distance on intergenerational family continuity, using the case example of American Jewish mothers with daughters who became Orthodox and moved to Israel. Using qualitative data from a focus group with 6 women who became Orthodox and moved to Israel and separate interviews with 14 Israeli American daughters and their 14 respective American mothers, we found that initially mothers were negative about their daughters' religiosity but positive about their moves to Israel. Over time, mothers became more positive or ambivalent about their daughters' religiosity but more negative or ambivalent about their immigration. The religious difference and distance helped daughters separate and individuate. Despite feelings of loss, mothers maintained intergenerational family continuity.