Women Talking Mitzvot

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=he⁠

Deracheha 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=m
https://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 Articles

Women 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/#marriage

Books:

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 womentalkingmitzvot@gmail.com 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/

How is this episode different from all other episodes? We speak about the seder-night mitzva of Sippur Yetziat Mitzrayim, telling the Exodus story, and then discuss the challenges of fulfilling it. We also offer Torah thoughts and insights on some key passages of the Haggada.

Links to Deracheha Articles

\https://www.deracheha.org/af-hen/https://www.deracheha.org/the-seder-part-1/https://www.deracheha.org/the-seder-part-2/

That Jewish Moment-Sari Kopitnikoff-Seder Tools

https://www.thatjewishmoment.com/

This episode takes a deep dive into the mitzvot of Purim–Megilla, Purim Seuda, Mishloach Manot and Matanot La-evyonim (gifts for the poor)--with an emphasis on women’s obligation in these mitzvot and the halachot of women and megilla reading. 

Deracheha articles:

https://www.deracheha.org/af-hen/

https://www.deracheha.org/mitzvot-of-purim/

https://www.deracheha.org/megilla-reading/

Two Purim songs referenced by Shayna: 

Im matzati chen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0eKJWMNcCk&list=RDd0eKJWMNcCk&start_radio=1

Im hachareish tachareishi:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJgXuJvZZfc&list=RDLJgXuJvZZfc&start_radio=1

The Purim Story audio recording:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYs1YFCck8E

Rav Aharon Lichtenstein's article on Esther:

https://etzion.org.il/en/philosophy/great-thinkers/harav-aharon-lichtenstein/if-you-remain-silent-time-concern-jewish-people