Following the Rabbi's Murder: Yatzpan Strengthens His Faith

This week, Eli Yatzpan was interviewed on the radio station "Kol Berama" and made a significant announcement: following the murder of Rabbi Elazar Abuhatzeira of blessed memory, the veteran comedian decided to fully observe Shabbat. Yatzpan has been drawing closer to Judaism for several years and was also known for his special relationship with Rabbi Kaduri of blessed memory, but now he seems to be taking a particularly significant step further. "When I talk about Baba Elazar not being here, I already have tears, my throat is choked," Yatzpan said in the radio interview and was not afraid to encourage listeners to keep Shabbat themselves.

"Believe me, it's incredibly enjoyable to take one Shabbat to observe, enjoy, eat, and pray," he said. The strengthening of his faith, Yatzpan shared, also stemmed from his profound feelings following the shocking and incomprehensible murder of Rabbi Elazar Abuhatzeira. "I admit he grants me the merit to keep this sacred Shabbat, for the terribly painful, illogical, and incomprehensible farewell," he said. "When I speak about Baba Elazar not being here, I already have tears, my throat is choked. It is a gigantic loss for the people of Israel. We are in difficult times. These days carry very significant meanings. Greater people than I say that such an untimely departure of a righteous individual in this manner is probably a significant decree meant to come upon the people of Israel." 

During the interview, a few days before Tisha B'Av, Yatzpan addressed the listeners, urging them to reflect: "I want to ask anyone who can, also because of what's happening in the country now, these difficult times, you see the tents, the distress, and the pain. If possible, may each one reflect a little. Believe me, it's incredibly enjoyable to take one Shabbat - to observe it, enjoy, eat, pray, and rest. The subject of Shabbat is not simple, even for those returning to religion. It's a process, but Rabbi Yaakov Ades grants me the merit, and thanks to him, I keep Shabbat. It's a process, and it advances slowly."