Israeli Actor Guri Alfi: Why I Chose to Stop Working on Shabbat

Israeli Comedian and Actor Guri Alfi has decided, like many other artists, to stop working on Shabbat. In a conversation with “Shabbat for All the Reasons,” he explained what led him to make the decision and whether he was concerned about the financial consequences.

“I remember people saying to me, ‘But what about performances? What about this?’” he recalled.

“Then I Won’t Do It”

According to Alfi, Shabbat offered him an opportunity to step away from work.

“I take advantage of the fact that there is something social within our Jewish genes that says that on Shabbat I can do this. And then it was very difficult for me with all kinds of productions that told me, ‘No, but this production works on Shabbat, so what?’ ‘Then I won’t do it.’”

Alfi’s decision was not always immediately understood by those around him, particularly within the entertainment industry. Some questioned why he had chosen to stop working on Shabbat.

“Because I Chose It”

“It took people time to understand,” Alfi said. “They often raised an eyebrow, but each time, a few more people understood.”

For Alfi, the decision was ultimately a personal choice rather than one he made because he considered himself religious.

“So I’m not going to do it because I’m religious? No, because I chose it.”

His decision reflects something simple but meaningful: choosing to make Shabbat different from the rest of the week, even when doing so means turning down professional opportunities.