Knesset Member Credits Rabbi Manis Friedman for Shift in Faith

In an unprecedented and deeply personal address that opened the Knesset’s summer session, Likud MK Galit Distel-Atbaryan revealed a profound spiritual journey sparked by the powerful words of renowned Chabad lecturer, Rabbi Manis Friedman. Her candid speech, dedicated to the Almighty, detailed a crisis of faith triggered by the harrowing testimonies of survivors from the Nova music festival massacre.

MK Distel-Atbaryan recounted the raw anguish of questioning how God could allow such immense suffering. “When I heard that testimony, Father, I asked myself how could you be immune to this pain,” she shared with the Knesset plenum. “I don’t think there is a Jew in Israel or in the world who hasn’t asked themselves in the last year and a half how it is possible that you allow this pain to continue and continue.”

However, the MK revealed that a significant turning point in her spiritual struggle came through encountering the teachings of Rabbi Manis Friedman. “And within this crisis of faith,” she stated, “I heard a lecture by the wonderful Rabbi Manis Friedman. And Rabbi Manis Friedman essentially said – we are asking the wrong question. It’s never what He needs to do for us. Save, redeem, rescue, protect. The real question is – what do we need to do for Him.”

MK Distel-Atbaryan eloquently explained the transformative insight she gleaned from Rabbi Friedman’s perspective. “He created this world. He created us. He wants something from us. We are on His mission. And the first thing that the Holy Blessed One wants from us – is that we simply open the door for Him.”

This profound shift in perspective, attributed directly to Rabbi Friedman’s teachings, appears to have offered the MK solace and a renewed sense of purpose. Her decision to publicly share this personal journey and credit a prominent Chabad figure underscores the widespread impact and relevance of Chassidic thought in contemporary Israeli society.

The MK concluded her remarkable address with an emotional recitation from the core prayer “Nishmat Kol Chai,” on behalf of all Jews in Israel and the diaspora: “‘The soul of every living thing shall bless Your name, L-rd our G-d, and the spirit of all flesh shall glorify and exalt Your remembrance, our King, forever.’ Dear and beloved Father – we need you more than ever.”

MK Distel-Atbaryan’s powerful testimony highlights the ability of timeless wisdom, such as that shared by Rabbi Manis Friedman, to resonate deeply and provide guidance even in the face of profound adversity and existential questioning. Her public acknowledgment serves as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the impact of insightful spiritual leadership.

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