Why Renowned Philosopher Agreed to Put on Tefillin

By COLlive reporter

Bernard-Henri Levy, the internationally acclaimed philosopher, writer, and businessman, paid a visit to the Jewish community in Odessa in Ukraine where he toured the Jewish orphanage “Mishpacha” (Family).

Levy has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine in their struggle against the annexation efforts by Russia. In addition to writing opinion articles in the media, he has now involved in a special film about the Jewish communities’ resilience.

The French philosopher was warmly received by Rabbi Avraham Wolff, Chief Rabbi and Head Shliach of Odessa, who shared the challenging efforts involved in raising 120 orphaned children amidst the turmoil of war.

Accompanying Levy during the visit was Igor Shadkhan, Chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Southern Ukraine. Levy was moved to tears upon hearing the dramatic rescue journey through Germany during the war and their subsequent return to their warm home in Odessa in recent months.

The conversation lasted for hours, during which Levy was exposed to the dedicated activities of the Jewish community, particularly the significant impact of the war on the lives of young children, under the leadership of Rabbi Wolff and his wife Chaya Wolff.

At one point in the visit, Rabbi Wolff offered Levy to put on Tefillin.

“I cannot recall the last time I put on tefillin,” the philosopher responded. “But I’ll do it now as a prayer for peace among the Jewish people and for peace in Ukraine.”

This past Friday night, Levy celebrated Shabbos and shared the following on social media:

“Last night. Shabbat in a small synagogue, somewhere in #Ukraine. Jewish spirit in times of darkness. Sense of eternity when world, all around, is out of joint. First words of the Rabbi, after service, when Shabbat dinner started? Tribute to the soldiers and #SlavaUkraini.”