When “modesty signs” instructing women how to dress were used as justification for assault against women and girls in Beit Shemesh, a number of residents sued for discrimination – and won. But within hours of the signs coming down, new ones had taken their place. Chochmat Nashim weighs in on how this court case signifies the turf wars between Israel’s ultra-Orthodox and the rest of Israeli society.
On Rosh Hashanah, we dip apples in honey for a sweet new year, and some have the custom to include many edible “signs” (simanim) for the year to come. Rachel, Shoshanna, and Anne consider what are these “simanim” in Judaism – idolatry? hocus pocus? prayer? – and come to some interesting conclusions about Jewish unity.
Extremism is a growing phenomenon in Orthodox Judaism, and this is perhaps most obvious in the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh. What can be done to counteract extremism? Is the excuse that, “The extremists are a tiny minority of our community” valid? And are we as vocal about extremism in our own sub-communities as we are when it appears elsewhere? Join Rachel Stomel, Anne Gordon, and Shoshanna Keats-Jaskoll for a discussion of this crucial issue. (Please note: this podcast was recorded several months ago, and makes reference to specific events that took place at that time.)
The Chochmat Nashim Podcast is hosted by Rachel Stomel, Anne Gordon, and Shoshanna Keats Jaskoll. Episode one is an introduction to them, to their organization, and to their attempts to affect positive change from within the Jewish tradition. Chochmat Nashim: Because Judaism is better when women are heard.
©2024 All rights reserved
