What do ancient Babylonian rabbinic debates, Millennial feminist commentary, and Lord of the Rings analogies have in common? They all collide in the incredible work of Miriam Anzovin, a content creator and self-described huge Jewish nerd. In our latest interview, Miriam shares her journey from a formerly Orthodox, deeply shy young woman to a viral sensation who is making the dense, 2,711-page Babylonian Talmud accessible, joyful, and deeply personal.

In this piece, we explore how Miriam’s Daf Reactions project—her daily, heartfelt, and comedic video responses to her study of the Talmud—is breaking down historical barriers, giving voice to forgotten women in ancient texts, and helping thousands reclaim their Jewish identity. We also touch on her personal, cathartic experience navigating both secular and religious divorce, and how ancient conversations about divorce echo modern struggles with power and coercive control.

Dive into this fascinating world where ancient text meets modern internet culture, and discover how Miriam Anzovin is truly lighting up the world with insights from the Talmud.

When a Jewish couple marries in the U.S., they are often creating not one, but two legal unions: a secular marriage recognized by the state and a religious marriage governed by Jewish law. While many are aware of the beautiful rituals of a traditional Jewish wedding, few grasp the profound implications—especially concerning divorce—where gender inequality can emerge, creating opportunities for coercive control. In this thought-provoking deep dive, retired Judge Julie Field and Consilium Institute co-founder Heidi Webb sit down with Dr. Lisa Fishbayn Joffe, a leading expert on women’s rights under Jewish Family Law and the Shalom Reinhart Director of the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute (HBI).

Join us as Dr. Lisa Fishbayn Joffe illuminates the complex history and modern reality of the get (religious divorce document), explaining why a husband’s capacity to withhold it can become a powerful tool for extortion and domestic abuse, leaving women “chained” to a dead marriage (agunah). From the unique legal landscape in Israel, where religious courts are state-supported, to the emerging use of U.S. and U.K. domestic violence laws to address get refusal, this essential conversation offers secular law professionals and community members critical insights into this complex area of law and human rights.