Actor Dan Shapira: "It's a Daily Battle, But I'm Ready to Move Forward"

Getting to Know Dan Shapira

Dan Shapira, 40, married and father of two, lives in Jaffa and is an actor.

A Nostalgic Reflection

One thing that accompanies us everywhere, even if we don't focus on it, is our past. The way we were raised and how our personality developed. I believe in making peace with your past and the child you once were, as much authentic happiness lies there. Being an only child presented its challenges; growing up, my parents' love and attention were solely directed at me, without having to share with siblings or compete for attention. But stepping into the world was different. It took me longer to mature in understanding and empathizing with others.

Today, understanding and feeling others is of utmost importance to me. Realizing what drives them, their perspectives, their needs. I'm hopeful that nurturing this becomes my nature. Acknowledging one's ability to explore and alter oneself is powerful and life-affirming.

An Awakening Journey

In the past decade, particularly the last five years, I've experienced a spiritual awakening of sorts. It's a daily struggle but I'm willing to take the leap. I'm rediscovering a spiritual path, aiming to feel connected to Hashem. Exploring spirituality is deeply personal, as it's about love, light, and endlessness.

This connection prompts me to see spirituality in everyday moments, whether it's a child's smile or a falling leaf. It's crucial for me to ground this journey internally, realizing that while I can't change the external world, I can change myself. Despite being an only child, my childhood friends are like siblings to me, and I long for a larger family for my own kids, Nathan, 5, and Benjamin, 1. With Hashem's help, expanding my family remains a cherished dream.

Deep Roots

Family is my strongest anchor, and I'm learning to nurture these bonds tenderly. Maintaining harmony with children requires patience and effort. My father is of Lithuanian descent, while my mother is Yemenite, allowing me to appreciate diverse prayer styles. My musical influences are equally eclectic, ranging from Yemen to classical music.

My father, Muli Shapira, instilled in me a love for art, music, and theater during his career with the IDF Radio. I was raised on iconic Israeli music and taught art practices which heavily influenced my tastes. At my grandmother's, melodies from various cultural icons played, showing the fusion of my heritage.

Finding Inspiration

Rabbi Akiva is a profound inspiration for me, having begun his studies at age 40, just as I am now. Like him, I have a late-blooming journey, not just in Torah learning but in life. His principle, "Love your neighbor as yourself," guides me deeply, especially within our society, which desperately needs this understanding.

Embarking on Learning

The Tanya opened the world of Judaism to me, and I strive to study it alongside reading Chitas daily. Works like "Chovot HaLevavot" and writings of the Ramchal also resonate with me. Recently, I've engaged with halachic teachings, learning their spiritual connections through "Ask the Chief Rabbi," a show with Rabbi David Lau on Channel 20.

Creative Endeavors

I'm grateful for recent opportunities, including returning to the stage in a play by Nissim Aloni at Habima Theatre and co-hosting "Be the First" with Rabbi Yonatan Gal-Ad on Hidabroot Channel. The show explores self-awareness through Jewish perspectives, combining sacred, devotional, and classic Israeli music to enrich spiritual understanding.

A Heartfelt Connection

Talking to Hashem is now integral to my existence, seeking alignment with the divine in actions, thoughts, and words. While navigating life's complexities, I've found spiritual depth within Judaism and engage in learning and observing rituals like Shabbat.

The Conscious Journey

Research on near-death experiences suggests consciousness extends beyond our physical brain. Accepting our limitations is a step toward spiritual enlightenment, requiring faith, flexibility, and patience. I nurture my spiritual well-being similarly to physical health, realizing that our emotions can be tumultuous if not guided by thoughtful reflection.

Jewish practice emphasizes character improvement and the balance between intellect and emotion, leading to profound personal growth. It mirrors Abraham's journey, stepping into the unknown with faith. For me, it's a model of continuous, unique, and collective progress on this shared path.