Actress Yael Abecassis Shares 15-Year Spiritual Routine

Israeli actress Yael Abecassis revealed in a recent interview that for the past 15 years, she has begun each day by reading Psalms and studying the weekly Torah portion according to the Zohar. Abecassis wakes at sunrise for this practice, which she also undertakes with other women, including studying the weekly portion with Dov Elbaum.

Her deep connection to Jewish texts began during Operation Protective Edge in 2014. Abecassis described being profoundly affected by the events and stories from that period, which altered her perspective on the Torah and Psalms. She recalled watching a grieving mother on television whose son had been killed shortly before his wedding. The mother recited a verse from Psalms, and Abecassis felt a desire to connect rather than feel anger over differing worldviews.

Following this experience, Abecassis started reading Psalms daily, a practice that has become an integral part of her life. She also began distributing Psalms to people around her who were going through difficult times, noting significant positive changes that occurred as a result.

Despite her spiritual routine, Abecassis emphasizes that she does not consider herself to be undergoing a religious return or becoming more observant. She identifies as a proud secular Jew who feels the Torah belongs to everyone and is essential for her personal growth. "I have a great love story with the sources, but I am not becoming religious, as people close to me feared," she stated.