Elizabeth Shulman

Elizabeth Shulman is the wife of Isaac Shulman. She is the mother of six girls whom she has given both English and Hebrew names. Elizabeth is faithful but conflicted regarding the social/cultural expectations of Kirshner Orthodoxy. While Elizabeth is deferential to men and the requirements of the community, she desires to be more independent and to open her own shop. Elizabeth’s friendship with Beatrix raises suspicions among Elizabeth’s more conservative daughters; and the opening of the shop proves to be a strange mix of both conservatism and independence as the Rav blesses Elizabeth’s desire to open her kosher store. However, when Elizabeth veers into catering without permission, it is ruled by new Rav Isaiah that the shop must be shut down. With the encouragement of her husband, and with the reminder of American citizenship from Andras, Elizabeth ultimately goes back into business.

Isaac Shulman