Kol Isha is a Facebook group started in December 2016 by Kerry Bar-Cohn, known as the Jewish performer “Rebbetzin Tap.” The goal is simple—to provide a safe, kosher place for Jewish women and girls to post themselves singing, dancing and sharing creative expression, and for other women and girls to watch and enjoy!
“I knew that there were Jewish women who wanted to share, and so many women who wanted to watch, and both were feeling a lack—this is a forum where both can connect creatively,” says Kerry.
The term “kol isha” (a woman’s voice) refers to a halachic prohibition regarding men listening to women sing. Religious Jewish women are often self-conscious about having their singing voices heard, and many feel that they lack an outlet to share their talents or to simply express themselves in song and dance.
That’s where Kol Isha comes in—Kerry has created a space for women only, a safe and supportive atmosphere where Jewish women can share their creative talents, as well as give and receive positive feedback. It began with mostly singing and dancing and has recently begun to feature other videos of women’s creativity and empowerment, from playing musical instruments to weightlifting! The original membership began with women in Bet Shemesh, but now there are over 1,000 members from around the world, including the U.S., U.K. and all over Israel.
Kerry has a background in stage performance, having attended the High School of Performing Arts in New York and subsequently starring in a number of all-women’s stage productions in Israel. As “Rebbetzin Tap,” she has produced three musical DVDs, online courses and a plethora of YouTube videos, focusing on the Jewish holidays, Shabbat and other topics. Kerry has performed for children, teens and adults around the world, giving concerts and inspiring talks. Her mission is to emphasize the joy of life, and the joy of being Jewish. Kerry lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel, with her husband and creative partner, David, and they are the proud parents of four sons.
Kerry believes that Facebook should be utilized as a space to connect creatively and offer positive reinforcement. Says Kol Isha member Sharon Dobuler Katz, “Facebook is often a place of criticism and clever put-downs. The Kol Isha page counters that with support and encouragement for all and by all.”
Any women interested in joining, search for the Facebook group: “Kol Isha! For Women and Girls Only!”
For more information, please contact Kerry Bar-Cohn, a.k.a. Rebbetzin Tap, at [email protected].
