Former Crime Boss Semyon Grafman Reveals Shame Over Past Anti-Religious Views
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Former crime boss and TV personality Semyon Grafman revealed he worked for seven years on Guy Lerer's show "HaTzinor" without pay, inspired by Lerer's encouragement to help people. Grafman expressed deep shame over his past negative views of religious people, which he now attributes to media influence. He also shared his journey of religious observance, including wearing tefillin and recovering from alcoholism, crediting faith for bringing order to his life. Grafman, now 51, feels Torah study provides essential life guidance.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Semyon Grafman claims he worked unpaid for seven years on Guy Lerer's TV show 'HaTzinor'.
- Grafman revealed his past as a US crime boss to Lerer, who encouraged him to join the show.
- He expressed shame over previous negative views of religious people, now embracing religious observance.
- Grafman began wearing tefillin after a dream and has been recovering from alcoholism.
- He now views Torah study as essential life guidance, regretting his late start.
Semyon Grafman, who appeared on Guy Lerer's TV show 'HaTzinor' for seven years, claims he never received payment for his work, stating Lerer convinced him to volunteer by emphasizing the public's positive reception and the opportunity to help people. Grafman revealed that upon meeting Lerer, he disclosed his past as a crime boss in the United States, but Lerer encouraged him to proceed with the show, joking about keeping it a secret. Lerer then took Grafman to a hospital where he met patients who were happy to see him, prompting Lerer to ask Grafman how much money he needed in life and suggesting he do something for his people to earn a place in heaven. Grafman described Lerer as an "angel" and credited this conversation for his decision to work on the show voluntarily.
In the last five years, Grafman has undergone a significant religious transformation, expressing shame over his previous negative views towards the religious and Haredi communities. He attributes these past prejudices to Israeli media that portrayed religious people as swindlers, which he adopted without personal investigation. Grafman stated that since beginning to study Torah and return to religious observance, he lives with shame for his prior criticism of religion without experiencing it himself.
Grafman began wearing tefillin after a dream where he couldn't find any. A Chabad rabbi, Rabbi Glouberman, informed him that a pair, prepared for him years earlier, were already waiting in his office. About a year and a half ago, Grafman also began a recovery from alcoholism, which he stated he had struggled with in large quantities. He credits his faith, which was already part of his life, for helping him through this process, stating that Torah and tefillin have brought order to his mind.
Now 51, Grafman questions why he waited until age 46 to begin studying Torah, feeling that ancient texts speak directly to his current life. He likens Torah study to receiving the manufacturer's instructions for life itself.