Moti Giladi: "From My Childhood Home, I Absorbed the Love for the Bible"

"Here I am, poor indeed... trembling and afraid..." Moti Giladi's voice sings out when asked about the new play, 'The Garment,' where he plays a central role.

The play is produced by Aspaklaria Theater, starring Dani Shtag, Yigal Filler, Zion Ashkenazi, and in a prominent role - Moti Giladi.

Though originally written by Shai Agnon and it didn't include the part from the High Holiday prayers, Moti, born into tradition, felt it was necessary to add it. So, he did.

For those unfamiliar with this intriguing actor, it's clear that Giladi is more than just an actor. He writes a significant part of the plays, participates in set design, and lives the stage from all angles. "The more crafts, the more blessings," he quotes a known Yiddish proverb, and it's soon clear this isn't the only language he speaks, having learned no less than 21 additional languages for his theatrical work.

Images from the play

No Apologies

Moti Giladi was born in Karkur, exactly seventy years ago. As a young boy, he picked strawberries and painted plumbing pipes, all the while being a stage enthusiast. When asked when he started performing, he answers as early as two and a half years old.

Later activities included school performances and choirs, from Karkur elementary school to Pardes Hanna high school, followed by his military service in the army band.

"I was accepted into the band mostly for my singing and musical connection," he explains, "but soon I began writing songs and plays because I discovered the best suits are the ones I sew myself. To this day, I try to add my personal touch to every play I produce. It's not just because I love my writing," he emphasizes, "but also because I believe plays should have certain values. Despite being stereotyped as an entertainer and mimic, I believe you can't make an audience laugh without content, what I call 'quality.' Over my 52-year career, I strive to maintain my standards and those of the audience. I refuse to do anything my grandchildren would be ashamed of in the future. I've declined numerous films and plays because they insulted human intelligence."

The actors: Yigal Filler, Dani Shtag, and Zion Ashkenazi (Photo: Muki Schwartz)

Have you ever made hasty remarks and regretted them later?

"You won't find any because they don't exist. I'm very self-aware, conscious of both my strengths and weaknesses. Having grown up with a DNA of faith and values, they can't be taken from me. You know the words 'for honor and glory'? That's where I set my sights. For me, the audience is sacred, and I'll let you in on a secret: despite my long career, I still tremble with fear when stepping on stage. I want from the start not to offend anyone."

This may explain why his shows attract a wide Israeli audience. "But sadly, I haven't reached the ultra-Orthodox sector," he lamentably admits. "Though I often have crowds with hats and suits and have participated in several ultra-Orthodox events, I wish to reach more into this sector because I feel I have much to offer them."

Biblical Tastes from My Father

And now, in the atmosphere of the High Holidays, Giladi finds himself reminiscing about the days from his father. "I grew up surrounded by orchards," he recalls, "on Yom Kippur, our house was utterly dark, with not even streetlights illuminating the night. That's the atmosphere I grew up in, and it fostered my love for the Bible."

He learned at a young age from R' Pesach Kaplan of blessed memory, who mastered prayer and haftarah readings, gaining extensive knowledge in biblical cantillation. "Unfortunately, not everyone is meticulous in their readings," he confesses, "so I often find myself leading services and being called to the Torah because simply, there's no one else who can. I'm thankful and love it."

He notes that due to his special connection to the Bible, he frequently quotes it in his skits, "because it's engraved within me," he explains, "I've always loved and connected with prayer. Rituals fascinate me, and to be honest, I'm deeply religious at heart."

Honestly - is there a chance you'll move closer to Judaism someday?

Giladi pauses, then explains, "I don't think that's what's expected of me, as many artists journey from one extreme to the other. I've never been opposed to Judaism. On the contrary, I grew up within it. I'm deeply religious inside, practicing commands and values."

He also feels a commitment to the Jewish people. "I was invited a few years ago to a Yiddish festival in the Warsaw Theatre. A renowned theater requested my performance in Yiddish, especially to a predominantly Polish audience. I invested a lot in that show, learning Polish fluently, performing and singing in Polish with precision to astound them. Additionally, I used Yiddish significantly, proving to them that all melodies are inherently Jewish. It was an emotionally charged event - standing in Poland, on the soil where my entire family, whom I never knew, was eradicated, successfully proving to the Gentiles that the nation of Israel lives."

Speaking of Israel, Giladi reveals his strong connection to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, having accompanied him in a strategic office team for seven years. He penned numerous influential speeches, most notably remembered for Netanyahu's address at the United Nations in September 2011, offering Mahmoud Abbas "Let’s Talk Dugri"—a line attributed to the indefatigable actor.

Dressing on 'The Garment'

Currently, Giladi has joined Aspaklaria Theater, playing a significant role in 'The Garment,' adapted by Haggai Lober and directed by Prof. Malka.

"I felt an immediate connection with Aspaklaria," he mentions, "and it's not just the play's content, but the frequent rehearsals meant frequent Jerusalem visits. The journey from Caesarea (where I reside) to Jerusalem and back, despite being no small task, benefited me greatly. Wandering Jerusalem's streets provided a unique anthropological experience."

Adding on a personal note, "Our play conveys a profound message. It portrays me as a tailor tasked with making a coat for the minister, swearing success but repeatedly failing. The good-natured minister offers me another chance, yet success eludes me once again. When acting in this play, I feel as if I'm performing my life, for nothing is wholly perfect in our world, but we must all strive for good."

Was it intentional to release the play during the month of Elul?

"No, it wasn't planned. The play was supposed to launch months ago, but providence led it here, and indeed, its message is most fitting for the High Holidays. It's what we must aim for: to tailor the minister, our Hashem, the most suitable garment. Hopefully, we succeed in our task."