Yoatzot Halacha Program Coming to Manhattan November '08

Women to Women Guidance for Observant Jews

Issues of Jewish family law are so private and sensitive that some observant women have questions they keep to themselves. Preferring to “play it safe” rather than ask their male rabbi the most private of questions, these women often miss out on a simple answer or ruling that isn’t as stringent as they would assume. Others may not realize the need to be more stringent in certain areas of Halacha.

Recently, rabbis in Israel and throughout North America have partnered with Yoatzot Halacha, female advisors on matters of Jewish family law and women’s health. This initiative assures that female congregants and community members feel at ease seeking advice on intimate matters. The Yoatzot keep all questions in confidence and always consult with a rabbi for questions requiring rabbinic ruling.

Women preparing to become Yoatzot Halacha are chosen for their extensive Torah scholarship, leadership ability, and deep religious commitment. They devote two years (over 1000 hours) to intensive study with rabbinic authorities in Taharat Hamishpachah (Jewish family law).

Yoatzot receive training from experts in modern medicine, psychology, gynecology, infertility, women's health, family dynamics and sexuality.

To date, they have helped thousands of women enhance their observance of taharat hamishpacha, and find solutions in the areas of women’s health and Halacha.

Nishmat, The Jerusalem Center for Advanced Jewish Study for Women, graduated the first Yoatzot Halacha in 2000. Over 50 Yoatzot currently service Jewish communities in Israel and North America.

The success of programs in Riverdale, NY, Silver Spring, MD and Englewood, NJ has led to a new larger initiative throughout Manhattan offering Yoatzot Halacha as advisors to women in the community as well as spectacular lectures and learning programs (i.e. “Health & Halacha Day”).

The Manhattan initiative will officially begin November 21. On the Upper West Side, Lincoln Square Synagogue, The Jewish Center, Kehilat Rayim Ahuvim, Congregation Ramath Orah and Congregation Shearith Israel (Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue) have signed on. East Side participating synagogues are Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, Fifth Avenue Synagogue, Congregation Orach Chaim and The New York Synagogue.

“The Yoetzet Halacha program is a great boon to women who are committed to Halacha,” said Rabbi Haskel Lookstein of Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. “The availability of the Yoatzot to answer questions and to consult on a variety of sensitive issues that relate to nidda (a woman’s biological monthly cycle), mikveh (ritual bath), fertility questions and the like, can only enhance women’s religious commitment in general and, specifically, with regard to these and other related issues. I fully expect to give the Yoatzot a lot of ‘business.’ They are uniquely qualified for this purpose.”

Rabbi Stephen Friedman, rabbi of Congregation Ramath Orah on the Upper West Side added: “The mere mention of this program happening has created great excitement and anticipation at our synagogue. We are definitely thrilled to be a part of this.”

The concept of Yoatzot Halacha is widely gaining acceptance and generating further interest throughout other Orthodox communities in North America and Israel.

To find out more about the success of Nishmat’s Miriam Glaubach Center, Yoatzot Halacha, and how they are helping observant Jewish women, email sweiss@weissmediagroup.com.