Real Women, Real Torah

Welcome to our new podcast series, where we'll explore everything you ever wanted to know about hair covering. We approach the topic from a new angle, giving you the inside scoop on how the halachos of Kisui Rosh developed, following the chain from the original sources in the Torah, through the texts of the Mishna, Gemara, Rishonim and Acharonim. In this introductory episode, we introduce Menucha Schwartz, our guest for this series and the genius behind the original Kisui Rosh course we launched three years ago. She talks about the process of researching and writing on this topic, we give an outline for the upcoming episodes and we talk about what we hope you, our audience, can gain from listening.  If you liked this series and want to take your learning to the next level by diving into the original sources for yourself, register for our upcoming course starting end of October: batshevalearningcenter.com/courses To purchase the course books to learn on your own or in a group, visit our online store here:  batshevalearningcenter.com/textbooks Follow us Instagram or join our WhatsApp group for more text-based Torah learning opportunities for women.

Join Mushky Kovesh and Menucha Minkowitz, students at the Brooklyn Beis Midrash, in a 'Chavrusah Shmooze'. In their lively conversation, they explore the concept of sin, redefining Hashem's intention in creating the world. They discuss how our ability to choose between right and wrong comes from our unique connection with Hashem, the piece of divinity within us. The ideas discussed in this episode are based on the maamar באתי לגני תשל"א. This episode has been released in honor of Yud Shvat, the day of the passing of the previous Rebbe, and the day the Rebbe assumed leadership.

Torah Ohr Parshas Vayechi Each of Leah's first four sons are named to reflect her deep desire to connect to her husband, Yaakov. On a deeper level, each of these sons embody a pathway through which the Jewish soul connects to her ‘husband', Hashem. This maamar walks us through four steps in building a relationship with Hashem, each one reflected in another part of our daily prayer. The climax is shemoneh esrei, where we achieve the ultimate unity with Hashem through the quality of surrender embodied by Yehuda. ד״ה יהודה אתה יודוך אחיך

Torah Ohr Parshas Vayigash This foundational maamar explores the dynamic between Yosef and Yehuda as a model for two core perspectives that shape the value system of Judaism.  When Yehuda approaches Yosef to plead on Binyamin's behalf, it's more than a face-off between two brothers; it's a meeting of two worldviews. Yosef's is one that values spiritual self-growth as the ultimate pursuit. Yehuda sees value in submission to a purpose beyond himself. Both perspectives portray an angle of truth, but only one can hold center stage at a time. While Yehuda started as the more powerful brother, selling Yosef into slavery, Yosef, now the king of Egypt, seems to dominate Yehuda. But ultimately, in generations to come, Yehuda will triumph as the tribe from which Jewish monarchy will descend. At the end of days, it is his perspective that will come out on top. ד״ה ויגש אליו יהודה

Torah Ohr on Chanukah The celebration of Chanukah centers not around the military victory over the Greek army, but a spiritual victory of the soul, represented by the lights of the menorah. This spiritual battle is one we experience every day, as we fight to ignite a fire of love inside our hearts. This maamar retells the story of Chanukah on a personal level, exploring the metaphor of a candle as a model for developing a relationship with Hashem. ד״ה ענין חנוכה

Torah Ohr Parshas Mikeitz Parshas Miketz begins with Pharoah's dream of the seven healthy cows being swallowed by seven sickly ones. This dream gives a powerful imagery for the fleeting nature of inspiration. Why does our excitement for spirituality seem to slip away as quickly as it comes? This maamar offers an answer by looking at the end of the previous parsha when ‘the butler forgot about Yosef' as the root of the problem. We'll explore the symbolism of each character in this story and the role they play in our personal service of Hashem. ד״ה ויהי מקץ

Torah Ohr Parshas Vayeishev Life in exile is a lot like a dream; an alternate reality in which contradictory experiences coexist and nothing seems to make sense. But dreaming has another side to it. It's a time of infinite imagination that transcends the limits of reason and accesses the deepest parts of the psyche. This maamar explores the recurring theme of dreams that appears multiple times at the end of Sefer Bereishis and why Yosef is considered the ultimate dreamer.

Torah Ohr Parshas Vayishlach What was Yaakov trying to achieve in making peace with Eisav? How do we reconcile within our own souls the boundless, unchanneled energy of Eisav with the disciplined, focused approach of Yaakov? This week's maamar will retell the story of Yaakov and Eisav's dramatic reunion on a mystical level and give us profound insight into the internal battle of every Jew. ד״ה וישלח יעקב מלאכים לפניו https://batshevalearningcenter.com/bereishis

Torah Ohr Parshas Vayeitzei Some people are naturally driven to engage with the world, while others prefer to retreat into their own spiritual oasis. Which one does Judaism prefer? This week's parsha is our first introduction to Rachel and Leah, the two sisters who marry Yaakov and become the last two matriarchs of the Jewish people. In this maamar, we'll explore the message behind each of their life stories and how we can incorporate both of their roles within our own lives. ד״ה וללבן שתי בנות

Torah Ohr Parshas Toldos What did Yitzchak see in Eisav that motivated him to shower Eisav with blessings unconditionally? What did Rivka see that made her realize the blessings had to go to Yaakov? This maamar explores the fascinating story of Yaakov deceptively taking the blessings from his father and what that teaches us about keeping our idealism in check. While Yaakov believed in the power of Eisav's potential, he failed to see the reality on the ground–that his energy was impossible to access as is without channeling it through Yaakov. ד״ה ראה ריח בני Follow along in the maamar here.

Torah Ohr Parshas Chayei Sara Why are human beings dependent on an act so mundane as eating food in order to survive? What is the nature of our relationship with food and what does that tell us about how we can engage with the physical world around us in a way that lifts us up, rather than dragging us down? This maamar answers these questions by exploring the mystical symbolism of the mearas hamachpela and the meaning of a cryptic line from the Arizal's poem sung on Shabbos day, “Asader L'seudasa”. ד״ה יגלה לן טעמיה

Torah Ohr Parshas Vayeira Why does the Torah so often describe G-d in human terms? Does G-d have a personality? This foundational maamar gives us insight into these questions by exploring the kabbalistic concept of the sefiros. We use the human psyche as a metaphor to understand the dual nature of the sefiros and how they bridge the gap between Creator and creation. ד״ה ״פתח אליהו״ Follow along in the maamar here. Here is a chart of the mashalim used in the first few paragraphs of the maamar. Visit our website for more resources.

Torah Ohr Parshas Lech Lecha The first seventy-five years of Avraham Avinu's life tell a remarkable tale of personal discovery and heroic sacrifice, but none of that makes it into the story told in Parshas Lech Lecha. We begin with Hashem's instruction to embark on a journey and with that, Avraham begins for the first time to access the limitless potential of his soul by channeling it towards his unique life's purpose. Visit our website for more resources on this maamar.

Torah Ohr Parshas Noach Did we really need the drama of a massive flood to teach a few crooks a lesson? Based on a verse from Shir Hashirim, we discover that the flood waters are not a vengeful punishment but a peaceful cleansing and powerful lesson for living a focused life. Stand unprotected and you'll get washed away by the flood of worldly distractions. Build yourself an arc and those same waters will lift you up to heights you never dreamed of. This episode is sponsored by the Baltimore community in merit of the protection of our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisroel and the immediate arrival of Moshiach.

Torah Ohr Parshas Bereishis What was so terrible about eating from the Tree of Knowledge? And why did it result in so much shame? In this episode, we'll discover that ‘knowledge' isn't always a good thing and how that first encounter with good and evil changed the human psyche forever. Follow along in the maamar here. ד״ה ״ויאמר ה׳ אלוקים״

Join us on a 12-week journey through Torah Ohr on Bereishis. Explore the stories of Bereishis through a fresh lens and discover the inner strengths you never knew you had. Find out more at batshevalearningcenter.com/bereishis

Stories of Sorrow, Lessons of Hope - Part 3 This episode explores four different angles on a story from the end of Maseches Makkos that describes four sages observing the aftermath of the destruction. Three of them cry, but the fourth, Rabbi Akiva, laughs. As they discuss the reasons for their reaction, we learn some powerful lessons about finding hope in darkness.

Stories of Sorrow, Lessons of Hope - Part 2 In this episode, Mushhky Steinmetz explores the story of Titus as it is told in Maseches Gittin. We learn about his horrific acts of desecration in the Beis Hamikdash and about his unexpected downfall. The Gemara describes in great detail how Titus was tortured for seven years by a mosquito that entered his head through his nose. What is the meaning of this strange punishment, and why do Chazal spend so much time telling us this tale? We'll explore this story through the lens of multiple commentaries. Most significantly, we'll look at how the Maharal uses this story to argue against the rationalist views that were popular in his time.

In this episode, Mushky Steinmetz explores the fascinating story told in Maseches Gittin about R. Yochanan Ben Zachai's clever escape from the walls of Yerushalayim and his conversation with Vespasion, the Roman general. The story concludes with R. Yochanan Ben Zachai making three requests of the future emperor. What is the meaning of these three requests? Why not ask for the salvation of the entire Jewish people and what is it about these three things that make them keys to the Jewish nation's survival and redemption?

In this episode, we introduce our new series, "Stories of Sorrow, Lessons of Hope" with Mushky Steinmetz. This series will explore stories from the Gemara related to the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash and some of the messages the commentators take out of them. In this introductory episode, Mushky defines what Aggadah is and gives a general overview of how to understand Aggadah.

This final episode in our zman grama series is short enough to fit into your pre-Pesach schedule and packed with everything you need to know about the connection women have to the mitzvos we perform at the seder.  Adi Bitter explores the source and reason behind each mitzvah and explains if and why women are obligated to perform them. She ends with a beautiful takeaway about internalizing the deeper message of the seder at all stages of our lives. 

In this second episode of our series on mitzvos asei shehazman grama, Chava Goodman explores the topic from a fresh angle, based on various sources from Kabbalah and chassidus. Rather than looking at women's exemption as driven by pragmatic concerns, this mystical perspective sees it as a product of a cosmic reality. What are the masculine and feminine energies within creation and how does that explain a woman's relationship to mitzvos? Chava paints a beautiful picture of what a feminine mode of service is all about and demonstrates how the halachic sources on this topic allude to this deeper understanding of a woman's relationship with time. This series is published in conjunction with our recent course on the topic of mitzvos asei shehazman grama. To purchase the sourcebook & textbook, visit our website here: www.batshevalearningcenter.com/textbooks

In this candid discussion with Adi Bitter, she gives an overview of the concept of women's exemption from time-bound mitzvos that is both informative and relevant. She explains the halachic definition for mitzvos asei shehazman gerama, the reasons given in various halachic sources, and the parameters for women voluntarily fulfilling these mitzvos. Throughout the discussion, she sprinkles in insights and examples from her personal life that address the misconceptions and frustrations some women may have around this topic and offers practical advice for how to incorporate these mitzvos in our lives in a way that is both personally meaningful and enhances our relationship with Hashem. This series is published in conjunction with our recent course on the topic of mitzvos asei shehazman gerama. To purchase the sourcebook & textbook, visit our website here: www.batshevalearningcenter.com/textbooks

This episode is co-sponsored by Levi and Sara Liba Schrager l'ilui nishmas Yochanan ben Béla on the occasion of his yahrzeit and by Batsheva Davidson in honor of this series and all the work that Batsheva does. In this final episode, we take a deeper look at the concept of niddah from a spiritual perspective and discover its profound symbolism in our lives. Mrs. Rivky Kaplan pulls from various Chassidic sources to give us a mystical insight into the word “niddah” and the link between the cosmic reality of niddah and the chet etz hadaas, which is where it all started. ***Please note that content discussed in this podcast series is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace speaking to a qualified rav regarding any practical halachic questions. If you would like to contact Rivky Kaplan regarding any follow-up questions, please email her at rivkaplan@gmail.com.

This episode is sponsored by Mrs. Vivi Deren, l'lui nishmas Bluma a"h bas HaRav Yisrael HaKohen Deren on the occasion of her 25th yahrtzeit, 28 Kislev, 4th lichtl of Chanukah This episode discusses the conclusion of a woman's purification process and the preparations that are necessary before immersing in a mikvah. We look at which type of chatzitzos (barriers) are forbidden from the Torah, which are Rabbinic and the ramifications of that on the way we prepare for mikvah today. Mrs. Kaplan also discusses the difference between the two stages of preparation, chafifa and iyun. ***Please note that content discussed in this podcast series is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace speaking to a qualified rav regarding any practical halachic questions. If you would like to contact Rivky Kaplan regarding any follow up questions, please email her at rivkaplan@gmail.com.

This episode is sponsored anonymously in honor of a refuah sheleima for Henya bas Bracha Devorah Leah. In this eye-opening episode, Mrs. Rivky Kaplan sheds light on the topic of kesamim (staining), an area of hilchos niddah she has found to be wrought with the most confusion. She discusses the interplay between d'oraisa and derabanan and how that forms the basis for some of the leniencies that are employed when dealing with kesamim. She explains how our implementation of these halachos aren't "cheating the system", but are a natural part of the way the system of derabanan was set up, to begin with. ***Please note that content discussed in this podcast series is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace speaking to a qualified rav regarding any practical halachic questions. If you would like to contact Rivky Kaplan regarding any follow up questions, please email her at rivkaplan@gmail.com.

This episode is sponsored by Chavi Russ in honor of a refuah shelaima for Moshe Aryeh Leib ben Bracha This episode explores the original sources for the hefsek tahara and the bedikos that are performed during the seven clean days leading up to immersion in the mikvah. We look at the roots of these halachos in the purification processes performed by both the niddah and the zavah during the temple era and how they both impact halacha as we practice it today. Sources quoted in this episode: Yoreh De'ah ***Please note that content discussed in this podcast series is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace speaking to a qualified rav regarding any practical halachic questions. If you would like to contact Rivky Kaplan regarding any follow-up questions, please email her at rivkaplan@gmail.com.

This episode is sponsored by Leia Baitelman. This episode discusses the requirement for a woman to wait five days from when she sees a flow until she can perform a hefsek tahara. We'll trace this five day wait back to the story of Matan Torah and understand how the practice evolved from waiting three days to four and eventually five. As we explore the fascinating history behind this halacha, we'll see an example of where the divergence between Sefardi and Ashkenazi custom originates and learn a lesson about the value of having a personal relationship to Torah along the way. ***Please note that content discussed in this podcast series is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace speaking to a qualified rav regarding any practical halachic questions. If you would like to contact Rivky Kaplan regarding any follow-up questions, please email her at rivkaplan@gmail.com.

This episode is sponsored by Goldie Markovits in honor and appreciation of her parents, Shmuel Tzvi and Devorah Markovits. Building off of our last episode that described how niddah is defined by Torah law, Mrs. Rivky Kaplan explores the development of these halachos and the challenges that led to the shift in how we practice them today. This episode provides an important historical context that sheds light on the pragmatism behind the development of mitzvos derabanan and minhagim. ***Please note that content discussed in this podcast series is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace speaking to a qualified rav regarding any practical halachic questions. If you would like to contact Rivky Kaplan regarding any follow-up questions, please email her at rivkaplan@gmail.com.

This episode is sponsored by Marisa Lewitan in memory of Penina Yalta bas Yosef Yitzchak. May her neshama have an aliya! In this foundational episode, Mrs. Rivky Kaplan gives us a glimpse into an era thousands of years ago, when the laws of tumah and tahara took center stage of Jewish life. We look at the Torah's definition for the tumah of niddah and zavah and what the purification process looked like for each. Understanding the complexities inherent in these categories of tumah and the practical implications they had on women's lives will lay the groundwork for appreciating the development of these halachos as they are practiced today. ***Please note that content discussed in this podcast series is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace speaking to a qualified rav regarding any practical halachic questions. If you would like to contact Rivky Kaplan regarding any follow up questions, please email her at rivkaplan@gmail.com.

Join us as we embark on a journey with Mrs. Rivky Kaplan, from Tzfat, Israel, unraveling some of the common questions and confusions women have surrounding hilchos niddah. This series goes beyond the practical dos and don'ts you might learn at kallah classes and offers a window into the history and development of these halachos, providing important context for their day-to-day practice. In this introductory episode, we'll discuss the goal of this series, the significance of this area of halacha and why we feel this content is so valuable for women to hear.

This is the final episode in our 3-part Tishrei series with Chana Hirschowitz. In this episode, Chana introduces a maamar from Likutei Torah on Shemini Atzeres. It paints the paradox of our human experience and leads us to a deeper understanding of our true nature. We explore how what seems to be two opposing forces work together to choreograph a beautiful dance. The combination of working on ourselves with a real acceptance of who we are is what achieves a dynamic relationship with G-d. Join Chana as she journeys to the culmination of the ideas we have been exploring throughout Tishrei to understand how the seesaw of being human is what allows us to be our best selves.

This is the second episode in our 3-part Tishrei series with Chana Hirschowitz. In this episode, Chana introduces another maamar from Likutei Torah on Shobbos Shuva that looks at teshuva from a cosmic perspective, drawing a parallel between our own individual experience of teshuva and the world's global journey towards Moshiach. Within the miniature world of the human psyche, we examine the role that our thoughts play in bringing us to teshuva. While our thoughts are separate from our identity, they are the language our soul uses to communicate our perception of the world to ourselves and they thus become an integral part of creating internal change. Throughout this episode, Chana takes us with her on her on her personal journey struggling with the words of this somewhat esoteric text and discovering her own relevance and meaning in the words.

Join us for the first of a 3-part series with Chana Hirschowitz, exploring the spiritual journey of the month of Tishrei. In this episode, Chana introduces a beautiful maamar from Likutei Torah that encourages us to turn inward and look at Rosh Hashana from the perspective of our own soul's experience. We discover two dimensions to the neshama; a more superficial dimension that is vulnerable to outside influences and a deeper one that is as infinite and unchanging as G-d Himself. We discover that the greatest sin of all is when we lose sight of that core identity and identify instead with the sin that we've done. And we discover that real teshuva isn't about wallowing in guilt over our past misdeeds but redefining ourselves as the pure and precious soul that we really are. Chana grounds her discussion in the powerful words of the maamar itself while offering her own honest, insightful and down to earth reflections. Follow along in the maamar here.

When Rosh Chodesh Elul rolls around, there are mixed emotions associated with the upcoming month of introspection. Is it an ominous, tense and foreboding month as we await the dreaded day of judgement? Or is it a month of closeness, connection and hope, as we rekindle a loving relationship with G-d. In this episode of our monthly maamar series, Zeldy Friedman takes us on a powerful journey through the maamar "Ani Ledodi" 5726. The maamar analyzes the famous analogy the Alter Rebbe gives for the month of Elul; a king who leaves his glorious palace and comes out to the field to spend time with the simple peasants. As we dig deeper into the details of this analogy, we rediscover Elul as a unique opportunity to tap into the deepest relationship in our lives. We rediscover Hashem as a King who is waiting with open arms to welcome us back home. And we rediscover ourselves as pure, untainted souls who, even in our darkest moments, always yearned to be close. You can access the full text of the maamar in Hebrew and English here: http://downloads.simplychassidus.com/Ani_LDodi_5726.pdf

In honor of Rosh Chodesh Av, Peshy Raitport joins us to explore a beautiful maamar of the Rebbe Rashab on the theme of ahavas Yisrael. What makes it so difficult for us to get along with other people and why is it that certain people trigger us more than others? This maamar challenges us to take an honest look at ourselves and recognize that at core of all jealousy and divisiveness is our own ego. When our own self-consciousness takes up all our emotional space, it leave little room for other people and for G-d to enter our lives. Peshy summarizes the core ideas of the maamar, reads one particularly relatable chapter inside and discusses some of its practical takeaways. She brings it all home by tying the ideas of the maamar into the period of mourning for the Beis Hamikdash that we are about to enter and how rectifying the sinas chinam that brought about its destruction is the key to bringing geulah. Link to the Hebrew text of the maamar with linear English translation: https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/83594/jewish/Lessons-in-Heichaltzu.htm Link to purchase our Heichaltzu textbook to use as an aid to studying the original Hebrew text: https://www.batshevalearningcenter.com/textbooks

This is the last episode in our new podcast series exploring a woman's relationship with Talmud Torah. In this episode, interview Mrs. Rivky Slonim, a shlucha at Binghamton University, an author and lecturer who focuses on the intersection of halacha and contemporary life with a special focus on Jewish women. We explore the challenges women face in integrating serious Torah learning into their lives and the steps we can take to overcome those challenges. We discuss these questions and more: What internal or external challenges have you faced in progressing with your Torah learning and what challenges do you think other women might face? How can we overcome those challenges? What resources do you recommend women use to make learning a part of their lives? To what extent is it important to make learning a priority at stages of life when it might be more difficult? What do you think is most important for a woman to make time to learn? How can we shift the culture in our communities to make Torah more accessible to women? What is the biggest shift we need in girls' education today? Visit our website to sign up to be the first to receive our updated source booklet which will include all the sources referenced in this episode (and more!): www.batshevalearningcenter.com Thank you to Minna Hershcopf for sponsoring this episode.

This is the sixth episode in our new podcast series exploring a woman's relationship with Talmud Torah. In this episode, we interview Rebbetzin Holly Pavlov, a lecturer, published author and founder and director of She'arim College of Jewish Studies. We explore the necessity for in-depth Torah study for women in the modern age and how to make Torah alive and relevant in the lives of Jewish women. We discuss these questions and more: What is your vision for the students of your seminary? What subjects do you think are most important for women to study and why? Do you think it's important for women to study from the text specifically? Will learning halacha from the sources make women disrespectful of halacha? Is too much knowledge a dangerous thing? What gaps do you see in the girls' education system and how can we fill those gaps? Visit our website to sign up to be the first to receive our updated source booklet which will include all the sources referenced in this episode (and more!): www.batshevalearningcenter.com Thank you to Esty Kugel for sponsoring this episode in honor of Hadassah and all the work she does for Batsheva Learning Center.

This is the fifth episode in our new podcast series exploring a woman's relationship with Talmud Torah. In this episode, we interview Mrs. Sara Morozow, high school educator and beloved kallah teacher who lectures on topics related to chinuch for young women and teenage girls. We explore the role Torah study plays in the life of a modern frum woman both before and after she gets married and starts a family. We discuss these questions and more: In the years before they get married, many women are focused on building careers so they can support their future families. Where does studying Torah fit in? Is it the right thing for a woman to spend her time and energy on if it is more of a man's mitzvah? If a woman will one day have a family and not have time to invest in learning, should she do so now if she won't be able to keep it up? How does learning fit into a women's role as an akeres habayis? Hashkafically, men and women have distinct roles in Judaism. Should that prescribe how they each bring Torah into the home? Visit our website to sign up to be the first to receive our updated source booklet which will include all the sources referenced in this episode (and more!): www.batshevalearningcenter.com Thank you to Chavi Russ for sponsoring this episode in the merit of any women waiting to have children. May they be blessed with זרע חיי וקיימא very soon.

This is the fourth episode in our new podcast series exploring a woman's relationship with Talmud Torah. In this episode, we interview Dr. Tali Loewenthal, a professor of Jewish studies at University College London and an academic whose research focuses on the history of Chassidic women. We explore the origins of the tradition amongst the Kabbalists to educate their daughters and how that has impacted the evolution of Chassidic women's Torah learning from the start of the Chassidic movement until the modern era. We discuss these questions and more: The Frierdiker Rebbe's Memoirs mentions an ancient tradition amongst the Kabbalists to educate their daughters. Where do we see evidence of this in the history of Kabbalah? How was this implemented practically? How did this perspective fit into the general perspective of the Kabbalists? Did this tradition continue to get passed down in subsequent generations? If so, was it only select women or did it ever become widespread throughout the entire community? Was this tradition passed down in any other Chassidic communities aside from Chabad? What was the goal of the Achos Hatemimim movement, started by the Frierdiker Rebbe? What in particular did the women study and in what format? How many women were involved? What impact did it have on Chabad girls education today? Visit our website to sign up to be the first to receive our updated source booklet which will include all the sources referenced in this episode (and more!): www.batshevalearningcenter.com Thank you to Rivka Lazarus for sponsoring this episode in the zchus of a refuah sheleimah for Velvel Shlomo Hakohen ben Fayga Gittel.

This is the third episode in our new podcast series exploring a woman's relationship with Talmud Torah. In this episode, we interview Dr. Leslie Ginsparg Klein, the academic dean of Women's Institute of Torah Seminary & College. She is a scholar, author and lecturer whose research focuses on the history of Bais Yaakov. We discuss the evolution of the Bais Yaakov movement in Eastern Europe and the impact it has on girls' education today. We discuss these questions and more: What theological beliefs and cultural attitudes towards women's learning existed leading up to Sara Schenirer's revolution? What kind of resistance did Sara Schenirer face in starting her movement? How did she finally gain support? Were there other parallel movements happening in other places at the same time? What made Bais Yaakov unique? How might the interruption of World War 2 have influenced the development of the movement? How has (or hasn't) the culture and values of the original Bais Yaakov influenced modern Bais Yaakov schools? What are the biggest misconceptions people have about the history of Bais Yaakov? What do you think is most inspiring about Sara Schenirer's story? Visit our website to sign up to be the first to receive our updated source booklet which will include all the sources referenced in this episode (and more!): www.batshevalearningcenter.com Thank you to Esther Babayov for sponsoring this episode, in honor of her family.

This is the second episode in our new podcast series exploring a woman's relationship with Talmud Torah. In this episode, we interview Rabbi Shlomo Yaffe, scholar, lecturer and board member at Batsheva Learning Center. He discusses the core halachic principles that impact the development of halacha in general and the development of women's Torah study in particular. Rabbi Yaffe zooms in on the Lubavitcher Rebbe's nuanced view of women's Torah study, based on sources from the Rebbe's letters and talks. We discuss these questions and more: In what circumstances can and should halacha adapt to the times? What justifies the modern shift in women's education? Why is this more valid than other progressive movements that may have strayed from tradition? Should we be concerned about women who aren't learning for the “right” reasons? Is that a factor that is brought up in any halachic sources? What did the Lubavitcher Rebbe say regarding women's Torah learning? Did he ever mention Gemara specifically? Did the Rebbe believe Gemara learning is only permissible for individual women who want it or that it should be taught on a communal level? What about topics in Gemara that are not relevant to practical halacha? Visit our website to sign up to be the first to receive our updated source booklet which will include all the sources referenced in this episode (and more!): www.batshevalearningcenter.com Thank you to Chava and Chaim Aharon Green for sponsoring this episode in honor of their daughter, Devorah Leah.

This is the first episode in our new podcast series exploring a woman's relationship with Talmud Torah. In this episode, we interview Laurie Novick, a talented educator and director of Deracheha.org. She explores the original halachic sources that discuss the mitzvah of Talmud Torah for women and lays the groundwork for understanding the fundamental halachic issues surrounding this topic. We discuss these questions and more: Is a woman obligated to study Torah? If yes, what? Aren't there sources that forbid Torah study for women? How do different halachic authorities interpret those statements? There seems to be a change in the way we approach this issue in the modern age. How can the halacha change? What about Gemara? Why is it so controversial and what are the arguments for and against making it accessible to women? Visit our website to sign up to be the first to receive our updated source booklet which will include all the sources referenced in this episode (and more!): www.batshevalearningcenter.com Thank you to Yitty and Leibel Gniwisch for sponsoring this episode.

In this episode of our monthly series, Adina Weisner joins us to explore the famous maamar "V'atah Tetzaveh", in honor of Gimmel Tammuz. What does it look like when our relationship with G-d is an expression of the core of who we are? How do we peel away the layers of the relationship that may be superimposed by external drama and discover a yearning for G-d from deep within ourselves? How can we make Judaism an authentic, natural part of our lives? Join us as we learn excerpts of this profound maamar inside and discuss its practical relevance in our modern world.

What's the difference between healthy self-esteem and inflated ego? Between honest self-awareness and unhealthy self-consciousness? Between respectful expectation and self-centered entitlement? Between superficial satisfaction and deep joy? In this episode of our monthly maamar series, Shoshana Wolf and Hadassah Shemtov explore a rich and relatable maamar of the Frierdiker Rebbe in preparation for Shavuos. The maamar (linked here) is based on the narrative of receiving the Torah and the two opposing qualities that were integral to the process: awe and joy. Using a profound analysis of the human psyche, we come to appreciate the nature of true humility and its ability to bring us authentic joy. Listen in as we read excerpts of the maamar inside and uncover its relevance in our own personal lives. Visit www.batshevalearningcenter.com/textbooks to purchase a textbook that will aid you in studying this maamar on your own.

Ponder Point #6 - From The Archives A one hour discussion with Rabbi Avraham Zajac. Explore the sources of topics you always wondered about.

We've all had moments of inspiration, when a deeper, truer part of ourselves emerges and our everyday struggles melt away. But inspiration doesn't last long, and when it fades, we come crashing back into our ordinary lives as though it never happened. What if we could approach inspiration differently? What if we could transform our regular, human selves into a window into our G-dly consciousness? The key is to start not with spirituality, but with an honest awareness of ourselves and the messages our inner animal needs to hear. Join us for a powerful episode in honor of Rosh Chodesh Iyar, in which Zisi Zirkind explores a maamar from Likutei Torah, "Adam Ki Yakriv Mikem" as a practical framework for implementing the avodah of Sefiras Haomer. She reads excerpts of the maamar inside, explains the flow of ideas and discusses some of her personal reflections and takeaways.

This episode of our monthly Maamar series explores the concept of leaving Egypt as both a global, historic journey towards Moshiach and a personal, daily journey out of our own comfort zones. What is the interplay between our personal redemption and the global one and what kind of significance can that give to our daily struggles? Delve into the text of a beautiful maamar "Kimei Tzeischa" 5742 with Menucha Schwartz, and discover how yetzias miztrayim is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process that each of us take part in every single day. It's about a process that G-d initiated thousands of years ago and one that we continue to develop throughout the rest of history.

Why do we name the holiday of Purim after the lottery that Haman threw to destroy us? How can the randomness inherent in a lottery symbolize a miracle Hashem deliberately orchestrated to save us? In this episode of our monthly maamar series, Shaindle Sharfstein and Hadassah Shemtov explore a profound maamar on what the core of the Purim story is all about. They discuss the nihilistic perspective that Haman represents, the flaw in his reasoning and what that tells us about the nature of free choice. They share the practical implications these concepts have on own lives and on current world events. Here is a link to the text of the maamer.

In this episode, Goldie Markovits and Hadassah Shemtov study a short maamar about the spiritual Egypt inside of all of us and how we can experience a personal exodus. They explore how it is possible to bridge the gap between the cool, calm, collected mind and the fierce, fiery, flickering heart. How do we allow the truth we experience in our mind to touch our heart, inspire it, and ultimately, release the unbounded energy contained within it?

In this episode of our Monthly Maamar series, Ettel Kaplan and Hadassah Shemtov explore the existential yearning that our soul experiences while in a body, based on the sixth maamar in Kuntres Umaayon. Their discussion flips our picture of Judaism on its head and challenges us to consider: Is life about finding the answers or uncovering our deepest questions? Is it about arriving at knowledge of the truth or living in wonder of the unknown? Is it about finding contentment or discovering our unquenchable thirst for G-d?