Rotem Cohen on Faith: “The Synagogue Made Me Feel Like I Belonged”

Israeli singer Rotem Cohen has spoken openly in the past about his deep faith in Hashem. In a recent interview, he reflected on the childhood experiences that first connected him to Judaism and left a lasting impression on his heart.

Speaking on the program "Shabbat for All the Reasons," Cohen shared memories of attending synagogue as a child and the questions that stirred within him even at a young age.

"I remember asking myself questions during the prayers," he recalled. "Who wrote these words? How did they know to express things this way? How can something be so powerful and inspiring? What creates this feeling of unity?"

Drawn to the Atmosphere of Prayer

Cohen described being fascinated by the unique atmosphere of the synagogue.

"I always wondered whether there was some kind of amplification system," he said. "When you hear that echo in the synagogue, especially on Yom Kippur, and you see people who are hungry and exhausted but still pouring their hearts into the prayers, you feel something special."

For him, the experience went far beyond the prayers themselves. It was the sense of connection and shared purpose that made a lasting impact.

More Than a Building

Looking back, Cohen said one of the things he loved most about synagogue life was the strong sense of community.

"There were so many things I loved about the synagogue, especially the people," he shared. "It was in the young neighborhood of Lod. I remember the walk to synagogue and all the interactions along the way."

He recalled how the singing continued long after the prayers ended.

"I remember leaving synagogue with songs and Tehillim still being sung. The Shabbat melodies were incredible."

A Feeling of Belonging

One childhood memory, in particular, has stayed with him over the years.

"I remember walking home after prayers and hearing the singing gradually fade into the distance," Cohen said. "Then everything became more personal and family-oriented. People would split into their families, groups of friends, and real chavrutas."

That experience gave him a powerful sense of belonging.

"I would come alone, and then suddenly I felt part of something much bigger," he explained. "It's like seeing a lone elephant in the jungle who suddenly hears the sounds of his herd and starts running through the trees until he joins them."

For Cohen, that feeling remains unforgettable.

"That's why I felt I belonged," he said. "It's a feeling no one can ever take away from me."