Rabbi Shalom Cohen Permits Listening to Umm Kulthum with Conditions, Reveals New Book

A recently published book titled "Shulchan Melachim" by Rabbi Michael Shabtai shares an intriguing anecdote about Rabbi Shalom Cohen, former head of the Council of Torah Sages, regarding the permissibility of listening to the legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum. The story, released around the time of Rabbi Cohen's yahrzeit, highlights his unique approach, openness, and wit.

According to the account, a young yeshiva student once asked Rabbi Cohen whether it was halachically permissible to listen to an Arab female singer like Umm Kulthum, given the prohibition of "kol b'isha erva" (the voice of a woman being considered immodest). Rabbi Cohen responded by asking if listening to her music led to improper thoughts. The student replied no, noting he did not know her personally and that she had passed away. Based on this, Rabbi Cohen permitted him to listen to her songs.

However, when the student began playing Umm Kulthum's music publicly for other students, claiming he had Rabbi Cohen's permission, the rabbi summoned him again and reprimanded him. Rabbi Cohen clarified that while he allowed private listening, he did not approve of turning the yeshiva into a public venue for Arabic songs. This story illustrates Rabbi Cohen's balanced leadership and sensitivity to both halachic concerns and communal norms.