Shlomi Shabat Says His Biggest Dream Is a Weekday Prayer Minyan

Singer Shlomi Shabat gave a rare glimpse into his spiritual life in an interview for the “Shabbat for Every Reason” project, led by Sharon Adam and Rabbi Rachel Bazak. He spoke about reconnecting with tradition, missing his family, and what he called the biggest dream of his life, which has nothing to do with performing on stage.

Shabat said he recently held a ceremonial הכנסת ספר תורה and הכנסת ספר הפטרות at the synagogue in his apartment building in Netanya. The event was intimate and included dozens of residents from the building along with close guests who came to celebrate with him.

The singer said his renewed connection to Jewish practice is not new. Earlier this year, he said he had been strengthening his observance and that he does not leave home without putting on tefillin. He added that seeing his synagogue packed on Friday and Saturday moves him to tears.

According to Shabat, the Torah scroll dedication was only the beginning, and the next goal is to keep the synagogue active throughout the week. “My biggest dream is to have a minyan and prayers, for the elevation of the souls of my parents and my brother,” he said. He described the project as still unfinished, saying, “It is not about money, it is about desire and work. Everything is still in its infancy.”