Israeli Influencer Omri Peled Shares Spiritual Journey From Secularism to Deep Torah Study
Omri Peled, a prominent Israeli social media figure known for teaching Torah online, recently appeared on the program "Hashem Echad" with Yossi Abdu to discuss his profound spiritual transformation. Raised in a secular home without traditional Jewish practices like Shabbat candles or Kiddush, Peled spent a decade exploring Buddhism, philosophy, and science before discovering Judaism more deeply about four years ago. A turning point came when a friend introduced him to a song about the biblical sin of the spies, sparking his curiosity about Torah stories and leading him to study the weekly Torah portions intensively.
Peled described a pivotal Shabbat moment when he resisted editing a video on his laptop, feeling a strong inner discomfort that led him to leave his apartment, cry in a nearby grove, and ask God what was expected of him. This experience marked a significant step in his spiritual awakening. He now views Shabbat not as a philosophical concept but as an intrinsic part of reality, emphasizing the unity among diverse Jewish communities during retreats he leads, where secular, religious, and ultra-Orthodox participants come together.
He highlighted a new trend in Israeli society following the events of October 7, where young people raised in religious homes no longer see only two options, remaining religious or leaving the faith, but a third path of returning to Judaism from a genuine spiritual place. Peled studies seven books simultaneously, including works by Rabbi Kook and the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and regularly learns with Rabbi Yigal Levinstein. He stresses the importance of contributing one’s unique perspective to the world and encourages responsibility and mission among youth, especially those from challenging backgrounds.
Peled also shared his belief in visible miracles, citing that no Israeli pilots have been lost in the current war despite the odds, which he sees as a clear sign of divine protection. His main concern is to act correctly in every situation according to what God expects. He concluded by urging people to ask what God wants from them, express gratitude, and move beyond superficial distractions to understand the deeper purpose of their existence at this historic moment.
