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Body and Soul: Breastfeeding in the Torah
The act of breastfeeding is woven through the Torah, exploring the fundamental link that connects generations of mothers and children from ancient times all the way to our current day. From Sarah to Yitzchak, Yocheved and Moshe, and Chana and Shmuel, we find the tales of women sustaining their children through their bodies. We can…
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Women and Minyanim: An Halachic Discussion
Prayer is a central element of religious experience. Through prayer we connect directly to Hashem, thank Him, praise Him and pour out our souls. In Judaism, prayer is also an opportunity to come together as a community, and this can be seen in the role of the minyan, the quorum of ten men or more…
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Vayeishev: What Do the Stories of Tamar, Yehuda and Chanuka Have in Common?
The story of Yehuda and Tamar is shrouded in mystery. After losing both her first and second husbands – Er and Onan, sons of Yehuda – with no children from either marriage, Tamar takes matters into her own hands. She approaches Yehuda of her own accord, disguised in the dark of night. Through their union,…
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A Torah’s Outlook on Livelihood
“Six days of the week you shall labor.” The Torah commands us to work, to toil for the six days of the week leading up to Shabbos. Productivity and fulfillment are lauded as true Jewish principles. Yet, when we find ourselves straddling the tightrope named parnasa, we enter a world full of doubts, questions and…
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Can a Woman Give a Psak Halacha?
One of the remarkable traits of halacha is how it is applied to every aspect of our lives, on the personal, communal and global levels. Due to the dynamic nature of life and development, we will often be faced with halachic questions (sheilot) and sometimes will need to seek guidance and rulings from a competent…
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Vayishlach: What Makes Rachel the Quintessential Jewish Mother?
“Mama Rachel cry for us again, won’t you shed a tear for your dear children, if you raise your sweet voice now as then, the day will come…” Rachel Imeinu, of all the four Imahot, has become known to us as ‘Mama Rachel,’ the mother of all of Klal Yisrael. Rachel – the woman who…
