Maor Buzaglo on Why He Stopped Working on Shabbat: "No Amount of Money Is Worth It"

Former Israeli soccer star Maor Buzaglo is drawing closer to Judaism. Over the past year, his wife, Miran, has spoken publicly about the family's decision to observe Shabbat. The couple has also enrolled their children in religious schools, reflecting their continued spiritual growth.

In an interview with Yedioth Ahronoth, Buzaglo said that his wife's commitment to faith has become a central part of their home.

"There's no getting around it — the woman is the heart of the home, and she influences everything, for better or for worse. Shabbat gives us the strength to begin the following week with a sense of order and renewed energy. Today, I don't work on Shabbat."

Buzaglo also shared a turning point that led him to stop working on weekends.

"During my first year as a DJ, about five years ago, I was offered a very attractive gig on Friday night. I told myself, 'At this stage of my career, I can't afford to turn it down.'"

He vividly recalled the emotional conflict he experienced that evening.

"My children were still very young. We finished Kiddush, I tucked them into bed, and then I had to leave the house to go perform. I felt an overwhelming heaviness — one of the hardest feelings I've ever experienced."

Buzaglo went on to explain that throughout his soccer career he endured numerous injuries. As a child, he also spent long periods living away from his parents, an experience he never wanted his own children to go through.

"It was one of the greatest hardships of my life. I felt like I couldn't breathe."

When he returned home at five o'clock the next morning, he made a life-changing decision.

"I said to myself: I'm never working on Friday night or Shabbat again. I won't take any job — no matter how much money they offer me."