Karen sits down with author Corie Adjmi for a fascinating look at the Syrian Jewish community. Corie’s new novel, The Marriage Box, draws on her own experiences moving from a Reform upbringing in New Orleans to a traditional Orthodox Syrian life in Brooklyn as a teenager - and along the way, it shines a spotlight on a close-knit Jewish community that can seem mysterious to outsiders. Corie shares how she got started writing in her 30s after a career in education, why family is at the heart of Judaism, how she’s learned to balance her own desires with her culture’s expectations, and so much more.  You’ll find out: - What it’s like being part of an incredibly close-knit Jewish community  - Why it’s so important to highlight diverse Jewish voices - What inspired Corie to start writing  - How the Syrian community is evolving in the 21st century - Corie’s advice for aspiring writers  - What makes the Syrian Jewish community so special  - Corie’s tips for a quick Friday night dinner LINKS: Corie’s website https://corieadjmi.com/ Corie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/corieadjmi/ The Marriage Box https://amzn.to/46f7rtw Smashing Life, my Jewish community - try it out for one month with code “JEWISHJOY” https://smashinglife.club/ Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/