David D'Or and Judaism: 10 Surprising Quotes from David D'Or on Judaism

1. "I deeply connect to the mitzvah of charity and the understanding that we are all one living human tapestry, interconnected and linked to one another. Thus, when one is fortunate, they must share with others, do good, and bring joy through giving. The very act of charity rewards the giver with the realization of how fortunate they truly are."

2. "I am keenly aware that nothing in this world truly belongs to us except for the mitzvot we have merited to perform. And that the pain of someone in another city or part of the world also affects me."

3. "Through Torah class, my soul is deeply nourished. Without a weekly Torah lesson, I feel weak."

4. "Shabbat is the crown; I look forward to it all week. As soon as it arrives, the house is bathed in a different light, more pure and pleasant. The aroma of challot and cooking fills the pristine home, ushering the family into a different atmosphere. The kiddush, Shabbat table, songs, and stories create an elevated feeling."

5. "I received invitations from Las Vegas for various performances, which always happened to fall on Friday or Shabbat. The offers were very substantial, and it could have been a breakthrough for me, but because it was on Shabbat, I had to turn them down. Each time I came to the class, I was somewhat disappointed because just when an artist's dream offers arrived, I couldn’t take them. Then, the rabbi gently taught me about the meaning of Shabbat and how Hashem tests us in areas we desire most. By the end of the lesson, I found myself grateful for this test and for passing it successfully. Today, I don’t even want to perform on Shabbat because I know the blessing from abstaining will be far greater."

6. "My wife’s dishes are incomparable, not even with gourmet restaurants. The special connection with the family, as each person sheds the week's burdens and arrives at the Shabbat table in a different mindset, is the true delight of Shabbat."

7. "The first time I went to pray at the synagogue, I felt connected to a large community of people singing together."

8. "I discovered the Hidabroot channel through my wife, may she live long. They aired a lecture by Rabbi Zamir, and we were captivated. Suddenly, you have a Torah lesson at home. We don’t always have time to study Torah, but suddenly I am sitting in the living room, turning on the screen, and receiving a Torah lesson that touches every possible part of my soul. Nowadays, we have to watch at least two lectures by Rabbi Fanger and Rabbi Zamir Cohen between 9:00-11:00 PM with the kids."

9. I deeply connect to the spiritual interpretations of the Torah, the mystical teachings, and the spiritual meanings of every word, verse, or mitzvah in the Torah.

10. "When I hear interpretations that touch me, I feel an internal transformation. I am overwhelmed and feel a connection to something much greater than myself. I love to soar high in thought and often find logic in things that weren’t clear before."

What was the pivotal moment that brought David D'Or closer to Judaism? What happened to him in the middle of a performance in London, and how did he overcome the bleak forecasts from professors at Tel HaShomer Hospital? Watch the fascinating interview from the show 'Another Direction' with journalist Dudu Cohen: