Women Talking Mitzvot

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...

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.dera...

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 song...

This episode begins with an exploration of the obligation to recite birkat ha-mazon after eating bread and what that means for us. Next, we discuss the halachic parameters of starting benching off with a ‘zimmun’--for men and women. This episode has been sponsored in gratitude to the Women Talking Mitzvot podcast and its hosts by the Buchman Community in Modiin. Women’s Zimmun Card: Women's Zi...

This episode discusses the halachik issues related to applying makeup and other cosmetic products on Shabbat. This topic has a direct impact on the lives of so many people and touches on sensitive issues such as self image, communal beauty norms, and the role halacha plays in our personal lives. Deracheha articles: https://www.deracheha.org/cosmetics-on-shabbat-3-makeup/#makeup_on_shabbat https://...

This episode delves into the ways in which we imbue Shabbat with holiness and how these acts are refracted through the act of making kiddush over wine.  We also talk about women’s obligation in both nighttime and daytime kiddush and some practical halachik scenarios that frequently come up. Related Deracheha Articles: https://www.deracheha.org/kiddush-1-obligation/ https://www.deracheha.org/kiddus...

The mitzvah of Chanuka candle lighting has classically been fulfilled in diverse ways, with differences between Sephardi and Ashkenazi households, and between women of different communities. This conversation explores several halachic aspects of the mitzva, as well as ways to imbue our celebration of Chanuka with more meaning. Links to Deracheha Articles: https://www.deracheha.org/af-hen/ https://...

This conversation explores the mitzva of lighting Shabbat candles, which is primarily fulfilled by women. We discuss the meaning and special place of this mitzva, alongside important halachic points about lighting in different circumstances. Deracheha articles: https://www.deracheha.org/candle-lighting-1/ https://www.deracheha.org/candle-lighting-2/ Song mentioned by Shayna, "My Dear Imma" https:/...

This episode explores the unique power of communal prayer, along with some of its challenges. We also discuss limitations that can impact women’s sense of participation and practical steps communities can take to make shul more comfortable for everyone. Relevant Deracheha articles: https://www.deracheha.org/minyan/ https://www.deracheha.org/tefilla-be-tzibbur/ 'Kotvot Halacha' with the article by...

This episode concludes this season's Tefilla series, weaving between ideas about Pesukei de-zimra and Shema, a candid discussion of prayer priorities when short on time, and a look at what it means to accept the "yoke of heaven" in a culture centered on autonomy. Links to Related Deracheha Articles and other sources mentioned in the episode: https://did.li/LfVIw https://did.li/ANhDN https://did.li...

Today’s conversation continues our tefilla series with a zoom in on the morning blessings that are gender specific: a man blessing God for not making him a woman, and a woman blessing God for making her according to His will. This episode also connects to a broader thread of Women Talking Mitzvot, how to navigate Jewish texts and liturgy that can be uncomfortable when viewed in a modern light. Der...

This conversation discusses meaningful ways to experience the Aseret Yemei Teshuva and Yom Kippur, drawing on an exploration of their halachot and customs. While Yom Kippur is the most intense day of the Jewish year, it also has the potential to be the most joyous. Links to relevant pages on Deracheha: https://www.deracheha.org/fast-days/ https://www.deracheha.org/exemption-from-major-fasts/

With Rosh Hashana approaching, we sat down to speak about the power of its central mitzva: hearing the shofar. We discuss how the shofar is presented in the Torah and the halachic requirements of the mitzva, and we share some of our own formative memories and experiences of Rosh Hashana. Episodes are available for sponsorship for any of your meaningful occasions. Be in touch with us at  womentalki...

We're excited to share a special episode with you! Avodat Hashem and the Month of Elul (LIVE Bonus Episode) In this conversation, we share tips for authentic work on our avodat Hashem during the month of Elul and throughout life. We recorded this episode LIVE in Beit Midrash Migdal Oz, at an event in honor of Rabbanit Esti Rosenberg's 60th birthday. Though our conversation was geared toward a youn...

This is a second episode in our running address of prayer. As we explained in an earlier episode, this series contains conversations directly relevant to chagim/special times alongside episodes dealing with constant elements in our religious lives, like prayer. Today’s conversation addresses the recitation of Morning Blessings ( birkot hashachar ). The blessings recited each morning provide an opp...

Tefilla is a multifaceted topic that is hard to speak about clearly and candidly, because at its essence, it's a daily, spoken ritual intended to transcend its ritualized words. Today’s conversation begins what will be a series of interspersed episodes about Tefilla, to try and probe what ideas sit at its core and what role it plays in our worship of God as individuals and as a community. Check ou...

After two episodes that were primarily focused on broad conceptual ideas about women’s relationships to their Judaism and to their status in halacha, we are shifting to discuss a timely topic: the nine days and the upcoming fast of Tisha Bav. These days are an invitation to understand what has been lost and what potential for redemption exists among us.  This episode discusses the application of t...

In this episode, we discuss the status of women in Halacha and how each of us thinks about the differences between men and women's halachic obligations. We raise the discomfort women might feel given the Torah's gendered language, and discuss possible reasons why women are exempt from certain mitzvot . What is the difference between being equal in the eyes of God and having identical halachic obli...

This first episode explores why we think it’s important for women to learn about mitzvot and invest energy into building religious identity and experiences. Before delving into conversations about specific mitzvot, we wanted to take some time to speak more broadly about current trends in women’s religious lives and how we would like to see them develop. Check out sources and discussion that inspir...