Popular Israeli singer Ishay Ribo disclosed over the weekend that he canceled a series of concerts valued at approximately one million shekels (around $270,000) following consultation with his rabbi.
In an interview with journalist Raz Shechnik published in Israel Hayom, Ribo explained that the planned performances would have featured both male and female singers. "I don't perform with women," he stated, noting that while the production company made accommodations for his religious observance, he ultimately decided against participating.
The singer elaborated on his decision-making process, explaining that he didn't want to alter the character of an existing event simply to accommodate his participation. Beyond his personal religious practice, Ribo said his rabbi helped him understand his broader responsibility to his audience. "If I participate in such a performance, that audience might feel as though they've been given permission to watch things they typically avoid," he explained. His rabbi showed him that appearing in these kind of shows could be seen as endorsing content with levels of exposure appropriate for some audiences but not for others, particularly his largely observant following.
Ribo invoked a traditional Jewish teaching: "Acquire for yourself a rabbi and remove yourself from doubt." He described how consulting a trusted religious authority provided both clarity and relief during what he acknowledged was a genuine test. "There was exposure, recognition, and money involved, things that can really propel an artist forward," he admitted. "But I also believe that everything comes from Heaven, including one's livelihood."
The singer also revealed he has declined offers to judge reality television competitions because of the issue of women singing. "How can I judge women singing if I myself don't perform with women? It doesn't feel appropriate," he said.
