Women Talking Mitzvot

In our last episode, we explored the underlying values of tzniut—the ways clothing communicates dignity, shapes our interactions, and reflects how we choose to carry ourselves in the world. In this episode, we turn to the practical halachic questions: What does Jewish law actually require when it comes to women’s dress? We’ll look at the sources behind the halachic guidelines for necklines, sleeves, skirts, and pants, and explore the range of opinions among poskim-modern day halachik authorities. We’ll consider the role of dat Yehudit and communal norms, and discuss how we can take halacha seriously while also leaving room for diversity and self-expression. This episode is dedicated by an anonymous donor in honor of all those supporting and engaging in women’s Talmud Torah and religious growth at every stage of life, with special gratitude to the staff of Migdal Oz.Links to related books, articles, and podcasts:Deracheha series on dress by Rabbanit Laurie Novick:https://www.deracheha.org/dress-2-the-details/Rav Shagar article (in the book Kotnot Or):https://kotnotor.co.il/#examplesMa at mevakeshet by Rabbanit Oriya Mevorach:https://korenpub.co.il/products/ma-at-mevakeshet?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11183380209&gbraid=0AAAAADtaam_nHIxgqw3YMAEMB8byeN5M2&gclid=CjwKCAjwrbfWBhAeEiwAc2e6PmTvju88Jcwuz-31ZCIbvgB0QZfirZoOC1WfH7cOJ-BKpyGrKrflwBoCtaoQAvD_BwE Avo Betecha by Rabbi David Stav and Rabbi Avraham Stavhttps://korenpub.co.il/products/avo-beitekha?pr_prod_strat=jac&pr_rec_id=16f1725a1&pr_rec_pid=5276301361310&pr_ref_pid=5276312535198&pr_seq=uniformReclaiming Dignity by Bracha Poliakoff and Rabbi Anothony Manning:https://www.reclaimingdignity.comThe Balancing Act of Being Female:https://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2013/01/22/the-balancing-act-of-being-female-or-why-we-have-so-many-clothes/18Forty Podcast with Shayna: Israel’s Religious Zionist Communityhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/1FQkrfcgwUZoNnQGW0FrJX?si=lpaZE1HwThaJ96umR9-fZg

After so many meaningful conversations exploring halachot and the lived experiences of observing them, we are turning to a topic that is certainly important, but that can sometimes take up too much space in conversations about women and mitzvah observance: tzniut (modesty). In this episode, we step back from the halachic details to explore some of the underlying ideas and values of tzniut. We’ll talk about the significance of clothing, the ways in which this topic uniquely affects women, and some of the differences between how the halachot of tzniut apply to men and women. In our next episode, we’ll turn to the halachic details themselves.This episode is dedicated in memory of Sara Benin, on the occasion of her twentieth yahrzeit, by her daughter Nomi Clark. Sara was a curious and thoughtful woman, who moved through the world with intention. She was a role model to her children, and she is missed every day. May her memory be a blessing.Relates Links and Articles:Deracheha article on the functions of clothing:https://www.deracheha.org/dress-1-the-basics/Other podcast episodes with Shayna and Yosefa on this topic:The Orthodox Conundrum - The Challenges of Teaching Tzniut and the Challenges of being Tzabyahttps://open.spotify.com/episode/64dcr9SbHlpSwCwboSFwfE?si=uir9u2uwSt2CSxUx3EPsxA&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A3To90lzF2fMNalSKvk1GFIThe Matan Parsha Podcast - Clothing as a First Principle https://open.spotify.com/episode/43Bd09Mvkn5uueusL8sV5p?si=bcGH2xYbR9CPH5ZHUbwvywThe Evolution of the Swimsuit:https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WJVHRJbgLz8&t=6s&pp=ygUVZXZvbHV0aW9uIG9mIHN3aW1zdWl0&ra=mCartoon with women in burka and bikini:https://www.reddit.com/r/Feminism/comments/3afme5/what_a_cruel_maledominated_culture_malcolm_evans/

In this episode, we explore two powerful and deeply connected holidays: Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. We also ask a more complicated question: What does it mean for women to physically connect with the Torah? What does halacha say about women touching, kissing, accompanying, and even dancing with a Sefer Torah? We look at the history behind these practices, the different halachic approaches and most importantly, we discuss the many different ways women can experience and express their love for Torah on Simchat Torah and truly make the day our own.This episode is dedicated in loving memory of Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari, who was deeply committed to Torah learning and passionate about creating opportunities for women to learn Torah and Gemara at the highest level. May his memory and legacy continue to inspire generations of Torah learning. Articles on women’s Torah reading (not addressed fully in this episide):Rabbi Aryeh and Rabbi Dov Frimer, “⁠Women, Keri’at ha-Torah and Aliyyot⁠” Rabbi Aryeh and Rabbi Dov Frimer, “⁠Women’s Prayer Services—Theory and Practice⁠” Rabbi Yehuda Henkin, Responsa Bnei Banim ⁠https://www.sefaria.org.il/Responsa_Benei_Banim%2C_Volume_IV.2.1?lang=he&with=all&lang2=he⁠Deracheha articles on Torah reading: ⁠https://www.deracheha.org/keriat-ha-torah-1-the-reading/⁠

In this episode we explore two of the most beloved mitzvot of the Jewish year -  sukkah and lulav as well as some of the other special elements of the holiday of Sukkot. Together, they invite us to step out of our ordinary routines and into a week of joy, gratitude, and closeness to Hashem. We'll look at the halachot, the unique relationship women have to these mitzvot, and the powerful messages they offer all of us about home, community, and spiritual growth.  This episode is sponsored by Carole Lerman in memory of  her beloved father, Shraga Feivel Herschel Ben Yisroel Yechiel zichrono l’bracha: “For my father’s love of learning and enthusiasm to gain Torah knowledge till the end of his life.  Thank you, Shayna and Yosefa whose love of learning and teaching go beyond knowledge.  Your candid and fluid Torah discussions transform the Word to something we feel, live, and carry with us. For that I am deeply grateful, and, in addition, to sustaining our personal and family connection, which I will forever cherish.”Links to materials mentioned in the episode:“A Sukkaleh” song:A Blog by Rabbanit Shayna Goldberg on the song: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O2fYLhrejvQ&list=RDO2fYLhrejvQ&start_radio=1&pp=ygUoSmV3aXNoIHNvbmdzIHdpdGggdHJhbnNsYXRpb25zIGEgc3Vra2FsZaAHAQ%3D%3D&ra=mhttps://blogs.timesofisrael.com/our-resilient-sukkah/Responsa about going on tiyulim on Sukkot by Rav Aharon Lichtenstein:https://etzion.org.il/he/holidays/sukkot/%D7%97%D7%99%D7%95%D7%91-%D7%A1%D7%95%D7%9B%D7%94-%D7%91%D7%98%D7%99%D7%95%D7%9CPodcast on Kohehet with Dr. Erica Brown:https://open.spotify.com/episode/0wZhAyRdwuuYcvpVekzVu0?si=HkeEeQVoQyitXtXWrzIxRA&utm_source=copy-link

A Jewish wedding is one of life's most joyous and meaningful moments, filled with beautiful rituals, ancient traditions, and profound spiritual ideas. In this episode, we explore the many different aspects of a traditional Jewish wedding and consider how they help lay the foundation for a lifelong partnership built on holiness, commitment, and love. This episode has been sponsored by Leeza Wilner in memory of her grandfather, Mayer Yosef Ben Abraham, her first chevruta and her role model for weaving Torah learning into everyday life. Books on the Topic and Materials Mentioned in the Episode:Made In Heaven, Rabbi Aryeh KaplanThe Marriage Covenant, Rabbi Elyashiv KnohlThe Gottman institute: https://www.gottman.comArticles on marriage and the wedding ceremony:https://www.deracheha.org/passages/#m...

In this episode, the first of two on the topic of weddings, we explore the concepts underlying the central elements of the traditional wedding ceremony. We also discuss ways within the confines of halacha that couples sometimes individualize their wedding ceremonies with additional components.This episode has been sponsored in memory of Ahuva bat Tcherna and Michael (Luba) and Rachel Golda bat Kyla and Tzvi Aryeh (Goldie), two women connected through the marriage of their children to one another.Linked ArticlesWomen reciting birkat chatanim:https://etzion.org.il/he/halakha/even-haezer/marriage-and-divorce/may-birkat-chatanim-sheva-berakhot-be-recited-womanA response to this article:https://gluya.org/chatanim-blessing-by-women/Articles on marriage and the wedding ceremony:https://www.deracheha.org/passages/#marriageBooks:Made In Heaven, Rabbi Aryeh KaplanThe Marriage Covenant, Rabbi Elyashiv Knohl

Today, on Rosh Chodesh Av, we are rereleasing last year’s episode for the Nine Days. This year, Tisha B’Av falls on Wednesday night, July 22, and Thursday, July 23, which means that for many Sephardim, several of the customs of the nine days that we discuss will only begin to be observed next week, the actual calendar week of Tisha B’Av. This episode explores ways we can utilize the halachik restrictions to maximize the significance of this time period.  The conversation also reflects on the endless mourning the people of Israel have experienced since October 7th, a war which has continued since the conversation was recorded.As events in Israel and around the world continue to unfold, we pray that this period of mourning be transformed into one of comfort, geulah, and lasting peace.We are excited to let you know that our new season will begin two weeks from now on Wednesday July 29th, Tu b’Av, with a two part series on weddings.

In this final episode of season one we discuss the obligation and ideas behind the blessing of ha-gomel. At the end of this episode we also share some feedback and reflections on this first season.We will be taking a short break over the summer and will be back after Tisha b’Av with new episodes.Please reach out to us as at [email protected] if you are interested in sponsoring the upcoming season or individual episodes which can be dedicated with a personal message.Link to Deracheha article:www.deracheha.org/birkat-ha-gomel/ 

In honor of Shavuot, this episode focuses on the development of women’s Talmud Torah. We also take the opportunity to speak about our personal journeys in the world of Torah learning, in the hope that it may serve as inspiration for others.Deracheha Article Link:https://www.deracheha.org/constants/#learning-torah

This conversation touches on halachic aspects of counting the omer and the ideas behind the mitzva. We also discuss the customs of mourning observed during this time period.Link to Deracheha Article:https://www.deracheha.org/sefirat-ha-omer/