Kerry Bar-Cohn (51) from Beit Shemesh, married and mother of four. Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)
Synagogue Visits and Shrimp Dinners: "I was born in Orlando, Florida, named Carry Frida Emunah, the youngest in a Reform Jewish family with three children. My father owned a printing business, and my mother was a homemaker. We attended the synagogue once a month on Shabbat, and after prayers, we'd go out to eat shrimp. I also attended Sunday school at the synagogue. Our Jewish identity was strong, and we were Zionists—we even had a picture of Ben Gurion on the wall. When I was 15, my parents divorced. My father remarried and had more children, and we lost contact for 21 years, only reconnecting when I was 36."
From New York to an Israeli youth movement: "I moved to New York with my mother and attended the High School of Performing Arts, a prestigious arts high school. I dreamed of becoming a Broadway star. After high school, I visited Israel and participated in a youth movement. I wanted to make Aliyah, but my mother asked me to return and complete my university studies. I studied psychology at the University of Michigan, learned Hebrew, and participated in Jewish student activities."
Return to Religion and Aliyah: "At 20, in the middle of my degree, I returned to Israel and joined a study program for those returning to the faith. It was my first close encounter with a religious community, and I loved it. I wanted to be part of the historical chain. It was in this program that I met my husband, David. We discovered we shared the same quirky sense of humor. Today, he is the operations manager of a biblical research journal ('The Torah'). I returned to the U.S. to finish my studies, distancing myself from religion. Later, at 22, I returned to Israel for David.
"I showed up unannounced, knocked on his shared apartment door in pants and a tank top, holding a package of Hershey's Kisses. I returned to religion for him because I wanted us to get married. Ironically, today I am more religious than he is. We got married when I was 24, lived in the Har Nof neighborhood in Jerusalem, and I studied to become an aerobics instructor. We then moved to Los Angeles for six years, where I studied and became a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC). When we returned to Israel, my mother and grandfather joined us, and we settled in Ramat Beit Shemesh, an American religious neighborhood."
Being an American Haredi: "It's different from being mainstream Israeli Haredi. We are both Zionists and value hard work alongside Torah study and Jewish life. Two of my sons served in the army, the third did national service. The youngest wants to be a combat soldier."
Returning to Creativity: "For years, I took care of my mother. We had a mortgage and loans, and I focused on work. After my mother passed away, I had more time and wanted to reconnect with my creative side. Now, I perform in plays we put on in Ramat Beit Shemesh. I played in the musical 'Annie,' which I performed in as a child, this time as Miss Hannigan. I released a DVD in English with Jewish songs and stories written by David, where I tell stories and tap dance. We sold thousands of copies. Five years ago, I participated in 'Israel's Got Talent' with the rabbi's approval. After that, I appeared in a music video with Netta Barzilai and Stephane."
Social Media Star: "I founded the Facebook group "Kol Isha," which has 7,000 women posting various artistic videos. Later, I moved to TikTok, creating my versions of viral dances while dancing with challahs. It's a twist, a Jewish prop. The videos have half a million views, and one has a million views. I carry a challah I baked in my bag, and when kids at the mall ask to take a photo with me, I pull it out. In recent months, I've visited assembly areas with food, danced alongside soldiers, and posted on TikTok. I also posted a matchmaking corner with the soldiers, and hundreds of girls wrote to me. I know it's unconventional for a Haredi woman to be on TikTok, but I want to be part of Israeli culture."
What American habits should Israelis adopt?
"Answer the phone politely and with a smile. Here, people answer with grunts."
What do you miss the most?
"Crystal Light tea, which comes in powder form that I bring in bulk when I fly."
What is your favorite place in Israel?
"The Israel National Trail. My husband and I have already completed a fifth."