When Shabbat Comes First: Stories of Jews Who Chose Faith Over Fame

Choosing Shabbat Over the Spotlight

Shabbat is more than a day of rest. It's a covenant between the Jewish people and Hashem. And for these five individuals, that covenant meant walking away from career-defining moments in order to honor the sanctity of the seventh day.

1. Turning Down the Title for Shabbat
Harel Zion, a high school student and hardworking boxer, spent 14 years training for a shot at Israel’s youth championship. When he reached the finals, he was promised a Saturday night match time. But when the match was scheduled for Shabbat day instead, and his request for rescheduling was denied, he withdrew from the competition and relinquished the title of “National Youth Boxing Champion.”

In a moving show of support, Israel’s Chief Rabbi David Lau presented him with the “Shabbat Trophy,” and said: “To me, this young man is the real champion, a champion of Shabbat. I was deeply moved to see a person reach into himself and give up glory for the sake of holiness.”

2. From Rising Soccer Star to Shabbat Guardian
Ra’am Zecharia was a promising professional soccer player. To avoid desecrating the Shabbat, he would sleep near stadiums before Saturday games and even once spent Shabbat in a kindergarten classroom with a friend.

But when he couldn’t find a place to stay before a key game, he was forced to sit it out. “That’s when I realized that no matter how much I try, these two worlds will always clash,” he said. After a heartfelt conversation with Rabbi Shneor Gueta, he told his coach he was quitting. “He was shocked. But I don’t regret it for a second.”

3. Sacrificing Gold for One Shabbat
Netta Iger, an 11th-grade chemistry prodigy, spent three years preparing for the international Mendeleev Chemistry Olympics. He excelled in the first two rounds and was poised to take gold until he learned that the final stage would be held on Shabbat.

Rather than violate Shabbat, Netta withdrew from the competition. In recognition of his unwavering commitment, he was honored by the Israeli Knesset. Member of Knesset Moshe Kinley Tur-Paz called it “a meaningful moment where values and achievement meet.”

Sacred Over Success

4. A Chess Master’s Move for Shabbat
Bobby Fischer, the 11th World Chess Champion, refused to participate in a championship match scheduled for Shabbat. Even after requesting just a two-hour delay and being denied, he withdrew entirely.

Jerusalem’s Council for Shabbat responded: “You have sanctified Hashem’s name and brought honor to the Jewish people across the world.”

5. Not Even for a Blank Check from Bill Gates
Kivi Bernhard, a South African Jewish entrepreneur and global speaker, was invited to deliver the keynote at a major Microsoft summit with Bill Gates in attendance. The catch? The event fell was scheduled for Shabbat.

He declined. Microsoft called back with a jaw-dropping proposal and offered him an open check. Still, Bernhard stood firm. In the end, Microsoft had no choice but to move the event to Sunday.

True success isn’t measured by fame, medals, or money—but by the strength to uphold what matters most. These stories are proof that Shabbat isn’t just a day of rest. It’s a day worth sacrificing for!

A Priceless Commodity: Watch Kivi Bernerd explain how, despite the tantalizing offer made to him, he didn’t agree to desecrate Shabbat: