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.
Total Immersion: How I Found New Meaning in an Ancient Ritual
Ten of us walked to the creek, each one carrying her own trepidation, confusion, and curiosity. We represented different approaches ...
A Powerful Woman
As this summer, and this Jewish year wind down, I’m completing the painting and writing for my fourth illuminated book ...
What Happens When Our Heroines Fail Us?
One of the great disappointments of this summer has been finding out, with the publication of Harper Lee’s Go Set ...
To Feel More Connected, Get Physically Closer to the Torah
When you see an adorable baby, a stunning gem, or an intricately illustrated medieval Hagaddah, don’t you feel a yearning to ...
Navigating Orthodox Conversion with a Feminist Sensibility
I was 75 percent Jewish, I told the Orthodox rabbi, my paternal grandparents and one maternal grandparent were all Jewish. “So, you’re not Jewish,” he replied.
A Tale of Two Tragedies
Israel is the most uplifting place in the world, and on my trip there last week I felt the usual ...
Mourning Our Loss and Making Space for Our Blessings
On Feb. 28, 2012, 5 Adar, my entire world changed. My first child was born. My center of gravity moved ...
When it Comes to Jewish Sexual Laws, It’s 3 Jews, 0 Opinions
Laws of family purity and sex should be private, but can they be too private?Some of this post contains adult ...
Our Quest for Holiness at the JOFA UK Conference
Although the official subtitle of last month’s London JOFA conference was “Reinforcing Tradition through Renewal,” what I took away from ...
Calling All Secret Feminists!
There is a place for every man and woman in feminism. Furthermore, there is a place for every Jewish woman ...