Meni Assayag on Memory, Fear, and What Truly Lasts

A food or sound that takes you back to childhood

“Tiny eggplant jam. My aunt of blessed memory used to bring it to us once in a while. When I eat it today, I’m instantly transported back to the 1970s–80s.”

Three items you’d take with you to a deserted island

“The Kuzari — though it’s much more than just an object; the Rebbe’s dollar; and don’t tell anyone… but cigarettes too.”

Your guilty pleasure

“Fresh Milky pudding straight from the supermarket fridge. The kind that doesn’t even make it home.”

What helps you recharge after a hard day

“Honestly, reading sacred books. We have an amazing library of Jewish texts at home, and I pick one: Mesillat Yesharim, Mishneh Torah (The Mighty Hand) by Rambam, The Kuzari, and more.”

Something people don’t know about you

“That’s a hard question, because I’m a very open person and usually share everything. Maybe that I struggled with hair loss anxiety and was afraid of going bald. Today I’m older and it doesn’t bother me anymore, but back then it really worried me because it runs in the family.”

What scares you the most

“That the Israeli government might change, God forbid. It keeps me up at night — there’s nothing more frightening than that. The scenario poses a danger to Jewish identity here and a reckless rush toward a ‘state of all its citizens.’ That’s the real threat.”

When was the last time you cried

“I have a physiological issue with producing tears because of a psychiatric medication I take daily — it suppresses them. Still, the last time a few tears did come was at a memorial evening for my friend, my brother, my close companion — Yossi Vider, of blessed memory. He was a comedian and a dear friend; we were like brothers. That evening, about a year ago, a few tears appeared — tears I hadn’t known for years.”

Something you’d like to improve about yourself

“Maybe to take things a bit more lightly. I take a lot to heart — both in my personal life and in broader matters. I’d like to let things pass by me more easily.”

The most honest moment you’ve had in conversation with God

“With God, I’m always completely honest. I recommend that everyone be honest with our Father in Heaven — because you can’t not be. He sees everything. ‘An eye that sees, an ear that hears, and all your deeds are written in a book.’ There’s nothing to hide from God, and it’s always best to pour your heart out before Him.”

A dream you haven’t given up on

“If I had a time machine, I’d go back forty years — to basketball. Unfortunately, I suffered a serious injury in my early twenties and the dream ended. I now live it through my son, Tomer, who plays basketball in the Premier League. My dream is to see him break through and reach the very top, with God’s help.”

A trait you value in people

“Honesty. I appreciate people who show themselves as they are, who don’t hide their flaws or weaknesses.”

Someone you’d like to sit down and talk with who’s no longer here

“There are two — my parents. Two righteous people I’d love to sit with and talk to. But they’ll be back soon anyway, at the resurrection of the dead — so we’ll just wait a little longer.”

What you’d like to leave behind in this world after 120 years

“The mitzvot. And all the people I was there for when they were in distress, when they had no one else to turn to — whom I supported and helped with love.”