JOFA's Torch
The Torch explores gender and religion in the Jewish community. Named for Deborah the Prophetess, “the woman of torches,” the blog highlights the passion and fiery leadership of Jewish feminists, while evoking the powerful image of feminists “passing the torch” to a new generation. Disclaimer: All posts are contributed by third party authors. JOFA does not assume responsibility for the facts and opinions presented in them.
Celebrating Our Daughter’s Bat Mitzvah
“Some people will do anything to get out of synagogue on Simchat Torah” said my husband as we headed off ...
How a Six Minute Video Changed My Life
That night, a video changed my life. It was just over six minutes long, yet its message touched me profoundly ...
All Your Males…
I hate Jewish holidays.I got married soon after becoming Orthodox, and I was excited to celebrate the Jewish holidays fully ...
The Rabbi In My Bedroom
When I got married, there were a million things on my to-do list. There was one thing, one pretty important ...
On Simchat Torah, Get Up and Dance with Me!
Being a woman on Simchat Torah is hard for me, but not for the reasons you might think.Maybe I am ...
Three Generations of Female Torah Readers
Three females — a 63-year-old, a 41-year-old, and an 11-year-old — have much in common. In addition to their blond, ...
How I Ended Up Delivering the Sermon on Rosh Hashanah
Over the summer, Larry, the organizer of the minyan that I attend for Rosh Hashanah, sent out an email asking ...
Overcoming Obstacles to Recite Mourner’s Kaddish with Dignity
My father died on Rosh Hashanah 5764. He died at home, in a clean white bed, surrounded by his wife ...
My Daughter Asked for an Upsherin
“Imma I want an upsherin!” My daughter revealed this mid-way through her first year at a Chabad preschool, where she ...
It’s Time for a New Calendar
I have a rich undergraduate memory of a professor teaching about communities. She said that one of the key aspects ...