"It Was Quite Frightening, But Thank Hashem We Reached Our Destination Safely and Finally Breathed a Sigh of Relief"

Pleased to Meet You

"Chaim Israel, 48, married to Tiki and father of six, lives in Petah Tikva, musician."

An Unforgettable Memory

"About ten years ago, the three teenagers were kidnapped in the Gush Etzion area; that search period profoundly affected me. I was supposed to travel abroad, but I canceled it to attend the funeral. The national sorrow at that time, alongside the unity surrounding the loss, will forever be remembered. Recently, I finished a tour in the USA, which coincided with protests about the judicial reform across the country. The questions about this topic and concerns about the pain of division reminded me why we only remember our togetherness and unity during times of pain and sorrow, like we need to be. Why can't it also happen during blessed normal times?"

An Important Principle I Won't Forget

"The saying of the sages: 'Know where you came from and where you are going' is a saying I always carry with me. My parents, father Zekharia and mother Sarah, educated us about modesty and connection to our roots throughout life in every situation, and often gave us moral talks when deemed necessary. I pray they continue to be so good and righteous and enjoy long, healthy lives."

(Photo: Rafael Mizrahi)

A Mitzvah I Observed and Won't Forget

"The mitzvah of 'Sending Away the Mother Bird' has captivated my attention for years. The consideration and respect for the bird and its relationship with its fledglings is enchanting to me. Furthermore, another mitzvah closely related to me is visiting the sick. I receive numerous requests for this and try to respond positively to most. Beyond the mitzvah, the ability to help and provide strength to any Jew is heartwarming."

A Jewish Figure I Won't Forget

"The figure of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef still deeply touches me. Rabbi Ovadia was a giant of his generation, and his ability to connect with every Jew was extraordinary in my eyes. His immense knowledge, precision, tradition, and roots instilled in the Jewish people will remain etched forever. I was privileged to converse with him personally many times, and after each conversation, I remained enthusiastic for hours about the greatness of his personality."

A Moment of Divine Providence I Won't Forget

"A few years ago, I was heading to a private event on a remote island, requiring a motorboat ride to get there. Midway, strong winds caused instability, leading to genuine fear among some of the crew with me. We began discussing returning to the small port from which we departed. I believed we would arrive safely, and despite the tense atmosphere, I felt inside we would have providence, and indeed we did. It was extremely frightening, but thank Hashem, we reached our destination safely and finally breathed a sigh of relief, and the performance went on as planned."

A Miracle I Experienced and Won't Forget

"Every day, I experience the miracle of creation. The thought of creating something from nothing and the great wonder from which we all benefit daily is a huge miracle to me. We quickly get used to the good things around us, but every moment of breathing is a miracle, every waking in the morning, every time we embrace our children."

(Photo: Rafael Mizrahi)

A Moment of Happiness I Won't Forget

"The births of my six children are moments I'll never forget. Only those who have experienced them know how much happiness there is in those moments."

Torah Study I Won't Forget

"I was privileged to attend several lessons by Rabbi Yaakov Ades, and they left a great impression on me. It's an intense spiritual experience that is difficult to put into words, one that accompanies and strengthens you long after the lesson ends."

A Song I Won't Forget

"It's a song of mine, but I would choose it anyway. 'Yitgadal V'Yitkadash,' written by Shmuel Yona, is a significant turning point in my life. It's a song that has simply touched the hearts of many and continues to move and strengthen people today."

A Book I Won't Forget

"I was privileged to study 'Mesilat Yesharim' by the Ramchal, and through it, I learned the great importance of studying ethics and drawing closer to the Creator. In my opinion, it is an accurate guidebook for the modern world that everyone should study."

A Difficult Period I Won't Forget

"The Corona period was very challenging for me. From a life routine of daily events and meetings, I suddenly transitioned to a full lockdown and uncertainty about the future. Although it was a difficult period, it also led me to spend significant time with my family and close gaps."

A Prayer I Won't Forget

"One of the prayers that touch me the most each year is the recital of Selichot on the eve of Yom Kippur at the Western Wall. It attracts thousands of people every year, including me, and evokes a powerful sense of holiness and an emotional entrance to the sacred day of the year."

Shabbat / Holiday I Won't Forget

"I often serve as cantor in communities abroad, and it always excites me anew. For example, about a month ago, I was in New York for Shabbat as a guest of the Bukharan community, and these moments when you have the privilege to bring joy to the Jewish world on Shabbat, even a bit remote, are moments that stay with me forever."

(Photo: Rafael Mizrahi)

A Longing I Won't Forget

"I have a great longing for the Shabbat evenings at my parents' house when I was young. The heartfelt singing at a table laden with delicacies and dishes surrounded by my brothers and loved ones deeply touched my heart. Since then and now, songs of Shabbat and holidays evoke feelings of supreme happiness in me."

A Sight I Won't Forget

"Every year, I am deeply moved in Hebron, seeing the people of Israel coming en masse despite any security situation to the city of our patriarchs. For nearly 25 years, despite many other opportunities, I haven't given up performing there during Sukkot and Passover, and sometimes even return from abroad especially to be part of this sublime event."

An Amusing Moment I Won't Forget

"Very amusing moments often repeated in recent years occur when I watch videos sent to me from all over the world, where complete non-Jews sing my songs with great enjoyment—usually, of course, without understanding a word. One of the most memorable videos is of a Mexican taxi driver who sang 'From the Depths' from the bottom of his heart, fully mastering the words and melody."

A Painful Lesson I Won't Forget

"During life, I've learned that hastening for mitzvot is excellent, but for worldly matters, haste and speed are not beneficial and often only bring difficulties and troubles. Effort is required, but at the same time, one must know that everything happens in its time. We must live with faith, and with Hashem's help, everything will fall into place peacefully."