Eretz Nehederet Actor Apologizes for Skit Mocking the Yanuka Rabbi

In the wake of a controversial sketch imitating Rabbi Shlomo Yehuda Be'eri, known as "the Yanuka," Israeli actor Orel Tsabari has issued a public apology amid widespread backlash from online users. The segment, aired as a preview for the satirical show Eretz Nehederet on Channel 12, sparked outrage for what many viewed as mockery of a respected Torah scholar.

The preview, released on Wednesday evening, features Daniel Chen portraying a young rabbi dubbed "the Tinoka" (a play on "Yanuka"), accompanied by Tsabari as his devoted assistant. The clear resemblance to Rabbi Be'eri, renowned for his prodigious Torah knowledge and musical talents on the organ, ignited a storm on social media. Viewers accused the show of crossing a "red line" by ridiculing a Torah sage, with comments flooding platforms decrying the satire as disrespectful.

Following the uproar, Tsabari took to his social media to express remorse. "To the beautiful people of Israel, if anyone was hurt by me, I ask for forgiveness and pardon," he wrote. "With God's help, may we merit to do teshuva. I love you with true love."

He later clarified the intent behind the sketch, emphasizing that it was not aimed at Rabbi Be'eri himself. "Friends, the sketch laughs at the people who ride on the success of real rabbis and tzaddikim, and not at the rabbi himself," Tsabari explained. He added, "It's done with humor and satire precisely against those who make cynical use of the holy Torah." In the post, Tsabari noted that the sketch explicitly states at the beginning that there is a genuine rabbinic genius, contrasted with imitators seeking to capitalize on his fame. "But again, if someone was hurt or took it personally, I regret it. I love you," he concluded.

Details of the Controversial Sketch

The teaser depicts the rabbi character seated at an organ, a signature element associated with the real Yanuka, while the narrator introduces him as "the one with prodigious Torah knowledge who became a phenomenon." The satire escalates as the character is shown "binge-watching" the Torah.

In one scene, the assistant prompts the rabbi to demonstrate his phenomenal memory by reciting a verse from the Book of Kings. After the quote, the assistant is asked if it's accurate and replies, "I don't know. Who am I to check the rabbi? I am dust at his feet."

The backlash echoes previous controversies surrounding Eretz Nehederet, known for its sharp political and cultural commentary. Critics argue that while satire is a staple of Israeli television, targeting religious figures like the Yanuka, admired for his humility and scholarship, treads on sensitive ground.

Tsabari's swift apology may help mitigate the fallout of the very disrespectful teaser.