On Wednesday evening, September 11th, JLIC Mizrachi at Bar Ilan, hosted a compelling and enlightening event featuring Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash. The JLIC directors, Rav Nadav and Yaffy Newman, expertly organized and ran the gathering, which drew a large crowd, including both men and women.
Rabbanit Goldman Barash delivered a thought-provoking shiur centered on topics from her newly released book, “Uncovered: Women’s Roles, Mitzvot and Sexuality.” This work masterfully combined her extensive knowledge of halacha and sex education with insights gleaned from years of teaching Women and Halacha to students and addressing real-world questions.
Throughout her presentation, Rabbanit Goldman Barash spoke with conviction and positivity. She didn’t shy away from addressing the challenging aspects of Judaism’s portrayal of women in certain sources. This frank acknowledgment lent a powerful authenticity to the overall discussion. At the same time, she highlighted numerous sources that hold women in high esteem within Jewish tradition.
The Rabbanit delved into the fascinating topic of mitzvot from which women are traditionally exempt, pointing out that many women consistently observe these commandments nonetheless. She provided an honest examination of how women have gradually taken on additional mitzvot over the years, painting a picture of evolving roles and responsibilities.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the shiur was its forward-looking perspective. Rabbanit Goldman Barash explored the potential for women’s roles to continue evolving in the future, particularly in the realm of Jewish leadership. This open-ended approach sparked thoughtful discussion among the attendees.
The event concluded with a candid conversation about women’s roles in Jewish leadership and the mitzvot that women have embraced over time. Attendees expressed deep appreciation for the open and honest dialogue, facilitated by a speaker who demonstrated both extensive knowledge and a nuanced understanding of halacha.
Many found the Rabbanit’s approach refreshing, as it presented a positive view of women’s roles in halacha while remaining firmly committed to halachic principles. This balance struck a chord with the audience, who valued the opportunity to engage with these important topics in a meaningful way.
The event’s success was further evidenced by the high demand for Rabbanit Goldman Barash’s book. Copies were available for purchase at the event, and they quickly sold out, leaving some eager readers looking forward to obtaining their copies elsewhere.
In the end, the evening served as a testament to the community’s hunger for open, informed discussions about women’s evolving roles in Judaism. It provided a space for honest reflection and dialogue, paving the way for continued exploration of these vital issues in the future.
Reach out to any of our Directors to learn more about JLIC and to support our programming.
Related Posts
Rosh Chodesh Spa Night: Reflection and Relaxation at JLIC Technion
Exploring Rationality and Faith: JLIC Technion Hosts Rabbi Professor Sam Lebens
Finding Love and Overcoming Obstacles—A JLIC & Yavneh Young Professionals Event