Artists and Public Figures: What Does Hidabroot Mean to Me?

Maor Edri: For me, Hidabroot is about innovations and drawing closer to Hashem. Everyone who knows Maor, not the singer, knows how close I am to Hashem! I encounter Hidabroot mainly through the Torah lessons given by the rabbis. It strengthens and continually teaches me new things..

Shuli Rand

Shuli Rand: Hidabroot, as its name implies, is an entity with a noble goal in our generation: to engage in dialogue. Courageously, honestly, and at eye level, it reveals the beauty, depth, subtlety, and love of our holy Torah to as many people as possible..

I encounter Hidabroot and its activities mainly through the illuminated Shabbat bulletins and numerous meetings with Jews who have gained knowledge and wisdom following their encounters with Hidabroot..

David D'or (photo by Jonathan Bloom)

David D'or: "The word Hidabroot represents peace, in the manner of our holy Torah, whose ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace. Even if there are disagreements, and we have our share, every problem should be resolved through dialogue, listening to what each side has to say, and then finding the connection that unites us all..

"Hidabroot encountered me during a period when I was frequently performing globally. As a Jewish traditionalist, I encountered many situations where I did not know how to act. Hidabroot reminded me of my connection to my Jewish roots, a connection of which I am very proud..

Oded Menashe

Oded Menashe: "My children are growing up in a religious environment, studying in religious and haredi schools, and we want to protect them. Thus, I don’t want to show them the programs I’ve made elsewhere. I’m so happy that through my collaboration with Hidabroot, I can, for the first time in my life, happily show my children the programs I’ve created from start to finish, without fear or concern. What's happening in Hidabroot was truly born for them, with wonderful programs and a mix of beautiful stories, including stories of tzadikim, all suited to their age and emotional state.".

Doron Shafir: "For me, Hidabroot is an excellent way to get to know our roots more deeply, through Torah and Judaism study. Through the programs, lectures, and various channels, Hidabroot offers numerous tips and tools to cope with life’s challenges: character development, family harmony, education, livelihood, faith, security, and more, all in a healthy, joyful, and balanced way.".

Yonatan Razel

Yonatan Razel: "To me, Hidabroot is such a great miracle that I feel it’s best not to talk about it to avoid the evil eye. I believe this organization has found a true path to dialogue, genuinely touching so many people from the People of Israel and bringing them closer to our Father in Heaven. As someone who travels a lot in Israel and abroad, I feel the organization’s impact. It’s a quiet revolution emerging from the grassroots—a very positive, natural, human, and Israeli revolution.".

Ishay Ribo

Ishay Ribo: "The world’s greatest public merit, occurring through people with genuine self-sacrifice. Occasionally, Hidabroot merits me, and I come to programs in the studios in Petah Tikva or events throughout the country. The amount of feedback I receive from people who are very distant is amazing.".

Yosef Karduner: "I have relatives who are connected to Hidabroot and genuinely awaken to repentance through the organization. My wife constantly tells about Hidabroot and how important their activities and strengthening conventions are. She greatly encourages her surroundings to watch the Hidabroot channel instead of what others watch. I see Hidabroot doing great things, part of the redemption process happening even now.".

Sharon Rotter: "For me, Hidabroot is content that speaks deeply to me, especially as someone who returned to faith and still seeks accuracy and inspiring stories. As a writer and editor for newspapers and magazines, I’ve often drawn inspiration from the articles and stories on the site. I encounter Hidabroot mainly through my email inbox, even though I would like to be more involved with the organization, sharing my return story and singing for women.".

Moshiko Stern: "Hidabroot, for me, is an organization that makes Judaism accessible through all possible media and cleverly, invitingly, and warmly uses advanced platforms. I encounter Hidabroot at home (as a subscriber to their publications), at the synagogue on Shabbatot (in their bulletin), and in personal meetings in which I’ve participated with rabbis and managers belonging to the organization.".

Yaakov Shwekey: "I had the privilege to participate in a special evening we organized in Paris for the Jewish community. Before the event, I was told I first had to visit the headquarters in Petah Tikva to understand what it’s all about. I arrived at the huge building, and we began a tour, starting from the studios in the basement to the top floor. I couldn’t stop marveling at the power emanating from this building, reaching all corners of the Jewish world in Israel and the diaspora. At this opportunity, I want to thank the dear friends who connected me to the organization—Nir Garmi, Erez Maimon, and Yisrael Cohen—for all their efforts for the People of Israel.".

Dani Chetag: "Hidabroot is primarily a sacred channel for transferring knowledge from the Torah of Israel to the holy People of Israel. The need for the organization is enormous, like a flowing spring. I, like all lovers of the holy and its Torah, come thirsty to the channel and bulletin. I personally am always quenched by it..

"At the third meal in the 'Gra' synagogue in Tel Aviv where I serve as gabbai, I end up sharing an idea printed in the bulletin. At my home's Shabbat table, wonderful ideas and essential information that appear in the bulletin are also shared weekly.".

Yedidya Meir

Yedidya Meir: "The truth is, I didn't know about Hidabroot’s strength until I was interviewed by them myself. Talented Dudu Cohen interviewed me for his show, and since then, I haven’t stopped receiving responses. Despite my frequent appearances in the media, this time was different. People of high regard, many of them key rabbis, told me they saw the show, and on the other hand, even media figures I thought were very far from the channel and its content told me they are avid surfers on the site and gain a lot from it.".

Kobi Aflalo: "For me, Hidabroot is—as its name suggests—an organization that truly believes in communication between people, between yourself and your soul, and the most important and noble communication: between you and your Creator. Whenever I worked with Hidabroot, or interacted with the organization in any way, I met very good, special people, regardless of your background. They simply embrace your Judaism with great love and fulfill 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' I am grateful and proud of every part where I could collaborate with this wonderful organization. Yasher koach!".

Menuha Fox

Menuha Fox: "For me, Hidabroot is a breath of air. Truly. Some people go outside to breathe fresh air, some go on vacation to breathe differently, and I connect to Hidabroot. I write columns for Hidabroot, read what others write, and I don’t need to look for a vacation or leisure. When I’m connected to Hidabroot—I breathe life! Hidabroot is a connection between Jew and Jew—the unifying tool that ensures everyone is connected and belongs, and it's so wonderful.".

Zion Baruch: "My strongest memory related to Hidabroot is a lesson by Rabbi Zamir Cohen, held in my home. We had a lesson to elevate my mother's soul, may her memory be blessed, and the Rabbi honored us by coming. It moved me greatly. During the lesson, I asked the Rabbi a question. He liked the question, laughed, and said: 'Zion, you’ll be a great rabbi someday.' By the way, my question was whether the evil inclination is truly evil or an angel that simply brings us closer to Hashem. Have a good year everyone, and much success.".

Dana Veron

Dana Veron: "For me, Hidabroot is simply a great sanctification of Hashem’s name. When I was exposed to the channel's activities—I was in shock. I discovered that you can make clean communication, with empowering and strengthening messages, and mainly Jewish, with such quality, level, and magnitude. Many times when I talk to people about subjects related to Judaism, they tell me: 'Yes, I learned about that from Hidabroot,' or: 'I heard that from Rabbi Zamir Cohen.' It's just amazing to me to see that when you talk to people, you realize that their connection to Judaism is mainly thanks to Hidabroot.".

Sagi Cohen: "For me, Hidabroot is first a connection to roots, with closeness of hearts, brotherhood, companionship, and acceptance of others. I first encountered Hidabroot through lessons and lectures by rabbis affiliated with the channel, and later also in channel programs in which I participated. When I see cheap scare tactics and gimmicks inciting hatred and competition from the other side—these phenomena only heighten my great appreciation for Hidabroot.".

Gili Shoshan: "At the beginning of my return, I would seemingly by chance come across the Hidabroot channel. On this channel was almost always the same modest and articulate rabbi, charming and serene, who projected from his heart and lips the spiritual, human, academic, and Torah-rich knowledge, immediately recognizing the truth glowing and magnetizing in him. I am, of course, talking about Rabbi Zamir Cohen. I wish us all that this sweet melody man, serene in his ways, continues to allow millions more to feel the new and warm home I felt in those moments of loneliness and confusion, when a real home is all you want.".

Rahav Meir (photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Sivan Rahav-Meir: "Only recently was I exposed to the power of Hidabroot. I work in many and varied media outlets, but because much of my content is quoted on your site, people approach and say to me 'I read you on Hidabroot.'... We live in an era where one of our great national enemies is ignorance, apathy, and alienation from our identity, heritage, and values. I wish you success in this important mission. Happy New Year".

Aharon Razel (photo by Liran Shamesh)

Aharon Razel: "Hidabroot, in my eyes, is a prominent sign of the approaching redemption. Hidabroot is unique in that it succeeds in adapting itself to so many different communities among the People of Israel. I often meet people who have returned to Judaism. When I ask them when they first encountered Judaism, they tell me: 'Back in the days when I was completely secular with dreadlocks, they accidentally opened the Hidabroot channel at home, and that was the first time I felt a connection to Judaism.' I can only say—congratulations!!".

Golan Azoulai: When talking about Hidabroot, it’s hard for me not to get emotional. I think when you encounter this organization, and I encounter it quite a lot because I host programs on the channel, you understand how much Torah there is in it. Simply Torah for its own sake. Because everything is done in line with the spirit of Torah, whether it’s the channel, the website, or the numerous activities that words cannot describe. When you act according to the Torah’s opinion, you naturally succeed. You succeed in passing on this Torah to the general public.".

Rabbi Shalom Arush

Rabbi Shalom Arush: "It is a great honor for me to speak about the important organization Hidabroot, led by Rabbi Zamir Cohen, who succeeds in connecting with an audience that loves him so much. Rabbi Zamir Cohen has tremendous success in lessons and conventions, in the Hidabroot channel, and in all his endeavors. He managed to create a great revolution among the People of Israel, a blessed and blessing revolution. People return to repentance and say that Hidabroot revives them, bringing them closer. I bless all those involved in the work to continue to magnify and glorify the Torah.".

Eden Harel

Eden Harel: "For me, Hidabroot is a keyword for everything human. Communication builds relationships (and also destroys) between people, couples, families, communities, nations, and countries. Therefore, for me, Hidabroot is communication in its good aspect. It’s an act of wanting to meet at a possible—even imaginary—middle point and build a bridge to better continuity. I encounter Hidabroot at home, on the street, in performances, and in the media. As someone who has been partnering with this important organization for many years, I receive feedback both in person and in online comments, and each time I’m amazed at how positive approaches penetrate and take root even in places and hearts.".

Brought to print by: Avner Shaki, Hadas Afik, Yisrael Cohen