Israeli Influencer Shahar Hayon: “I’ve Been Keeping Shabbat Since October 7”

Social media influencer Shahar Hayon recently opened up about the moment she began keeping Shabbat and the profound effect the decision has had on her life.

In a conversation with Channel 16, Hayon spoke about her growing connection to Judaism and revealed that she began observing Shabbat following October 7.

“Hashem examines the heart and mind. I come from a very traditional home, but I started keeping Shabbat after October 7. I felt that I couldn’t contribute in any way other than by taking this step.”

As part of her desire to help bring merit to others, Hayon also released a special siddur.

Asked whether her commitment had led her to turn down professional opportunities on Shabbat, she replied: “Of course, a lot. I also say an absolute no to revealing clothing. Work on Shabbat? I have never worked on Shabbat in my life.”

“I’m More Connected to Myself”

Hayon explained that keeping Shabbat has brought a sense of calm that was previously missing from her fast-paced life.

“Since I started keeping Shabbat, I’m more connected to myself, I have more calm, and I know what rest is. I used to rush from place to place, moving from here to there. Even on Shabbat, driving to the Kinneret and then driving to Eilat.”

The change, she said, has also transformed the time she spends with her family.

“In the past, I didn’t have a moment with my family. I wasn’t connected to my family until the day I started keeping Shabbat. I would be on my phone while my mother was talking to me, and I wasn’t focused. Now, on Shabbat, there’s no phone, there’s only family.”

“The Whole World Will Wait for You”

Hayon admitted that the idea of disconnecting completely once seemed intimidating.

“Sometimes it’s a little scary. I didn’t used to keep Shabbat, and I would think, ‘What, no phone, no TV? What, not talk to friends? And what if something happens?’”

But what once seemed daunting has become one of the things she appreciates most about the experience.

“So the whole world will wait for you,” she said. “There’s something beautiful and noble about disconnecting—you’re not chasing, and no one is chasing after you.”

For Hayon, what began as a spiritual response to October 7 has become a lasting change in the rhythm of her life. Shabbat has given her something she says she did not have before: genuine rest, greater connection to herself, and uninterrupted time with the people closest to her.