Social Media Star Meni Frishman Opens Up About Past Struggles and Hopes for His Daughters
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Social media personality Meni Frishman discussed a difficult period in 2016-2017 where he felt he lost his independence. He now uses these past struggles to maintain a positive outlook, though he admits to experiencing tough moments. Frishman finds solace in prayer and aims to share a positive perspective online, hoping to help his followers cope with life's challenges. His greatest aspiration is to be an approachable father for his daughters.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Social media personality Meni Frishman revealed a difficult past period of lost independence.
- He uses past struggles to maintain a positive outlook and overcome current challenges.
- Frishman finds solace in prayer at holy sites during difficult times.
- He aims to share a positive perspective online, not a perfect life.
- His greatest aspiration is to be an open and approachable father to his daughters.
- Frishman works in real estate and advocates for openness within the Haredi community.
Meni Frishman, known for his energetic and humorous social media presence, revealed a difficult period in his life during an interview with Yanki Goldhaber on Channel 7's "Behind the Status." Frishman, 32, who is active in the Haredi community and works in real estate, described a period between 2016-2017 where he felt "disconnected from the universe" and lost his independence, having only brief weekly calls with his parents.
Despite the hardships, Frishman stated that this experience equipped him with tools to face current challenges, viewing them as minor compared to what he endured. He believes that maintaining a positive outlook and radiating joy is a choice, comparing it to how one reacts after a car accident. While he projects happiness online, Frishman acknowledged that he also experiences difficult moments, but he quickly shifts his perspective by remembering his past struggles.
When overwhelmed, Frishman seeks solitude, often visiting the Western Wall or the graves of righteous figures to pray and release his emotions. He shared a powerful experience at the tomb of Rabbi Yisrael of Karlin where he wept intensely, feeling cleansed afterward. Frishman admitted that while he shares some struggles online, it's easier to post successes, and he doesn't fake happiness, stating, "When I'm sad, I'm sad. When I'm happy, I'm happy."
Frishman's primary goal on social media is to convey a positive perspective, not to present a perfect life. He receives messages from people who say his posts bring them joy and energy, helping them cope with financial, health, and family issues. He believes his online persona fosters personal connection and trust within the Haredi community.
Beyond his online persona, Frishman is involved in real estate, focusing on urban renewal in Jerusalem. He approaches business deals methodically, comparing the process to matchmaking by first understanding a client's financial situation and goals. He also expressed pride in the Haredi community's resilience and economic independence, while acknowledging areas needing improvement and advocating for those not engaged in Torah study to consider military or other service.
Frishman's greatest aspiration is to be a father his daughters can openly confide in, a value he attributes to his close relationship with his own father. He hopes his daughters will remember him as someone they could always talk to without fear. He also commented on the tendency within some parts of the Haredi community to conceal difficulties, a trait he aims to counter by encouraging openness and sharing struggles.