This is the second episode in our new podcast series exploring a woman's relationship with Talmud Torah. In this episode, we interview Rabbi Shlomo Yaffe, scholar, lecturer and board member at Batsheva Learning Center. He discusses the core halachic principles that impact the development of halacha in general and the development of women’s Torah study in particular. Rabbi Yaffe zooms in on the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s nuanced view of women’s Torah study, based on sources from the Rebbe’s letters and talks.

We discuss these questions and more:

In what circumstances can and should halacha adapt to the times? What justifies the modern shift in women’s education? Why is this more valid than other progressive movements that may have strayed from tradition? Should we be concerned about women who aren’t learning for the “right” reasons? Is that a factor that is brought up in any halachic sources? What did the Lubavitcher Rebbe say regarding women's Torah learning? Did he ever mention Gemara specifically? Did the Rebbe believe Gemara learning is only permissible for individual women who want it or that it should be taught on a communal level? What about topics in Gemara that are not relevant to practical halacha?

Visit our website to sign up to be the first to receive our updated source booklet which will include all the sources referenced in this episode (and more!): www.batshevalearningcenter.com

Thank you to Chava and Chaim Aharon Green for sponsoring this episode in honor of their daughter, Devorah Leah.