Episodes
Published 02/01/23
Published 02/01/23
Published 01/15/23
In this episode we discuss when we need a mechitza or gender separation outside of prayer. To read all the sources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.deracheha.org/mechitza-3-separation-in-society/
Published 04/03/22
In this episode we discuss the structural requirements for a mechitza and whether the ezrat nashim‘s structure has a halachic effect on prayers said within it. Find all the sources discussed in this episode on our website here: https://www.deracheha.org/mechitza-2-structure/
Published 03/27/22
In this episode we discuss the purpose of mechitza and why gender separation is a part of prayer. This episode is dedicated in honor of Ilana Abramson's birthday by her daughter, Raphaela. Full article available here: https://www.deracheha.org/mechitza-1-purpose/  
Published 03/20/22
In part 2 of our megilla reading podcast we discuss who constitutes a quorum for megilla reading, and whether women may read for herself and others. Read all the sources here: https://www.deracheha.org/megilla-reading/
Published 02/15/22
In this episode we discuss the nature of women's obligation in megilla reading and the brachot recited. Part 2 will discuss who constitutes a quorum for megilla reading, and who a woman may read for. Read more in our article here: https://www.deracheha.org/megilla-reading/
Published 02/08/22
In this episode we dicuss women and tefilla be-tzibbur. Specifically, what is the nature of communal prayer? What is the role of Shaliach Tzibbur, and who can fill it? What is the significance of women’s participation? Click here for the full article: https://www.deracheha.org/tefilla-be-tzibbur/ This episode was dedicated in memory of Michael ben Yosef Halevi Lebenbaum
Published 01/17/22
In this episode we address some fundamental questions about minyan. What is a minyan and what is it for? Who does and doesn’t count toward a minyan, and why? To read all the sources mentions in this podcast, head to https://www.deracheha.org/minyan/  
Published 01/09/22
In this short episode, Rachel goes behind the scenes with Laurie to discuss Deracheha's most recent article on menstruation and Shabbat. Learn what made writing this article so challenging, what surprised Laurie as she was writing it, and what's next on Deracheha's to-do list. To read the article, click here: www.deracheha.org/menstruation-and-shabbat/
Published 01/02/22
Deracheha's Rachel Weber Leshaw spoke to Brhan Worku about the Ethiopian Jewish holiday of Sigd. Brhan talked about the meaning of Sigd, her family's journey from Ethiopia, cultural differences between Ethiopian and Israeli society, and whether non-Ethiopian Jews should celebrate Sigd too. Speaking engagements for Brhan can be arranged through storiesofisrael.com
Published 11/04/21
What are the the mitzvot and customs of Erev Yom Kippur? Why are they significant? How do they apply to women? Full article here: www.deracheha.org/erev-yom-kippur/ Tefilla Zakah adapted for women here: https://www.kipa.co.il/userFiles/zaka_yomKipur.pdf
Published 09/01/21
In this espisode we discuss Selicht - what are Selichot? Are women obligated to recite them? Do they require a minyan? Read the full article here: https://www.deracheha.org/selichot/ Rav Ezra Bick's commentary on the Yud Gimmel Middot - https://www.etzion.org.il/en/series/understanding-13-middot-en All Deracheha's Elul content available here: https://www.deracheha.org/elul-tishrei/
Published 08/17/21
In this episode we address the halacha of keli gever - what is a man’s article, a keli gever? What is the prohibition of a woman’s wearing one? How does intent affect this halacha? Read the full article here: https://www.deracheha.org/dress-4-keli-gever/
Published 07/28/21
In this special Pre-Tish'a Be-Av episode we talk to Dr. Yael Ziegler about her new book "Lamentations: Faith in a Turbulent World" and her experience writing on such a seemingly sad topic. We also discuss her new appointment as Rosh Beit Midrash of Matan, and her career path until today. Buy the book here: https://korenpub.com/products/lamentations-faith-in-a-turbulent-world
Published 07/08/21
In this episode we discuss some practical issues relating to kiddush. Can someone eat before kiddush? Does a woman recite or respond to she-hechiyyanu in Yom Tov kiddush? Does prayer affect the ability to make kiddush for others? Full article available here: https://www.deracheha.org/kiddush-2-practical-issues/
Published 07/04/21
In this episode we discuss the mitzva of kiddush, both on Shabbat and Yom Tov, at night and during the day. We discuss a woman's obligation, and also how  a couple should handle kiddush during Niddah (Wikipedia) Niddah (or nidah; Hebrew: נִדָּה‬), in Judaism, describes a woman during menstruation, or a woman who has menstruated and not yet completed the associated requirement of immersion in a mikveh (ritual bath). "> nidda. Read the article here:...
Published 06/23/21
In this episode we discuss when a woman can discharge a man's mitzva obligations, and cases where she technically can, but maybe should not. Why would that be the case?Listen to find out, and gain insight into differences between birkat hamazon, kiddush and megilla. Read the full article here: https://www.deracheha.org/discharging-obligations-in-practice/
Published 06/15/21
In this new podcast we go behind-the-scenes with Shayna Goldberg, Contributing Editor to Deracheha and author of the new book "What Do You Really Want?" In her conversation with Rachel, Shayna explains how the book came to be, how it relates to her work as an educator, and lessons she's learned from her years of teaching. Learn more here: https://korenpub.com/products/what-do-you-really-want And read about Deracheha's approach to halakha: https://www.deracheha.org/concepts-introduction/
Published 05/26/21
In this episode we discuss how and when a person can discharge someone else’s halachic obligation. Who can do this for whom, and what are the halachic mechanisms that allow this to work?
Published 05/20/21
In this special pre-Shavuot interview episode, we spoke to Rachel Sharansky Danziger about Torah, story-telling, immigration, Megillat Rut, Shavuot at the Kotel and more!
Published 05/11/21
In the second episode in our podcast series we discuss whether men and women can combine to form a zimmun. We also discuss  who can make a zimmun be-Shem, and the parameters for the text of zimmun. Deracheha's Zimmun cards are available here: https://www.deracheha.org/zimmun-card/ To read the full article: https://www.deracheha.org/zimmun-part-2/
Published 04/20/21
In our first podcast on Zimmun we discuss the mitzva of zimmun, who is obligated in it, and under what circumstances women recite it. Full article with sources: https://www.deracheha.org/zimmun-part-1/ Women's Zimmun Card available here: https://www.deracheha.org/zimmun-card/
Published 04/13/21