The Chochmat Nashim Podcast: Women Talk Judaism

Israel's presumptive new government may legalize sex segregation where Israeli law had prohibited it. Shoshanna and Anne tackle just how problematic this change would be, and why willing discrimination (in the Haredi world) is a slippery slope of harm. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Shoshanna and Anne host guest Elisheva Rishon, a Black Jewish woman, who weighs in on the most recent spike in antisemitism, the knee-jerk reactions to it, what it means to be caught in the middle of both the Black and Jewish communities, and what we all can do about it. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Yes, it's another Israeli election. This time, political extremism is in the running. Anne and Shoshanna try to understand the popularity of Israel's far-right parties, and explain why Chochmat Nashim shuns extremism of all kinds. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Shoshanna and Anne answer YOUR questions: How we keep going in the face of opposition, whether any change is really happening, a primer on pre- and post-nups, and how is it OK to take a captive wife in war?? Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Protests, prenups, and, still, so many women are chained in marriage. Now, a new Chochmat Nashim project encourages transparency and best practices in the religious courts. Shoshanna and Anne explain the project and why it is both innovative and a safeguard for the Jewish community. Our next step to end get-abuse! Visit Rate My Beit Din at https://www.ratemybeitdin.com/. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Anne and Shoshanna are guests on Rabbi Scott Kahn's Orthodox Conundrum podcast to talk about men's and women's spaces in Orthodoxy. Music: “Happy Rock” by bensound.com

For nearly a decade (!), Chochmat Nashim has been exposing and explaining the damage caused by erasing women - that goes so far beyond an interest in seeing women's faces. Anne and Shoshanna revisit the topic with the insights borne of conversations with too many naysayers. It's time to end the erasure of women - and just chill! Music: "Misery" by Bensound.com

The ultra-Orthodox world is banning the internet for women, cutting them off from their livelihoods, their social networks, and their access to information. We obviously find this appalling and infantilizing, but do the women of that world agree? Shoshanna and Anne speak with an insider who tells all. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Anne and Shoshanna take the pulse of how Israel's complex (and teetering) coalition government has improved some of the systems in Israeli society that we care about (with a special mention for Chochmat Nashim's deputy director). We also review how Matan Kahana, the complicated figure who heads the state's religious services (now as deputy minister) has made a real push for women's equal standing in some important ways. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Abortion. Everyone has an opinion, including those who will never face it. Shoshanna and Anne discuss why, as Orthodox Jews, we should care about American abortion policy - specifically, the potential banning and criminalization of abortion. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Pesach prep can take your time, energy, and attention away from the spiritual aspects of seder. Anne and Shoshanna went looking for "women's Torah" to enrich our seder experiences, and enlist Rabbanit Sara Wolkenfeld for her insights, experience, and many tips to help our seders be all they can be - without adding much prep time. https://www.sefaria.org/collections/pictures-tell-the-passover-haggadah https://www.amazon.com/Pictures-Tell-Passover-Haggadah-photographs/dp/9657801044/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3QHBBI8T8Y18P&keywords=pictures+tell&qid=1649676680&s=books&sprefix=pictures+tell%2Cstripbooks%2C116&sr=1-1 https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/305570?lang=bi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I951gyYmyZU https://www.sefaria.org/texts Music: "Misery" by The Whips

When the news is filled with war and terror, it's hard to focus on the lasting issues, but that's exactly what Shoshanna and Anne try to do in this episode. Specifically, who is a Jew? Israel's Law of Return and Jewish law do not agree. Where does that leave the people who are caught in the gap between them, and how does that relate to the war in Ukraine? Music: "Misery" by the Whips

Shoshanna went to England, but not to see the queen. Rather, she brought Chochmat Nashim tools to a new locale, and regales Anne with the tales of what went on, from the poignant to the oh so very British. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Y'all had a lot to say about our last podcast! We've collected some of your responses as well as the wider response to Miriam Anzovin's videos. Join Shoshanna and Anne as we break down how to disagree even when we're passionate. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

From the controversy of her colorful videos to why she's learning Talmud every day, to her connection to Judaism - despite self-proclaimed atheism, to her dramatic eye makeup, Miriam Anzovin brings her authentic self to the table. Shoshanna and Anne speak with her about sudden fame, why she isn't chucking profanity any time soon, and how TikTok is the least of our worries. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Art Spiegelman's "Maus" is a profound treatment of both the Holocaust itself and the experience of the "second-generation." It also, apparently, is a risky, corrupting influence - in Tennessee, at least. You likely have heard about school board's decision -- Anne and Shoshanna discuss how it reflects the misguided culture of censorship and the dramatic need for Holocaust education. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

The Chaim Walder affair is off the front page, but still reverberating in the Orthodox world. One strong response is a Haredi campaign to make it known that speaking up to reveal abuse or decry it is not Lashon Hara. Shoshanna and Anne refocus the conversation on the victims of abuse, and how the Orthodox world and its leaders must be sensitive to them, before all else. To help us continue our work, please give generously. Thank you. https://campaigns.causematch.com/Chochmat_Nashim Music: "Misery" by The Whips

"What does that have to do with the price of tea in China?!" In Hebrew, this famous rhetorical question is captured by a famous comment by Rashi: What does Shemitah have to do with Mount Sinai?! Anne and Shoshanna explore parallel, and yet fully disconnected, challenging halakhic topics, while Shoshanna hunts for vegetables. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Shoshanna and Anne critique the disturbingly popular marriage ploy of the "Surrendered Wife" (or "Kesher Wife," for the Jewish version) in which a woman relinquishes her interests, preferences, opinions, and identity in favor of those of the man she married. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Chochmat Nashim set out to represent Orthodox life as it really is, but that doesn't come without controversy. Shoshanna and Anne reflect on this newly established resource, the challenge of representing Orthodoxy in photographs, and why it's valuable. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

The "canceling" of Chaim Walder, why it is necessary, and what happens next. Are we looking at a sea change in how the Orthodox community handles allegations of sexual abuse? Music: "Misery" by The Whips

The more things stay the same, the more they change. Here's Shoshanna and Anne, on agunot and how to make get-refusal a thing of the past. From the Last Jew in Afghanistan to #FreeChava to the taboos we can create around our Shabbat tables. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

We opened the floodgates, and your questions poured in. In this season finale, you asked us about our work, our faith, the way Jewish law works in society, the new Jewish Life photo bank, and lots more. So we answered! It's Shoshanna and Anne, with fast-paced responses to many listener-submitted questions. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

- In which we discuss the Olympic gold medalist who can't marry in Israel and the Bnei Menashe who did. - And in which we talk with Yael Braun, the only female Rabbinic court advocate (that we know of) in the US, and possibly in the Diaspora. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

- In which we discuss a shul's hiring of a woman as their rabbi. - In which we talk about a firestorm in the UK over abuse. - In which we consider the many ways women may feel unwelcome in shul, and several ways to change that. - And in which we DISH on 2 activities worth some of your summertime. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Join us for this special crossover episode with Rabbi Scott Kahn and Talli Rosenbaum of Intimate Judaism and the Orthodox Conundrum to discuss the discussion around the controversial "My Unorthodox Life" Netflix show. Music; "Misery" by The Whips

- In which we, with special guest Rachel Stomel, discuss the closure of a group dedicated to Orthodox feminism and if we must choose one or the other. - In which coalition head, Idit Silman is called a little girl in Knesset -- twice! - In which we dish on whiskey & women's learning. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

- In which Israel has a new government (with ample opportunity to erase women, no less)! - In which we reflect on the Flag March and what it once was and what it could be, including why it has become controversial. - And in which we acknowledge the women who never gave up, in their behind-the-scenes roles that helped form this government. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

- In which an agunah gets her get from the man who had left her for dead. And the Onion's take on "erasing women." - In which we (Anne) interview our resident expert on antisemitism and social media (Shoshanna!), and why now seems worse than before. - And in which we recommend Ben Freeman's "Jewish Pride," as well as Israeli school Torah parties (and the prep for them). Music: "Misery" by The Whips

NOTE: We recorded this more than a month before its release. But then the Meron tragedy happened, and we didn't want to shift the focus (Shoshanna spoke about it with Rabbi Scott Kahn, on the Orthodox Conundrum - https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/tears-prayers-and-no-accountability-talking-frankly-about-the-tragedy-at-meron-61/). And the rockets started flying (you heard us talk about that, in the thick of things). Thank God, now we have a chance to release this episode. We wish it had become outdated... some of our references, such as to "this past week," definitely did. Unfortunately, violence against women is an "evergreen" topic. So... we're here to let you know about MK Bezalel Smotrich's "rescue" of an agunah. And the covert missionaries that rocked Jerusalem for a time (they're still at large). And we delve into the perennial violence against women, from the most horrendous of biblical tales to events of 2021. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

In this impromptu and somewhat raw special edition of The Chochmat Nashim Podcast, Shoshanna and Anne reflect on the situation in Israel - from rockets to riots - and what we all must learn to move forward. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

- In which some rabbis are caught organizing underage marriages and an amusement park won't let a father chaperone his daughters. - In which Rabbi Johnny Solomon reflects on religious Zionism, Jewish education, Jewish women, and the need to catapult the Orthodox world out of a deep malaise. - And in which we DISH on flower-picking, Yom HaAtzmaut BBQs, and Israeli music. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

-In which we update you on the long-awaited divorces, and why Nikki Haley wasn't featured in Mishpacha magazine. - In which role models knock themselves off their own pedestals, and we the dismayed must handle the contradiction between their conduct and their roles. - And in which we DISH on Pesach, a year later, and the Golan. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

- In which we discuss the shameful response of some to the Supreme Court's decision on non-Orthodox conversion. - In which women use social media as a force for good (#FreeChava) and why get-refusal is abuse. - And in which we DISH on both the many "tiny perfect things" and the need for domestic abuse to result in immediate divorce. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

- In which we discuss how a near-murder got an agunah her get - In which we consider how erasing women warps men and boys - In which we ask Shlomo Lieberman, LCSW how to prevent that from happening NOTE: Given the sensitivity of the topic, and its importance, we have allowed for a longer episode than usual. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

- In which we rejoice in Malka Leifer's extradition. And (lehavdil) in women taking part in Israeli politics (well, sometimes). - In which we investigate: how have women been handling the pandemic. - And in which we DISH on International Holocaust Day and the pomp and ceremony of US democracy. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

-In which we update on the Beer Sheva erasure scandal - In which we explain why Israel is #1 in COVID-vaccination, why everyone who can should get the shot, and why privacy is secondary - And in which we DISH on Chochmat Nashim membership and Israel's smooth coronavirus testing (negative!) Music: "Misery" by The Whips

- In which we note 3 "wins" for the good guys, including Malka Leifer's extradition order and an order to Israeli health clinics to stop erasing women. - In which we explain the new Seal of Respect, and the need for a counter market force. - In which we invite you to become a Chochmat Nashim member. - And in which we DISH on a couple of Chanukah touches we're glad to share with you. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

- In which we consider efforts to decry violence against women (including Bibi's flubbed speech). - In which we understand the resilience of women, as told by the woman who has made a space in the Orthodox world for their voices on life's twists and turns. - And in which we DISH on a couple of things we're glad to share with you. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

In which we introduce The Chochmat Nashim Podcast 2.0. In which we review the great UK kosher cheese saga and how women's faces are trayf. And in which we try to understand the politics of modifying street names because they made mention of women and Zionists. Music: "Misery" by The Whips.

Now it's YOUR turn to lead the conversation! In this double-length season finale, Chochmat Nashim answers questions submitted by listeners, covering a range of topics—authentic Judaism, boyfriends, secret agendas, books and more. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Is it ever okay for men to have a conversation about women without women present? In a special crossover episode with the Orthodox Conundrum with Scott Kahn, Chochmat Nashim looks critically at the backlash to a recent OC episode that centered on women's rabbinic opportunities — sans women. Music: "Happy Rock" by bensound.com

Chochmat Nashim sits down to have the uncomfortable conversation that needs to be had. But can three white women in Israel contribute constructively when it comes to America's racial injustice? Music: "Misery" by The Whips

How do the coronavirus guidelines tap into Jewish traditions of looking out for one another? Anne, Rachel, and Shoshanna navigate the tension between the personal and the collective, the reckless and redemption. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

After two months of lockdown, we're finally talking about the impact of quarantine - specifically, on religious life, from belief to prayer to mikveh, and everything in between. Rachel, Anne, and Shoshanna discuss how differently people (including rabbis) respond to religious need, and whether that will make lasting change in the community (including and in addition to "women's issues"). Music: "Misery" by The Whips

In honor of Israel's Independence Day, Rachel, Anne, and Shoshanna share stories of their respective moves to Israel — the perils, perseverance, and pride that colored their unique journeys. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

With the Corona crisis, hand washing is suddenly on everyone's mind. But in Jewish tradition we do it often. Why do we wash so often and in different ways? Anne, Rachel, and Shoshanna explore this topic and try not to talk about the "C word". Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Whether you can't draw a straight line or you live and breathe art, everyone has a creative soul bursting to actualize itself. But can creative expression really find a home within the confines of the religious world? Chochmat Nashim explores whether the religious lifestyle stifles creative expression or if it may even breed it. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

How can we relate to tznius in healthy ways, without the baggage, shaming and mixed messages that are so prevalent in frum society? Shoshanna, Anne and Rachel navigate this complicated topic. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Hair covering is so much more than a personal mitzvah. For better or for worse, it becomes a public statement that carries cultural and social messages. Shoshanna, Anne and Rachel unwrap the layers of meaning in this candid discussion. Music: "Misery" by The Whips

Rabbi Yosef Blau, mashgiach ruchani of Yeshiva University, has witnessed the evolution of the Jewish world, both in Israel and the Diaspora. In this compelling interview, Chochmat Nashim gives you a glimpse of Orthodoxy, and our changing role in it, through the lens of Rabbi Blau's unique and sharp perspective. Music: "Misery" by The Whips