"They Couldn't Save My Mother. This Night Will Stay in My Memory to My Last Day"

Pleased to Meet You

"Meni (Menachem) Assayag, 52, resident of Kiryat Motzkin, married and father of three, is a scriptwriter and satirist."

A Childhood Memory I'll Never Forget

"The outbreak of the Yom Kippur War. I was three years old when the war began. I vividly remember the alarm and the announcer calling 'turn off the lights', the frantic run to shelters with all the women suddenly screaming 'where's Denise?', 'who's seen Denise?', 'Denise is missing'. I quickly realized they had forgotten Aunt Denise at home, she was probably sleeping deeply and didn't hear the alarms. Due to the hysteria, I was certain that she was supposed to command the defense battles and didn't notice. Incidentally, immediately after the war, the shelter we ran to was converted into a synagogue, and my father Machluf, of blessed memory, served as its public emissary."

An Important Principle in My Life, Which I Don’t Forget

"The principle of gratitude. Many, unfortunately, fall in this matter, when their memory betrays them and they suddenly forget those who did good for them and don’t reciprocate in kind. Remember the good, and so it will be good."

(Photo: Tzachi Algyah)

A Meeting I'll Never Forget

"My first meeting with the righteous Rebbe Yosiah Yosef Pinto. I went to his home in Ashdod a few years ago, and he was very ill. Many people surrounded his bed, yet he called me to sit next to him on the bed, kissed my head, held my hand tightly, and told me that I am his brother, thanks to my engagement in sanctifying the name of Hashem. On that occasion, he also gave me a luxurious volume of the Book of Deuteronomy, the book he is most connected to, and since then I have also spread the importance of reading and the *segula* of this book."

A Miracle I Experienced and Will Never Forget

"Here you go – you innocently upload a normal picture with *tefillin* on the networks, and suddenly it spreads like wildfire. Thousands identify with the matter and are inspired to resume putting on *tefillin*, and many wish to return to the mitzvah but cannot afford *tefillin*. So you speak with good Jews in Israel and abroad who fund the purchases. Is this not a miracle?"

A Moment of Happiness I Will Never Forget

"The first two times I served as *sandek* at circumcisions. You feel an exalted feeling, as if the *Shechinah* is upon you. Especially powerful are the moments when everyone comes to you for a blessing, and you, the small one, suddenly feel like a revered rabbi. This little one will be great..."

Torah Study I Will Never Forget

"My first lesson with the righteous Rabbi Yossi Arma from Beit She'an. Rabbi Yossi is a beloved and special rabbi who, in his 20s, was a successful soccer player in the premier league, and at the height of his success, he abandoned everything and committed himself to the service of Hashem. We met by divine providence and developed a close friendship. This is a wonderful and inspiring Jew with a phenomenal ability to unite different populations and bring people closer to Hashem in pleasant ways. Rabbi Yossi holds Torah classes in secular kibbutzim and, by the way, teaches Torah regularly to the players of the national champion team, Maccabi Haifa."

A Song I Will Never Forget

"Whenever I hear the song 'Al Tira' with the genius melody by Avihu Medina, I am filled with emotion and my hair stands on end. Well, those that remain..."

A Book I Will Never Forget

"The Torah. It's impossible to ignore the greatness of the greatest of the prophets, Moshe Rabbeinu, whose prophecies in 'Ki Tavo', 'Haazinu', and 'V'Zot HaBeracha' have come and continue to come true before our eyes. Of all the prophetic books, I must mention my special connection with the Book of Shmuel, which reveals the remarkable personality of the psalmist, King David - the mighty Jew from whom we learn optimally about adherence and full faith in Hashem, and how to fulfill mitzvot with dedication, even when you are a great king."

(Photo: Tzachi Algyah)

A Difficult Event I Will Never Forget

"On a Friday night, seven years ago, at my parents' house. About ten pots on the hot plate, a display of large salad bowls, the Shabbat table set and inviting, and alongside all this, my righteous mother Alice lay on the ground as a Magen David Adom team tried to revive her. Unfortunately, they couldn't save my mom, and this night will stay with me until my last day."

A Prayer I Will Never Forget

"The hymn 'Bar Yochai Nimshachta Ashrecha' in the Moroccan tune that my father, of blessed memory, would sing during Friday night kiddush. This hymn reminds me so much of him. Sadly, we no longer sing this hymn, but maybe following this interview we will return to singing 'Bar Yochai', b'li neder."

A Shabbat I Will Never Forget

"Thirteen years ago, a Shabbat that is vividly etched in my memory, we were at my parents' home. As the family expanded over the years, thank God, we would arrive at the parents' house in an orderly manner because the house was too small to accommodate all the siblings, nephews, and great-nephews. And then, on that Shabbat, without any prior arrangement, the entire extended family came. Everyone. It was very crowded in the house but also very joyful. My father sat there, happy to see his entire family together in his home. He talked with everyone, blessed, sanctified, and was elated. The next day, our righteous and beloved father passed away, and we realized we all came to say farewell to him. I'm shivering as I tell this, some things stay with you forever."

An Amusing Moment I Will Never Forget

"A few weeks ago, I launched a new personal comedic show, in which I team up with comedian Eitan Buchris, packed with countless funny and unforgettable moments. I recount the story of my life and the challenges I've faced, the choices I made, and the costs I've paid for clinging to truth and justice. Alongside all the laughter, the show also serves as a great sanctification of the name of Hashem."

(Photo: Tzachi Algyah)

A Dream I Haven’t Fulfilled Yet, and Hope To

"The great childhood dream that I have not fulfilled and will no longer be able to. I was an outstanding basketball player, one of the best youth players in the country, but then a knee injury shattered that dream. Today, I fulfill more important dreams, never forgetting for a moment my grandparents, of blessed memory, and the values they instilled in us. I know that tradition, faith, Shabbat, and the fear of Hashem are worth and more significant than any buzzer-beater."