The world is abuzz with excitement for the upcoming release of the new Barbie movie, which is set to hit theaters on July 21st. The movie promises to take viewers on an adventure through Barbie Land, led by the talented Margot Robbie.
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Barbie has touched the lives of many. Thousands of social media influencers have shared how this iconic doll has impacted their appearance and personal lives.
Growing up in the Hassidic Jewish community in Jerusalem, I was forbidden to have Barbie dolls due to religious beliefs. The dolls' defined adult body parts and stylish clothes were considered unsuitable for children and could negatively influence religious girls to dress immodestly.
As I began to travel the world, I realized that I was missing out on the fond memories that people shared with Barbie.
While living in New York, I attended the filmmaking program at NYFA. During my time there, my film crew found it difficult to pronounce my Hebrew name, so they began calling me Barbie due to my similar appearance to the iconic doll.
At first, I thought it was a joke until one of the crew members asked me, "Hey Barbie, where are you from?" I responded, "Israel," and he followed up with, "Barbie! Do you eat bacon?" I replied, "No, I'm 'Kosher Barbie.'" The word "kosher" reflects clean food.
Since then, the moniker "Kosher Barbie" has become my official Instagram name, and through my platform, I raise awareness about standing up against antisemitism towards Jews.
I was also moved when Greta Gerwig, the director of the upcoming Barbie movie, expressed her desire for viewers to feel the same joy and blessings that she experienced during a Shabbat dinner when they watch the film.
This resonates with me, as I recall my childhood in Jerusalem when we eagerly awaited Shabbat to dress in our finest clothes and dedicate the day to pure joy.
Despite being forbidden to play with Barbie as a child, the doll has played a significant role in my life. With the slogan "Barbie, you can be anything," I felt that I fulfilled many dreams as Barbie.
I'm sure Ruth Handler, the Jewish creator of Barbie, would be proud to see how her creation has become a symbol of empowerment for me and many others.
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