The story of Esther is a story that is replete with rich costumes which can reflect or at times reveal the key personalities. This shiur will examine the role of the sartorial masks of the Megilla and in particular, the…
Tanakh, Ketuvim (Writings), Esther, Jewish living, Marriage and divorce, Jewish calendar
The Tanakh is not immune to stories of sexual violence and sexual objectification. Many stories in Tanakh deal with the beauty (or simply the body) of a woman leading to objectification and violence. Obvious examples include: Sarah who is forcefully…
Jewish history, Biblical Times, Critical issues, Social justice, Jewish living, Women’s issues
The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is #BeBoldForChange – in pursuit of a more inclusive and gender equal world. I hold in highest esteem the bold and dedicated human beings who are marching together to fight for inclusivity…
Jewish living, Women’s issues
The scene is a familiar one. The table is laden with turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. The family sits around and one by one each member is expected to mention something they are thankful for. Smiles abound,…
Self & spirituality, Personal transformation, Reflection, Jewish living, Tzedakah
As I recently sat in a movie theater watching the Oscar-winning Spotlight, one recurring thought dominated all others: I could have written this script. Although the film focuses on abusive priests and the Catholic Church that protected them, the patterns…
Critical issues, Social justice, Jewish living, Women’s issues
Would a court judging according to Jewish Law find Voldemort guilty for the murders of James and Lily Potter? Voldemort had the intention to kill, yet the legal question is: Would Jewish Law consider the Killing Curse to be an act of…
Jewish living, Halakha
HAVRUTA MASTERCLASS from Rabba Yaffa Epstein and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy in which they discuss modern day perceptions of two biblical heroines. Meesh: Back then, the ceiling was not glass, and I don’t think Esther or Ruth made any attempt…
Personalities, Biblical personalities, Tanakh, Ketuvim (Writings), Esther, Jewish calendar
Watch Rabba Yaffa Epstein’s JDOV talk about her experience being the “outsider” in the Orthodox world and how and why she broke her way into the conversation. “In this talk, I examine the concept of feeling like an impostor. The…
Self & spirituality, Reflection, Jewish living, Women’s issues
On the 10th of Tevet we mourn many things – but what unites them is the breakdown of language. What does this fast day have to teach us about the power of common language to bring redemption? Mike Feuer discusses.…
Critical issues, Mahloket Matters/conflict resolution, Jewish living, Mourning
I never needed a title. For more than fifteen years, I have happily taught Torah alongside Orthodox rabbis with titles while being referred to by my first name. This is what the Rabbinical Council of America, North America’s Orthodox umbrella…
Jewish living, Women’s issues
One of the eighteen ways people and organizations can help promote the new Jewish holiday of 9Adar, Jewish Day of Constructive Conflict, is through giving tzedakah to organizations that promote these values in our local communities and in the world.…
Critical issues, Mahloket Matters/conflict resolution, Jewish living, Tzedakah
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