Interview with the CEO of the Daily Rambam: From the Alleys of Jaffa to the Beauty of Torah

"I was born in Jaffa, 38 years ago, to a typical traditional Israeli family," Ziv begins to recount what later became the story of his life.

"The neighborhood where I grew up was mixed, with both Jewish and Arab residents who tried to maintain good neighborly relations as much as possible. I studied at Ironi Z High School in Jaffa, which was intended for both Jewish and Arab students. I had Arab friends in my class. It was a surreal reality, especially studying Bible lessons with Arabs... It was the time of the Oslo Accords, and everything was under the message that peace was imminent, and we felt the dove of peace in the air. Sometimes, after terror attacks, there was a tense atmosphere. Relationships were concrete, with mutual respect and a lot of suspicion..

"Upon release from the army, I looked for a job. A temp agency offered me to assist in preparing for a special conference of Elite Company. After a few days of temporary work, Erez Vigodman approached me with an unbelievable offer: 'I think I need someone like you, young, eager, and fresh – come work with us on a regular basis.' It was a huge *siyata d'shmaya*. From then, and for seven years, I worked in the company, closely with the CEO, as a personal assistant to the group’s CEOs Erez Vigodman, Giora Bar Dea, and Ofra Strauss, managing cross-organizational projects from concept to execution..

"During that time, I married my wife Adi. She was a settler from Nezar Hazani in Gush Katif, and I was a young guy from Jaffa. Those years marked a personal process of *teshuva* in me. Meeting Adi brought me closer to the Creator. I began speaking to Hashem and conducting deep introspection.

"At that time, I had an agreement with Hashem. I watched one episode of TV shows, and immediately after, watched a lesson on the Hidabroot channel – lessons by Rabbi Zamir Cohen, Rabbi Fanger, Rabbi Baruch Rosenblum, and others. This continued for 6 years. One hour of secular media, one hour of Hidabroot lessons. This is essentially how I merited returning to *teshuva*. The hours of secular media diminished, and thankfully today – they are canceled, and the lesson hours increased..

"After seven intensive years with the company, I decided it was time to establish my own company, dealing in strategic business consultancy. The company, by the way, still operates today. It is my baby. The company specializes in strategic, business, and creative graphic design. It works with leading business firms like Bank Hapoalim, Teva, Bezeq, Strauss, and more..

"After years of business activity and development, I felt that my soul also wanted its portion. During those days, I heard about the Daily Rambam project, and was offered the position of CEO of the organization. I was looking to engage in sacred work, not just livelihood, and it suited me very well. I was somewhat familiar with the Daily Rambam initiative, which is essentially the study of the Mishneh Torah, one chapter a day. It encompasses the entire Torah".

For those who are unfamiliar, could you elaborate a bit?

"This is a unique program developed to allow the general public to encompass and learn the entire Torah through 'Mishneh Torah' – the series deals with a comprehensive range of Torah subjects and serves as a kind of summary of the entire oral Torah. These are the only books in the whole Jewish bookshelf that fully cover all parts of the Torah, but in a concise manner. It is a treasure of wisdom. The Rambam is the backbone of Jewish law, and the only one who covered the Torah in this way. There's no topic the Rambam didn't address or rule on. He lived about 850 years ago, and his completeness, order, and methodical approach are inspiring. This is *the* book for anyone who wants to know the entire Torah, encompass it all, and touch and learn about all topics without exception".

Why should one join the program?

"Those who join the program receive study books at home in a special and annotated edition by Rabbi Steinsaltz. The edition contains a concise explanation for difficult words and complex halachic terms on which the Rambam is based. Moreover, there is detailed attention to the Rambam's words that have been ruled in law and opinions that differ from his, all in a fluent language making the study an experiential and accessible activity for all".

How is this project different from others?

"As mentioned, the Rambam covers all aspects of Torah, including topics related to the future (Temple, etc.). The Rambam is enjoyable to study. Every two weeks a topic changes (83 topics in less than 3 years), and Mishneh Torah is written in clear and elegant Hebrew.

"Additionally, at the Daily Rambam, we constantly strive to make the learning accessible. We don't just present a book and tell the participant to 'manage on your own.' We accompany them throughout the whole learning process – from the decision to learn until they complete and encompass the entire Torah. The learner receives a disc containing daily lessons for listening, delivered by Rabbi Chaim Sabato (lesson up to 20 minutes), a short daily video (90 seconds) to watch, conveying a concept from the daily chapter (the video is alternately delivered by Oded Menashe, Golan Azulai, Yishai Lapidot, Nati Ravitz, Dan Shapira, and more).

Additionally, subscribers receive a daily chapter summary via WhatsApp (in private, not a group!).

Once a week, learners benefit from review and in-depth sheets and a weekly newsletter containing content about the chapter and enrichment content.

Furthermore, the new website and app are rich with content suitable for everyone.

How can the average learner handle a particularly challenging chapter?

A learner facing difficulties during study can turn to an online *chavruta* for any question.

Who is the program suitable for? Can anyone join?

"The program is suitable for everyone in Israel – young and old, scholars and working people – everyone".

More than 80,000 (!) people participate in the initiative, of all ages, from second grade up to 120.

Dear friends, a new cycle of the Daily Rambam is starting, and each of you is invited to choose your way to connect to the Torah.

From anywhere, at any time, in a way that suits you!

Now is the time to commit to daily learning and embark on a sweet year of Torah!

To contact: *4531