"It's a Massage for the Brain": Singer Bar Tzabari Opens Up About Shabbat

Israeli singer Bar Tzabari has opened up about his growing connection to Jewish observance, revealing that he has gradually begun keeping Shabbat and has discovered an unexpected sense of peace in disconnecting from his phone.

In an interview with Radio Jerusalem, Tzabari described how a simple decision to put his phone aside on Shabbat became the beginning of a deeper spiritual journey.

"Yishtabach shemo la'ad (may His name be praised forever). I'm disconnecting from my phone," he said.

"In recent months, right before Shabbat begins, I put my phone aside. The first time I did it, when Saturday night arrived, I felt like something in my brain had changed. It was as though someone had given my brain a massage."

Tzabari emphasized that the experience was valuable beyond its religious significance.

"This isn't only about religion. I recommend that people do it. It's a massage for the brain. It's something I had never experienced."

From Putting Down His Phone to Keeping Shabbat

What began as a break from his phone gradually developed into additional changes in Tzabari's Shabbat observance.

"I did one more thing, and then another," he explained. "Suddenly I took down the television, and driving... I haven't driven in a few months now. It's really enjoyable."

Asked what his Friday evening routine looks like today, the singer described the simple pleasure of preparing for Shabbat and walking to synagogue without the usual distractions of everyday life.

"Right before Shabbat begins, you shower, you go to the synagogue. It's great. You have nothing in your pockets. You walk to the synagogue with no phone, no bag."

He added: "When was the last time you walked around in pants, a shirt, and cologne, with nothing at all in your pockets?"

For Tzabari, these small changes have become a source of enjoyment and tranquility, allowing him to experience Shabbat in a way he hadn't before.

His Musical Journey Began in the Synagogue

Tzabari's connection to Jewish tradition is not new. In previous interviews, he has spoken about how the synagogue played a central role in his childhood and even helped shape his musical career.

"My first connection to the world of music happened in the synagogue," he recalled.

"I'm as Yemenite as they come, as you can easily see, and as a kid I would go with my father and my brother to pray on Fridays and Shabbat. We're not a religious family, but we are traditional."

He described the distinctive melodies of Yemenite Jewish prayer as a powerful influence on his love of music.

"Yemenite prayer is very special and very musical. I always identified myself there, and the synagogue felt like home. I loved the melodies and going up to the Torah, and truly, that's where it all began."

It was also in the synagogue that Tzabari first received encouragement for his singing.

"In the synagogue I got compliments on my voice, later also at school ceremonies, and in high school I understood that this is the thing I love doing most."

As he grew older, his passion for music expanded beyond singing.

"Over the years I also started writing, composing, and playing. I started with singing only, and today creating is a big part that fills me no less than singing does."

Now, years after discovering his musical voice through the prayers and melodies of his childhood, Tzabari is finding a renewed connection to the traditions that helped inspire him.

And for the singer, one of the most meaningful changes has been surprisingly simple: putting away his phone and embracing the peace of Shabbat.