“Shabbat Is My Oasis”: A Conversation with a Jerusalem Musician and Host

What does Shabbat mean to you?
“For me, Shabbat is a taste of the World to Come. It just makes sense. Everyone wants a day off. But then on that day off, I want to do what I love: play music, go swimming, take a drive, explore… and suddenly I’m told: 'No!' So what kind of rest is that?

“But that’s exactly the point. On Shabbat, we pause even from the things we love, because sometimes those things tie us down to the noise of this world. (Honestly, I don’t even want to imagine what Shabbat would feel like if phones and computers were allowed, it would rob me of all the peace.)

“So for me, Shabbat is a bubble of calm. It’s a taste of another reality, tucked into the madness of everyday life. A time for friends, for family, and for real, relaxed conversation.”

What’s your Shabbat schedule?
“Fridays are insane. They're rushed and jam-packed right up until the moment Shabbat comes in. And then… in a single second, everything calms down. That calm sets the tone for the whole day.

“I love cooking, so I usually host friends for Friday night dinner, and those meals often go late into the night. Shabbat day is pretty standard, but when the weather’s nice, I love taking a walk along the Armon HaNatziv promenade in the afternoon.”

Where do you pray on Shabbat?
“I’m pretty relaxed about that… sometimes at home (okay, most of the time), sometimes at the Kotel, or at the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem, or at a small local shul in the neighborhood.”

Do you have a favorite Shabbat song?
“There are so many. It's hard to choose. But I have a special place in my heart for Tzama Nafshi by Rabbi Avraham Ibn Ezra. The words have a magic of their own, even before you add the melody. And the tunes? They’re beautiful, too.”

If you could host or be hosted for Shabbat, who would it be?
“Truthfully, I love being home for Shabbat. I’m not such a fan of being hosted… but I love to host. So if anyone wants to come, you're invited!  There’s some excellent chulent waiting.”

What makes Shabbat different from the rest of your week?
“For me, every day of the week flows from the preceding Shabbat and leads into the one that’s coming. I often find myself saying ‘Shabbat Shalom’ to people even on Sunday."