Talia Ovadia on Her Spiritual Growth: "I Wait for Shabbat Like Air to Breathe"

Influencer and reality star Talia Ovadia has spoken openly in recent years about her ongoing journey of spiritual growth and strengthening her connection to Judaism. Rather than making dramatic changes overnight, she says she prefers a gradual approach, one built on consistency, patience, and personal conviction.

In a recent interview on journalist Bar Zaga's podcast, Habreziya, Ovadia reflected on her experience of keeping Shabbat and the lessons she has learned along the way.

"I Wait for Shabbat Like Air to Breathe"

According to Ovadia, her commitment to Shabbat began when she was just 16 years old.

"I've been keeping Shabbat since I was 16," she shared. "I remember that even then, I would sometimes think, 'I'll just take money with me,' and then realize, 'Wait, I'm also carrying a phone.' Little by little, I gave those things up. Today, I don't miss them at all. I wait for Shabbat like air to breathe."

Over the years, what began as a conscious effort gradually became a natural and meaningful part of her life. Today, she describes Shabbat as a source of balance and renewal amid the demands of a busy week.

Growing One Step at a Time

When asked how she managed to make lasting changes, Ovadia emphasized the importance of moving at a pace that feels genuine and sustainable.

"The wisdom is to do it slowly," she explained. "You don't push yourself to an extreme and then have to deal with the consequences. That's not right for me."

She described her observance as a personal process rather than an all-or-nothing approach.

"There won't be fire, there won't be a phone. It's really a disconnect for the soul," she said. "We have seven days in a week, and I spend six of them running around. This is my point of balance. I don't turn off my phone, but I don't touch it either."

Faith and Personal Growth

Ovadia also addressed questions she frequently receives regarding modesty and religious observance.

"There are things that are more important than external modesty, and I hope Hashem will bring me there too," she said. "Religiously, I am a complete believer. More than anything, I believe what matters to Hashem is that people are good and treat one another well."

At the same time, she acknowledged that her spiritual journey is still ongoing.

"That will come," she said regarding dressing more modestly. "I hope the moment arrives when it happens in the right way."

"People Have a Hard Time With Gray"

One of the challenges Ovadia says she encounters is people's tendency to view religious growth in black-and-white terms.

"People have a hard time with gray," she explained. "If I believe deeply and talk about Hashem the way I do, some people think I should already be completely religious and wearing a head covering."

But for Ovadia, lasting change happens through a process.

"I believe in gradual growth so that I don't end up going backward," she said. "I'd rather take the safe route and strengthen myself step by step, just as I did with keeping Shabbat."

Her message reflects an approach that resonates with many people navigating their own spiritual journeys: meaningful change often happens not all at once, but one small step at a time.