Singer Aviv Geffen at a Deli in Bnei Brak: 'Haredim Treat Me Better Than Secular People'

Last Friday, singer and mentor Aviv Geffen entered a deli in Bnei Brak, surprising those present by saying he was 'moving closer to the food of religion, and then to the religion,' when asked by a customer: 'What are you doing here?'.

At the deli on Chazon Ish Street, Geffen arrived accompanied by his son Dylan and his Haredi friend named Chaim Gitler, and the two purchased various foods in honor of Shabbat. Later, in a post published by the artist on his Twitter page, along with his photo in the crowded store - he wrote the following words, somewhat cynically and somewhat seriously: 'A deli in Bnei Brak. Getting closer to religion through food.'

Insiders, including Chaim Gitler, say that Geffen has recently turned Bnei Brak into his preferred city for making his Shabbat purchases, and there's a good reason for that: 'Haredim treat me better than secular people,' says the singer. 'I come every Friday to the Vizhnitz bakery, and everyone welcomes me - religious Haredim.'

In an interview with 'Bhadrei Haredim', Gitler recounted: 'Aviv and I have known each other for many years. Six months ago, when Aviv's son was born, I sat with him and his wife, and explained to them the importance of the mitzvah of circumcision. Aviv agreed, and indeed we performed the mitzvah of circumcision with Dr. Gonen.'

Aviv told me that his wife lights candles and is strict about observing Shabbat. She also encouraged him to get closer to religion, and indeed he often comes to Bnei Brak on Fridays - there we shop for food, and through that, he is getting closer to religion.