Moshe Chaim, the New Candidate in Tel Aviv: "The City Is Set for a Transformation, There's No Other Option"

Over 70,000 people know Moshe Chaim (51), and it's likely many more, considering these are just his Facebook followers. All of whom joined after personal contact and his confirmation.

Many of his acquaintances are from his past, before he returned to his faith and was engulfed in Israeli bohemia and glamor. However, many met him after his spiritual awakening, through his Torah classes and activities in Tel Aviv.

Moshe Chaim recently surprised many by announcing his candidacy with the Shas list for city council, led by mayoral candidate Natan Elntan, placing him third on the list.

"I don't see joining the list as a goal, but a path," Chaim emphasizes in a conversation with Hidabroot. "I joined the political movement not as a political schemer with a specific goal, but from an entirely different reason. I have no interest in holding a city department related to construction or assets. That's not my intent. I'm interested only in making changes in small areas, which I believe will significantly impact the city."

The opening ceremony of the Shas campaign headquarters for Tel Aviv-Yafo municipality with Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, Deputy Finance Minister Yitzhak Cohen, and the Tel Aviv faction leader Rabbi Natan Elntan.

"I Don't Intend to Bring Everyone Back to the Faith"

Chaim explains his decision to run for city council is rooted in his years of activity in Tel Aviv. "During these years," he details, "we succeeded on one hand in significantly increasing Torah knowledge. I founded the world's largest weekly Torah class at the Great Synagogue taught by Rabbi Zamir Cohen and promoted other classes and Torah activities throughout the city. But, on the other hand, there are still painful issues in Tel Aviv, mostly concerning values and Jewish identity."

"As a resident of North Tel Aviv," he adds, "I can share there's growing interest in girls' seminary and Torah studies here. The demand for Torah institutions is enormous, yet there isn't a single such institution. This is because for years the area was a Meretz stronghold. Although the demographics have slightly shifted towards spirituality and increased demand, there's still no infrastructure to support it. I believe change can only occur from within the municipality."

"I'm not saying my intention is to bring everyone back to faith," he stresses, "but if there are those seeking more Torah institutions, why shouldn't we provide them? There are so many traditional people who care about Judaism and they just need the proper tools to live 'sanely' here in North Tel Aviv. I know parents sending their children far away to Torah schools. Why shouldn't we offer something closer?"

Chaim also wishes to emphasize another point: "For years, the mayor has tried to make Tel Aviv resemble large global cities like Paris, Berlin, and New York. He gives his all for this goal, possibly forgetting we're different. Our infrastructure should not be based on opening businesses on Shabbat or complete freedom in trade but on Judaism and tradition. We can ensure modernity and progress without stepping on Judaism or violating Halacha, or impacting Shabbat."

"The greatest mistake is trying to turn our lifestyle into that resembling the nations of the world. We have a unique role – to be a light unto the nations. If only we succeed in integrating Jewish values into the progress and development of Tel Aviv, it will be an achievement."

Interview with Another Direction with Dudu Cohen:

"We Are the Only Alternative"

How do you read the map? Do you think Shas has good chances?

"I think the chances are high, because from what I see on the ground, as someone who interacts with many traditional people, in recent years there's a feeling in Tel Aviv that the mayor has been fighting aggressively against anything with even a faint hint of Judaism. This makes people want change."

"Currently, there are no alternatives because most of the parties opposing the mayor hold similar left-wing views. We are the clearest list regarding Judaism and Israel's tradition. We are the only ones representing these values. So, I assume everyone who feels the mayor has crossed red lines and is looking for something else will ultimately come to us."

"I myself know the secular world well, as I came from there. Now I feel my activities serve as ‘the return of balance’. If I once represented glamour and sponsored beauty pageants and such, today I seek to strengthen spirituality and faith. I feel this is my role."

Tell me, after returning to faith, did you ever consider leaving Tel Aviv?

"Truthfully, I've considered it many times, but each time my strong desire to continue engaging the public in Tel Aviv, especially in Rabbi Zamir Cohen's classes, has prevailed. The Rabbi visits once a week to deliver a class that has reached hundreds of thousands so far."

"This class started about six years ago, marking the beginning of significant spiritual growth in North Tel Aviv. Our sages state that in places with great holiness, there's also great impurity. I constantly see this – we start and initiate classes one after another, but simultaneously, more 'brilliant' ideas and statements from the mayor, which oppose purity and holiness, surface. Whether it's a parade or performance, or anything else that deeply shocks us. While I’m pleased with the positive changes, it's our duty to ensure they continue."