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.
Our Prophets, Ourselves: Jonah, Judgment and the Act of Repentance
In many ways, the message of the Book of Jonah seems antithetical to that of Yom Kippur.
Why I’m Skipping a Verse During My Morning Prayers
I pray every day. Most days the early morning cerebral fog is pretty dense and my anxiety about being late ...
From Flute to Shofar, Finding Spirit in the Sound
I never could carry a tune but, at an early age, I discovered that I could make a soulful sound ...
Aliyah – A Journey to Family, to Community and to Empowering Our Sisters in Israel
If you had told me five years ago that I would be making aliyah in the midst of a war ...
Researching Jewish History through a Woman’s Eyes
It’s strange but true that being a woman made me uniquely positioned to write my historical novels. Growing up a ...
Pack Lunch, Hear Shofar, Drive Carpool
Every year at this time, from the second day of Rosh Chodesh Elul into Tishrei, my mind vaguely registers that ...
Agreement vs. Acceptance
As a Jewish woman raised in a Conservative home, a Reform synagogue, and who has been Modern Orthodox since the ...
Jewish Women Deserve Better
Five months ago, I wrote about my struggles as a newly married woman in adjusting to the observance of Taharat ...
The Shofar Is Calling; Will You Answer?
Each shofar has a unique undulating shape and trumpeting sound. The sound may be low and haunting or bold and ...
An Open Letter to My Bais Yaakov Education
To My Bais Yaakov Education,I thought I knew what I was getting into when I made the jump from a ...