An Unexpected Encounter: Rabbi and Pop Star Connect at 30,000 Feet

Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Rimon recently made headlines following an encounter with singer Noa Kirel. The two had never met before, but the story of their meeting spread rapidly after the rabbi shared his reflections in a family WhatsApp group. Now, Rabbi Rimon shares his perspective on the event that captivated media attention.

"Recently, a meeting on a plane with Noa Kirel came to light as I was returning from a brief visit to England, where I delivered 13 lectures," explained the rabbi in an article for "Makor Rishon." "An innocent message I sent to my family group was unknowingly posted by a friend of my daughter as a WhatsApp status. Within hours, all of Israel had heard about it, and soon after, it gained worldwide attention, thank Hashem, in a positive way."

"How did this happen?" pondered the rabbi in his article. "Why do many more meaningful initiatives in Torah and kindness, which I have the privilege to lead, not receive such quick exposure? I received hundreds of messages, and within them, I identified a few reasons for the rapid spread," he explained. "People discovered new aspects of Noa Kirel, including her connection to Torah and her grandfather who was a rabbi, among others. Yet, above all, I saw that the connection between different people in the Jewish community makes people feel good."

"Amidst all the disagreements," he wrote, "people suddenly saw a natural, simple connection that brought out good things. I believe that such connections are the true and natural essence of the Jewish people. Disagreements and protests don't define us. The essence of the Jewish people is connected and loving, certainly among the vast majority. With great love, we can reveal this connection."