Israeli Artist Jon Ben Ari Reflects on Divorce, Creativity, and Jewish Identity
Jon Ben Ari, a 40-year-old Israeli writer, musician, and screenwriter, shared insights into his personal life and creative work in a recent interview. He lives in a rented home in Pardes Hanna with his 3.5-year-old son, Aryeh. Ben Ari described his daily routine, including his preference for black coffee and his deep engagement with Hebrew language and Jewish mysticism. He is currently finishing an album produced with Ilai Ashdot and preparing for a performance at the Barby club, while also working on a series of books exploring Hebrew language and Kabbalah, based on workshops he teaches in Jaffa.
Ben Ari expressed a strong connection to the Hebrew language, calling it a sacred and complex system often treated carelessly today. He admires the poet Zelda and has recently released a single based on her work. Reflecting on his personal life, Ben Ari revealed he is divorced from actress Daniel Kitzis, a status he does not recommend, emphasizing his lifelong monogamy and the emotional challenges of separation. He considers his son Aryeh his greatest achievement.
He also discussed his Jewish identity, stating he strives to be deeply Jewish but not religious, and worries about the current state of Judaism in Israel, which he sees as distant from Torah values and tainted by corruption and hatred. Ben Ari finds happiness in working on projects that connect him to the spiritual and cultural aspects of Judaism, which he believes were previously marginalized in his life.
Looking ahead, Ben Ari hopes to live near the sea again, ideally in Mikhmoret, and plans to continue his literary work on Hebrew language and Kabbalah. He also expressed a desire to stop constantly trying to change himself and to better manage his time. His influences include Meir Ariel, Leonard Cohen, and rapper Earl Sweatshirt, artists who blend spirituality and artistry. Ben Ari also shared a humorous anecdote about advice from his late uncle, poet Yehonatan Geffen, highlighting the blend of seriousness and irreverence in his creative approach.
