Singer Refuses Yom Kippur Broadcast Role, Citing Lack of Female Representation

Singer Levana Ben Hamo has publicly criticized the practice of including women in prominent Yom Kippur Eve "selichot" (penitential prayers) broadcasts primarily for tokenism. In a social media post following the holiday, Ben Hamo revealed that she has repeatedly been approached by various media outlets to participate in these broadcasts, not necessarily for her expertise, but to fulfill a perceived need for female presence alongside predominantly male and conservative panels.

Ben Hamo stated that she believes she is approached because she understands "selichot" and liturgical poetry and can speak about them. However, she feels the real reason is to "check a box" and avoid criticism for having an all-male broadcast, which she deems "not politically correct" in the current climate. She questioned whether her voice is genuinely desired or if her participation is merely symbolic.

Recounting a difficult experience from the previous year, Ben Hamo described being the only woman on a panel. Despite being friends with one of the hosts, she was barely given a chance to speak or sing. She was not introduced at the start of the program, even though it was on the teleprompter. After the program's editor insisted for four minutes, one host attempted to address her, only to be repeatedly interrupted by a Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) host. Eventually, Ben Hamo began singing without further prompting.

When approached again this year, she inquired about the hosts and editors and whether other women would be on the panel. Upon learning that the panel would likely consist of the same two male hosts and a male editor, with the possibility of other women yet to be confirmed, she politely declined. Ben Hamo expressed her desire for a future where women are not just decorative additions to panels but can lead broadcasts with full respect and authority.

She also questioned why representatives in Jewish programming are consistently from a "masculine and conservative side" and are tasked with mediating Judaism to the public. Ben Hamo explained that she makes an effort to participate in such broadcasts, despite the associated difficulties, to ensure viewers see diverse representations of religious women, not just those conforming to a specific, narrow image.