Actor Guri Alfi Shares His Deep Religious Traditions and Commitment to Shabbat

Israeli actor and comedian Guri Alfi recently opened up about his special connection with his father and the religious customs they uphold during Jewish holidays. In an interview for the 'Shabbat from All Reasons' project, Alfi described family traditions such as visiting graves together on Yom Kippur and reading the biblical book Ecclesiastes during holidays like Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, honoring their ancestors.

Alfi also highlighted a unique Passover custom specific to Iraqi Jews, where children tie matzah to their clothes, go door to door, and answer questions about their origin and destination, symbolizing the Exodus journey. He emphasized that these practices stem from their distinct Jewish heritage and that his family continues to preserve them.

Expressing his faith, Alfi stated he holds a "true love and belief" that things will improve and sees himself and others as "repairable" or capable of fixing what needs to be fixed. He also reflected on a pivotal personal decision made in 2003, when his first daughter was born, to dedicate Shabbat exclusively to family time, ceasing work on that day despite challenges in the entertainment industry. Over time, he explained his choice to colleagues, who gradually accepted his commitment to observing Shabbat.

Alfi's remarks provide insight into how his religious identity and family traditions shape his life and values, underscoring a blend of cultural heritage and personal faith.