Eden Harel: From Television Fame to Spiritual Insight

Childhood Memory That Stays With You?

"I grew up in Eilat, and just before starting first grade, I moved to Haifa with my mom. My parents were already divorced by then. In Eilat, we didn't really wear shoes, and that's how I wanted to go to the first day of first grade in Haifa. My mom said you can't go barefoot in Haifa and forced me to wear sandals. As soon as I left the house, I took them off and went to school barefoot. I vividly remember everyone laughing at me when I arrived."

A Jewish Value You Personally Connect With?

"I'm deeply connected to the message of unity, of loving others, of helping one another. These are essential and significant messages in Judaism. I used to see the religious world in a distorted way, thinking religious people were taught to separate from others or be against them. But today, I understand the idea is to unite and feel as one. Understanding this has connected me greatly to Judaism."

An Inspirational Jewish Figure?

"Deborah the Prophetess. She was strong, wealthy, had the gift of prophecy, and judged Israel. To me, she represents femininity as it should be. I connect with strong, aspiring women who achieve so much. I also love that she judged Israel while sitting under a tree, in an open space, to maintain modesty with men. It teaches that you don't need to completely suppress oneself, but rather know how to do things properly. Besides, I wish I had her gift of prophecy."

What Is Judaism To You?

"Judaism encompasses everything from the smallest detail in my relationship with Hashem to the largest in all my deeds. It's about bringing Hashem into my life and remembering that everything is from Him and for the good. Our actions can close off our ability to connect to Him. He is only good and benevolent."

A Commandment Close To Your Heart?

"Ritual hand washing. I love that feeling, especially in the morning. It's very powerful. Maybe I'm so connected to this mitzvah because I studied it in depth. I clearly feel like I'm cleansing something that clung to me overnight."

Your Favorite Holiday?

"It's really hard to choose. But if I have to – I love Chanukah. I'm crazy about this holiday. There's something about the light that just lifts me. Plus, I love sweets, and it comes together. I also adore Sukkot. I'm the type of person who loves to relax in a tent. The all-encompassing light of the sukkah that wraps around you makes you feel Hashem closer. But there are so many beloved holidays, it's tough to choose."

Your Dreams?

"To bring good influence to the people of Israel. I've always been ambitious. Thank Hashem, today my ambitions are holy. When I get on stage to talk about family purity, Shabbat, and other wonderful commandments, it gives me a feeling I've never felt with anything else I've done. Not even when I hosted music channels with millions of viewers or stood on giant stages. In some ways, it feels even more powerful during our show when I perform only for women. I feel it touches something very deep within them, and it reflects back on me."

What's Occupying You Right Now?

"Our joint show, Oded and I. It’s simply the story of our lives, together and apart. The show mostly pokes fun at us, about our journey, about how I'm always pulling a bit more forward with our spiritual return and the conflicts that creates. Thank God we have great love, so we manage to handle and contain it, but we are very different, and that gives birth to funny things. I'm happy about this show because honestly, there aren't many options for religious folks. It's suitable for everyone, and that's a big deal."

An Interesting Story That Happened To You?

"I have a story that shows how livelihood is solely from Hashem. When we began our spiritual journey, I knew there were things I couldn't do on TV anymore due to content or modesty. One day, my mom told me, out of concern, 'I hope you had your fill in your field because you've ended your career.' And I said, 'Well, if that's how it's supposed to be – so be it.' Another rabbi asked what I would do now with this change in my life, for work. I remember clearly saying, 'You think I should worry about livelihood? Hashem will take care of us.' And truly, we've received great support in this area. Not only did my career not end, but it’s grown and expanded into more areas."

What Do You Love Most About Shabbat?

"Shabbat is the center of my life. I live from Shabbat to Shabbat. During the week, I'm running at 200 km/h. Doing a lot of things. I'm not available a few hours before Shabbat starts. I turn off my phone. I look forward to this relaxation with the kids so much. I also love cooking for Shabbat. I can't understand how I ever lived without it."

Your Views on Ba'alei Teshuvah?

"It's very sad to me that there are no educational institutions dedicated to Ba'alei Teshuvah and their children. It's a mistake to keep trying to fit into other institutions because we're not like any of them. We're different. There's nothing to be done. We are something else. Every place we enter, trying to be something we’re not, especially the children, suffers. We're so many talented people now, and I don't understand why no one is doing it. There are very few institutions, mainly in the south and north. It's greatly lacking in the center. Besides that, we need to remember we're the bridge, and know how to connect. It's also very important not to deny where we came from and where we need and want to go."

A Life Lesson You've Learned?

"I grew up in boarding schools from age 11, and it wasn't easy. I want to tell all the girls from difficult homes, from homes where something is missing, girls going through tough times, that one day they'll be grown up, able to choose their own lives. The struggle is temporary. And the power of prayer – no one can defeat it. Sometimes it’s very dark, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel."

After 120 Years, What Would You Want People To Say About Your Legacy?

"That I succeeded in glorifying and praising Hashem in the world."

The next show by Eden and Oded will be on Yud-Tet Sivan (June 2), at 21:30, at the Camri Theater, Tel Aviv. To order tickets, call: 03-574-500.