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.
Women’s Megillah Reading in a Small Town–Some Tips From Our 5th Year
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania — we are the capital city of the Commonwealth. No, Pennsylvania’s capital is not in Philadelphia. Several years ago ...
Two Thirds A Jewish Woman
I am two thirds a woman. There are only three mitzvot uniquely, singularly, and expressly for women, making up the ...
A Soulless Figure, A Figureless Soul
My roommate came home yesterday with a story I’ve experienced myself too many times in too many different ways.She was ...
A Heralded Compromise That STILL Leaves Out Women
I’m one of those hard-to-categorize Jews, caught somewhere between the Conservative and Orthodox denominations. My practice leans Orthodox, my passion ...
Did Esther and Ruth Break the Glass Ceiling? A Debate
Meesh: Back then, in biblical times, the ceiling was not glass, and I don’t think Esther or Ruth made any attempt ...
Bat Mitzvah as Rite of Passage into Self and Community
My daughter Ktoret Ashira was born on Yom Kippur in Jerusalem in 2001. Two and a half years ago we ...
Approaching “Niddah” with Radical Openness
I am learning the laws of niddah, laws that relate to menstruation and sexuality, with a group of women. It has ...
Between the Holy and the Frustrating
It’s Friday afternoon in a quiet Maryland suburb. Cars pull into driveways and kids get off school buses, ready to ...
To the Person Who Vandalized My Sister’s Picture
Last week, I hung up a sign in my synagogue, inviting the community to join us in honoring the memory ...
Shifra’s Calling
Ten years ago I got that call. My dear friend called to tell me she was pregnant. I wish my ...