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Ilana Sober Elzufon

Jun 20, 2025, 1:05 PM

The death of Tzelofchad

After nearly 40 years in the wilderness, the Children of Israel are about to enter the Land. The daughters of Tzelofchad — Machla, Noa, Chogla, Milka, and Tirza — approach Moshe, Elazar, and the princes with a request: Our father...

Ariel Rose Goldstein

Jun 17, 2025, 8:36 PM

Zionism Is Social Justice

Woman with Israel flag against sunset sky

I’m a licensed clinical social worker.I’m an Orthodox Jewish woman.I’m a trauma therapist.And I’m a Zionist. For some, these identities might seem contradictory. But for me, they are inseparable—each woven into the fabric of who I am and how I...

Lori Prashker-Thomas

Jun 7, 2025, 4:48 PM

The Blessing of Being Seen – Reflections on Parshat Naso

This design was created on Canva.com on June 6, 2025 It is copyrighted by Lori Prashker-Thomas/ShadowCatcher Photography (Paid Subscription)

Parshat Naso is the longest Torah portion, filled with details that range from census counts to priestly blessings, from ritual purity to Nazirite vows. On the surface, it can feel technical, even overwhelming. But when I slow down and...

Jun 1, 2025, 11:15 AM

In the Days of the Judges: Shavuot and Ruth

Over the past 40 years of teaching and reading Ruth during the holiday of Shavuot, I’ve developed a relationship with all the characters. When I was younger, I did not like Naomi (even though we have the same name)....

May 29, 2025, 11:29 PM

A Dangerous Marriage Metaphor: Parshat Bamidbar

This week we begin reading a new book, Bamidbar, literally, in the desert, but usually translated as Numbers. In a few portions we will learn that the Israelites will have to wander in the desert for forty years, as...

May 21, 2025, 10:01 AM

For Shavuot: Gotta Love Naomi

Ruth and Naomi - Pieter Lastman (1614) - Getty Images.

Perhaps because I am no longer young, I find myself with increasing affection for Naomi, mother-in-law to the biblical Book of Ruth’s title character. Ruth seems forever young. Despite the collapse of her home life, Ruth embraces an uncertain...

May 20, 2025, 11:17 AM

Nobody Told Me Speed Dating Was 7-Minutes of Hell

Last week I made the bold, unhinged decision to attend a speed dating event in Haifa. I figured, why not? It was either that or spend another evening aggressively judging people on dating apps. Worst case scenario: I get...

May 20, 2025, 5:48 AM

Too Jewish for Feminists, Too Feminist for Jews

To be a Jewish feminist today is to exist in tension. Tension between a Jewish community that hasn’t always prioritized women’s voices and a feminist movement that too often excludes Jewish women entirely, especially when they are Zionist. Being a Jewish...

Bonnie K. Goodman

May 15, 2025, 11:47 AM

Why Women Writers Deserve Better

Plagiarized, dismissed, ignored — again. Theft isn’t flattery; it’s erasure

Melanie Roth Gorelick

May 11, 2025, 11:24 PM

The power of a women’s collective, driving change

For many years, advocates for women in the Jewish community focused on securing them executive opportunities and a voice at the table, on a panel, or in negotiating rooms. And the Jewish community always asked, but where are the...

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