Why Miss Israel did not participate in the evening gown prelims

Miss Universe Israel 2020 Tehila Levi is setting the record straight. Fans are curious as to why she was not able to parade in the evening gown preliminary competition yesterday. 

During her IG live chat on Sunday, May 16 (Manila time), she explained the reason behind this.

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"In Israel, (every) Friday and Saturday, it's 24 hours that we cannot use any electronic devices. It means that I cannot be filmed, I cannot be on the stage. I cannot do anything that connected to electronic device. I cannot also eat something that is cooked in the same day. I need to eat something that cooked before the Sabbath started. So not all of Israeli people doing that. I'm doing that because I really believe in this. It's a holy place and (holy) day for me. So that was the reason," Levi said in the video.

Tehila Levi, Miss Universe Israel 2020 on stage in fashion by Sherri Hill during the opening of the MISS UNIVERSE® Preliminary Competition at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on May 14, 2021.

According to myjewishlearning.com, the operation of electrical devices on the Jewish Sabbath is categorically prohibited by Orthodox Jewish authorities. Orthodox and other traditionally observant Jews therefore do not use lights or electrical appliances on the Sabbath; however there is no prohibition on using a light that was turned on before the Sabbath began. While this prohibition is universally practiced in the Orthodox community, there is no agreement on its source.

However, she was able to participate in the prelims' opening round and came out first to open the swimsuit competition. 

How will the judges score her evening gown performance?

Tehila Levi, Miss Universe Israel 2020 competes on stage in Ema Savahl swimwear during the MISS UNIVERSE® Preliminary Competition at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on May 14, 2021.

"The judges will see a video of me walking with my evening gown. I will share this video very soon after they will see it," she said.

The Israeli beauty is also thankful of the supports she is getting from the pageant community.

"I got so many messages from you (fans). And I'm so thankful for all of your support and I appreciate that. Thank you."

In a separate IG story, she assured fans that she will be attending the final show.

"Everthing is ok. Everything is normal. You can see me tomorrow in the final show. So I love you so much and thank you."

The preliminary competition (swimsuit and evening gown) is an important aspect of the Miss Universe pageant. The scores from these segments along with the closed-door interview will determine the Top 20. One contestant will be chosen via voter's choice and will complete the Top 21 semifinalists.