Unexpected Gifts in a lovely romantic comedy
Loving Leah
From his youth, he adored his older brother who left home to serve his God as a Rabbi and they grew apart. As a doctor and in love and engaged, his life is turned upside down when hearing of his brother’s death. After the funeral, he discovers that Jewish law requires the unmarried brother to marry the childless wife t5o carry on his name or deny his brother’s existence to dissolve their relationship. As a specified waiting period expires, a moment of reflection and promise causes him to commit to the marriage.
Death is not the normal way to begin a romantic comedy with both agreeing to just be “roommates”, but it gives Leah a chance not available if she returned to live with her mother. She works toward educating herself as her new husband continues to see his fiancée who is irate about the surprise wedding. She is eventually somewhat sympathetic to this unusual plight. Life for Leah outside of the protection of the tight religious community is a new freedom for her as she stays true, but modifies to her traditions for her new environment. Once carefree, the doctor feels responsible to see that she is safe, but neglects her at other times causing increasing tense moments. Leah’s faith is on display through it all, as her husband just observers her practices.
Mother in Law schedules a visit and he bands with his Leah to create a religious environment for her mother to see that the marriage is real. Mother’s radar is finely tuned and sees through their charade, but Leah stays true and resists walking away. Then his mother visits as preparations are underway for remembering the late Rabbi and guilt over the situation hits like waves and unsettles him. A meeting with Leah’s Rabbi at her Shoal begins to let him see things in another light. After a year, they go on their first date.
The tender and funny moments blend well as he discovers that Leah is a gift from his brother to protect him as he could hold her no more!
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