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.
Prepping for Passover Amid Grief and Taxes
It is the day before Passover and everyone has a yahrtzeit but me.My mother’s mother collapsed on seder night, ten days before her young grandson ...
Prime-Time Drama
This post has been translated from Hebrew to English by Bracha Jaffe.Shabbat afternoon between the afternoon and evening prayers is ...
Double Booked: If It’s Good Enough for the Matriarchs
This post originally appeared on the Religious Action Center’s blog and has been reprinted here with permission.—In a recent conversation ...
An Old Shul Still Paving the Way
It is funny to celebrate the 120th anniversary of our synagogue when Judaism tells us that 120 years should mark ...
From Isolation to Community: Opening the Conversation on Mikvah
Two weeks each month, I refrain from physical intimacy with my husband because of Jewish law. It is not only ...
Reading Esther and Coming of Age
The story of Esther teaches us many things, amongst them, that timing is everything.This year, the women’s Megillat Esther reading ...
A New Purim Hero?
This year on Purim, several minyanim in the U.S. and in Israel will be reading the Megillah with a twist. ...
Fasting for Two: Who Makes the Call?
This Thursday (March 13) many Jews will fast from sunrise to sunset in commemoration of Esther’s fast before she approached ...
Including Agunot on Purim in Montreal
Every year costumed women and children arrive from communities across the island, all aglow and abuzz with great anticipation. Purim ...
Purim Picks for Feminists of All Ages
There’s a serious side to Purim costumes and masquerades: Who do we want to be? Who do we want our ...