The Chochmat Nashim Podcast: Women Talk Judaism

When a member of the RCA and the US Yeshiva community questioned the validity of Yoatzot Halacha, Chochmat Nashim engaged on their turf, creating a valuable window of understanding and consensus in an otherwise polarized climate. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

The salvation of the Children of Israel, no less, came about because women were heard. This is, of course, Chochmat Nashim's raison d'etre -- the idea that the world changes for the better simply by virtue of women's presence and participation. Consider the women of the Passover story: Miriam, Yocheved, Pharaoh's daughter, and the valiant midwives, among still others. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

You've probably heard of the halachic prenup as a solution to the agunah problem, so why are we still stuck with agunot? Who is responsible? Chochmat Nashim delves into the politics, social attitudes and progression of the halachic prenup today. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Humor, satire and snark are favorite Jewish pastimes. Chochmat Nashim explores why humor packs such a punch. Happy Adar! Music: "Misery" by The Whips

When is segregation okay - if ever? Anne, Shoshanna and Rachel explore a hot topic in Israel: state sponsored sex segregation in universities. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Will Israel really name a train station at the Kotel for US President Trump? Chochmat Nashim weighs in at the Jewish Covfefe House. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

When "modesty signs" instructing women how to dress were used as justification for assault against women and girls in Beit Shemesh, a number of residents sued for discrimination - and won. But within hours of the signs coming down, new ones had taken their place. Chochmat Nashim weighs in on how this court case signifies the turf wars between Israel's ultra-Orthodox and the rest of Israeli society. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

On Rosh Hashanah, we dip apples in honey for a sweet new year, and some have the custom to include many edible "signs" (simanim) for the year to come. Rachel, Shoshanna, and Anne consider what are these "simanim" in Judaism -- idolatry? hocus pocus? prayer? -- and come to some interesting conclusions about Jewish unity. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Extremism is a growing phenomenon in Orthodox Judaism, and this is perhaps most obvious in the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh. What can be done to counteract extremism? Is the excuse that, "The extremists are a tiny minority of our community" valid? And are we as vocal about extremism in our own sub-communities as we are when it appears elsewhere? Join Rachel Stomel, Anne Gordon, and Shoshanna Keats-Jaskoll for a discussion of this crucial issue. (Please note: this podcast was recorded several months ago, and makes reference to specific events that took place at that time.) Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Rabbi Chuck Davidson explains to Chochmat Nashim the ins and outs of conversion in the State of Israel, with its large population of non-halakhically Jewish Jews. Yes, really. Music: "Misery" by The Whips