Real Women, Real Torah
Join women scholars as they explore authentic Torah texts in this series produced by Batsheva Learning Center. Each episode brings together two women who discuss and bring to life the wisdom they've studied, offering a unique perspective on Jewish scripture. Designed specifically for women, the podcast creates an accessible space for deep learning and shared insight.
Episodes
Misplaced Humility: The flaw that destroyed us and the key to rebuilding
The first Beis Hamikdash was destroyed for sins no one could miss: idol worship, forbidden relations, bloodshed. A society that falls that far at least knows what it has done.The second is harder to account for. The generation that lost it was learned and observant. The Gemara points to Sinas Chinam, but it also names something stranger: a failure of leadership it calls too humble.That is a hard a
Rus: The Silent Giver
Megilas Rus is one of the shortest books in Tanach — a simple story of loss and loyalty set against the backdrop of the barley harvest. And yet it was canonized, read publicly every Shavuos, and studied across generations.Rus herself is one of the quietest figures in all of Tanach. She doesn't perform miracles or deliver speeches. She follows, gleans, and waits — and every act she performs is for
Maseches Sotah: Daf 49 - Echoes of Moshiach
Daf 49 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 48 - Decline of the Generation
Daf 48 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 47 - The left pushes away, the right draws close
Daf 47 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 46 - Escorting Guests
Daf 46 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 45 - Egla Arufa
Daf 45 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 44 - Who's Afraid of War?
Daf 44 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 43 - Returnees from the Battlefield
Daf 43 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 42 - Preparing for Battle
Daf 42 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 41 - Agripas: The Invalid King
Daf 41 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 40 - R' Abahu's Humility
Daf 40 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 39 - Honor of the Congregation
Daf 39 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 38 - The Kohen's Blessing
Daf 38 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 37 - Curses and Blessings
Daf 37 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 36 - Yosef's Greatest Challenge
Daf 36 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 35 - Awe of the Ark
Daf 35 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 34 - The Fatal Flaw of the Meraglim
Daf 34 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 33 - Do Angels Speak Aramaic?
Daf 33 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 32 - Protecting the Sinner
Daf 32 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 31 - "A Little Birdie Told Me"
Daf 31 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 30 - The Song of the Sea
Daf 30 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 29 - Shades of Impurity
Daf 29 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 28 - Determining Doubts
Daf 28 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 27 - On that day...
Daf 27 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 26 - Waters of Blessing
Daf 26 of Maseches Sotah.Thank you to Gavi Groberman for sponsoring this episode.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 25 - Warned, or Forewarned?
Daf 25 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 24 - To Drink or not to Drink
Daf 24 of Maseches Sotah.Thank you to Devorah Leah Paltiel for sponsoring this episode in honor of her grandfather's yartzeit: Moshe ben Nissan.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 23 - Men, Women and Halacha
Daf 23 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 22 - Destroyers of the World
Daf 22 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 21 - Torah and Mitzva, Candle and Light
Daf 21 of Maseches Sotah.Thank you to Chaya Nourafshan for sponsoring this episode.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 20 - One who teaches his daughter Torah...
Daf 20 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 19 - The Wave Offering
Daf 19 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 18 - "Amen, Amen"
Daf 18 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 17 - Dust and Ashes
Daf 17 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 16 - Text vs. Tradition
Daf 16 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 15 - Flour and Fire
Daf 15 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 14 - The Mystery of Moshe's Burial
Daf 14 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 13 - A Royal Funeral
Daf 13 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 12 - Miriam's Prophecy
Daf 12 of Maseches Sotah.Thank you to Adina Weisner for sponsoring this episode.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 11 - In Merit of the Righteous Women
Daf 11 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 10 - Yehuda and Tamar
Daf 10 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 9 - Shimshon: The First Double Agent
Daf 9 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 8 - Measure for Measure
Daf 8 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 7 - Confessions of the Great
Daf 7 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 6 - Witnesses Abroad
Daf 6 of Maseches Sotah.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 5 - How Much Humility?
Daf 5 of Maseches Sotah.Thank you to an anonymous sponsor from Australia who sponsored today's daf in honor of her birthday.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 4 - Arrogance: The Root of All Evil
Daf 4 of Maseches Sotah.Thank you to Raizy Leitner for sponsoring this episode.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 3 - The Nature of Sin
Daf 3 of Maseches Sotah.Thank you to Nechamie Silberberg for sponsoring this episode.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Maseches Sotah: Daf 2 - Match Made in Heaven
Daf 2 of Maseches Sotah.Thank you to Marisa Lewitan for sponsoring this episode.This series is hosted by Hadassah Shemtov and Devorah Silberstein.
Introduction to Maseches Sotah
Join us on this journey through Maseches Sotah, hosted by Devorah Silberstein and Hadassah Shemtov.
Pesach: Bread of Faith
Why do we eat matzah on Pesach? The simple answer, it commemorates the haste of leaving Egypt, is true. But there’s a much deeper layer, one that reframes what emunah actually is and what happens to us when we sit down at the seder.In this episode, we work through our new Pesach learning booklet, Bread of Faith: Nurturing Our Inner Child, exploring a set of primary sources that build a remarkable
Tu B'Shvat: Savoring the Sweetness of Torah
Why is the "birthday of the trees" marked as a holiday on the Jewish calendar?Agriculture is one of the Torah's central metaphors for our relationship with Hashem. The fruit tree holds particular significance, teaching us deep truths about the nature of Torah. Unlike grain, which sustains the body, fruit delights the palate. In the same way, Torah nourishes the soul with the deepest
Can teshuva be commanded? Why free choice lies at the heart of teshuva
At first glance, teshuvah seems straightforward: recognize mistakes, feel remorse, resolve to change. Yet when we examine the Rambam's Hilchos Teshuvah closely, fundamental questions emerge.The Rambam only lists viduy as a formal obligation. What about the internal, emotional process of teshuvah? Is that a mitzvah?Some argue that teshuvah is not a mitzvah at all, just the procedure we follow w
Reimagining my Rebbetzin Role with Avital Chizhik-Goldshmidt
In this powerful finale to our "Finding Myself in Torah" series, we sit down with Avital Chizhik-Goldschmidt — journalist, Rebbetzin, and one of the most honest voices in contemporary Jewish discourse.Avital takes us on her journey from feeling overwhelmed by serious Torah learning to becoming a woman who uses her platform to advocate for deeper spiritual engagement for Orthodox women. A
Start with Understanding Yourself with Eda Schottenstein
What happens when personal growth tools from the world of psychology aren’t enough? And how do we hold space for all the parts of ourselves, mother, professional, learner, friend, without feeling torn apart?In this episode, Hadassah Shemtov sits down with Eda Schottenstein, a psychotherapist, ADHD coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Multi-Role Woman, to explore the powerful intersection between To
What They Didn’t Teach Us in School with Raizy Fried
What happens when our inner world matures, but our relationship with Yiddishkeit remains stuck in childhood?In this episode, Hadassah Shemtov sits down with Raizy Fried, popular author, speaker, and founder of “Inspired Living”. Raizy explores the gap many women feel between the lives they’re living as complex, emotionally developed adults and the simplistic version of Torah they may have learned
A Woman’s Voice in Torah with Stacey Goldman
What does it take for a woman to make Torah her own?In this insightful and inspiring conversation, Hadassah Shemtov sits down with educator and writer Stacey Goldman to explore what it means for women to develop their own voice in Torah learning. Stacey shares her personal learning journey, including the pivotal moments that drew her to Orthodox Judaism and deep Torah study, and how that journey h
The Art of Torah with Tonia Chazanow
What if Torah learning isn’t just about understanding, but about creating?In this powerful conversation, Hadassah Shemtov sits down with Tonia Chazanow to explore the creative process of learning Torah in a way that is rooted, rigorous, and deeply personal. Tonia shares how she approaches texts like Tanya with honesty and imagination, staying true to the source while allowing her own voice, metaph
How We Got Here with Leah-Pearl Shollar
What’s the story behind the schools that shaped generations of frum girls—and what does that story mean for us today?In this illuminating episode, we sit down with scholar and educator Leah-Perl Shollar to explore the history and evolution of Orthodox girls’ education. Drawing from her extensive doctoral research, Leah-Perl takes us on a journey through the origins of formal Jewish schooling for g
Find Your Fire with Alex Fleksher
What does it mean for a woman to truly make Torah her own—and how can that connection evolve across generations?In this thoughtful and nuanced conversation, Alex Fleksher reflects on her journey with Torah learning: from her own education growing up, to the experiences her daughter is having today, and the shifts she’s witnessed—and hopes to see—within her community.We discuss how women’s access t
When Torah teachings are hard to hear… With Mushka Teleshevsky
What happens when the Torah we learn doesn’t sit well with us — when it challenges our instincts, values, or sense of self?In this honest and moving episode, we speak with a woman whose relationship with Torah is marked by both fierce passion and radical openness. We explore how she’s cultivated the ability to engage with complex, sometimes uncomfortable Torah concepts without cynicism or fear — a
Going Pro in Torah with Rebbetzin Yehudis Golshevsky
What does it look like to move from dabbling in Torah to making it your identity? What does it mean to move from an interested layperson to a ‘professional’ of Torah learning?In this powerful episode, Rebbetzin Golshevsky shares about her journey doing just that. From her early education to the pivotal shifts that shaped her learning, we trace the journey of one frum woman who turned her deep pers
What’s Your Question? With Dr. Chava Green
In this episode, Dr. Chava Green explores how uncovering a genuine curiosity about our Judaism can ignite a lifelong passion for Torah study. Chava shares about her own journey of seeking out a community that would give her access directly to the texts of Torah and why that was a deal breaker for her. We dive into how firsthand engagement with Torah sources has shaped her understanding of Jewish w
Finding Myself in Torah
As Shavuos approaches, we're excited to introduce a brand-new summer podcast series: Finding Myself in Torah — a journey into the hearts and minds of ten frum women from across the Jewish world, each sharing how they’ve discovered their voice and place within the world of Torah.In this special trailer episode, host Hadassah Shemtov shares the inspiration behind the series and offers two powerf
Disown or Destroy? Purging Chametz Inside and Out
Dive into an intricate legal discussion on the laws of removing chametz before Pesach. Both searching for chametz (and burning it) and disowning it are valid ways to fulfill this mitzvah—so why are both necessary? As we explore this discussion in the Gemara, we’ll uncover a profound lesson on self-growth and perfectionism. How do the halachic parameters of purging our homes of physical chametz ref
The Hidden Face of Esther
In this pre-Purim episode, Zisi Zirkind explores the symbolism of Esther's name and character through the lens of various midrashim and Chassidic sources. Listen in to a fascinating discussion about the theme of concealment that characterizes Purim and the unique power of the G-d's hidden presence that exists within darkness and the hidden love of the Jewish people that emerges in when we
BONUS Episode: A Student’s Perspective with Miri Birk
Part 5 of Pru Urvu: Torah Perspectives on Women’s Fertility
In this bonus episode, Miri Birk, a student of last year’s Pru Urvu course, shares some of her reflections on the concepts explored in the course and how they can shape our approach to parenting. In this candid conversation, Hadassah and Miri talk about the real challenges of motherhood and what it looks like to adopt the Torah value of
Pregnancy & Infant Loss with Hadassah Shemtov
Part 4 of Pru Urvu: Torah Perspectives on Women’s Fertility
In this conversation with Aimee Baron from ‘I was supposed to have a baby’, Hadassah explores the topic of pregnancy and infant loss.
She introduces some fascinating Torah sources that discuss the identity of the soul of a miscarried fetus, its value and its purpose. She also discusses the inherent value Torah places on embarking on the
Yehudis: The Heroine behind the Miracle of Chanukah
What’s the story behind Yehudis, the fearless woman who played a key role in the Chanukah miracle? Join Hadassah Shemtov as she delves into Yehudis’s remarkable bravery, the halachic implications of her story on women’s connection to the mitzvah of Menorah, and Chanukah minhagim. Discover a mystical perspective on why women take center stage in the salvation stories of Purim and Chanukah.
Follow
Redefining the Maternal Role with Yitty Gniwisch
Part 2 of Pru Urvu: Torah Perspectives on Women’s Fertility
In this episode, Yitty Gniwisch explores the question of why women are exempt from Pru Urvu from a mystical perspective and redefines the unique role a woman plays in influencing her family and the world.
www.batshevalearningcenter.com/courses
Foundations of Pru Urvu with Ita Broh
Part 1 of Pru Urvu: Torah Perspectives on Women’s Fertility
In this first episode of our Pru Urvu podcast series, Ita Broh lays out the foundational sources behind the mitzvah Pru Urvu and how it relates to women. She explores:
What are the sources in the Torah for the mitzvah of having children? What are the specific guidelines for the mitzvah?
What reasons are given for the mitzvah and why i
Kisui Rosh: Introduction
Welcome to our new podcast series, where we'll explore everything you ever wanted to know about hair covering. We approach the topic from a new angle, giving you the inside scoop on how the halachos of Kisui Rosh developed, following the chain from the original sources in the Torah, through the texts of the Mishna, Gemara, Rishonim and Acharonim.
In this introductory episode, we introduce Menucha
The Evolution of Girls' Education with Tzivi Greenbaum
Join us for a fascinating discussion with a third-year student at our Beis Midrash and high school Jewish history teacher, Tzivi Greenbaum.
Tzivi has always had a fascination with the development of women's Torah education in both formal and informal settings throughout the ages.
In this episode, she shares some of the research she has done on the topic and discusses these questions and more:
Female Torah Scholars Throughout History with Devorah Silberstein
In this episode, Devorah Silberstein shares with us some of the fascinating women she's encountered in the process of researching sources for the new book we're putting out on women's Torah learning. In this conversation, we address these questions and more:
Why is it important to see a precedent for women engaging in Torah study throughout Jewish history? How does that change our hashkafic pers
Chana: The Paradigm of Prayer with Shterna Ginsburg
What is the essence of תפילה?
The תפילות in our סידור, in general, and especially the תפילות on ראש השנה, appear to have two opposing themes.
On the one hand, תפילה is a time of standing before Hashem, of acknowledging His greatness, of praising His majesty. On ראש השנה, this is especially true: the theme of the day is crowning Hashem king. The liturgy in our מחזור is dotted with proclamations of
Kisui Rosh: Why? (Mystical Insights)
Up to this point, this podcast series discussed what the mitzvah of kisui rosh is, who it applies to, and how and where it applies. In this final episode of the series, we start exploring why?
What is the mystical meaning behind hair covering? Menucha takes us through a few Chassidic sources that discuss the symbolism of hair in Kabbalah in general and how that sheds light on the obligation for
Kisui Rosh: What about Wigs? (Understanding Sheitels)
Covering our hair with more hair seems like a strange concept. What is the halachic basis for wig wearing as a valid form of hair covering? What are some reasons wigs would or wouldn’t be allowed? Why might wigs be preferable over other forms of hair covering?
This episode explores the original source in the mishna that introduces the concept of wigs and its various applications. We also discuss s
Kisui Rosh: Where and how much? (Parameters of the Mitzvah)
Here is where we get into the details of where a married woman's hair needs to be covered and how much. We begin by introducing the concept of “erva” and offer a perspective shift on how to understand the guidelines for modest dress in general. We explore the original sources for the discussion and the various approaches to how we apply those sources to our practical observance. We also discuss th
Kisui Rosh: What and Who? (The Source for the Mitzvah)
The Source for the Mitzvah
Where does the concept of Kisui Rosh come from in the Torah? Is it a d’oraisa, a d’rabanan or both? Who does it apply to? What if a woman was married and then divorced or widowed? Does she have to cover her hair too?
In this episode, we'll explore the unexpected source for the mitzvah of hair covering from stories in the Torah and the Mishna and Gemara. We'll explore the
Recommended
McKinsey on Consumer and Retail
megahired.com
Telli Talks with Telli Swift
Harmonize Your Life: Conversation on Self-Care for Women of Color
Lighting the Legal Career Path
High Performance Mindset | Learn from World-Class Leaders, Consultants, Athletes & Coaches about Mindset
Pintastic® Pinterest Podcast
Learn 50 English Phrases While You Sleep | Everyday English Phrases & Vocabulary
The Daily
The Joe Rogan Experience
World News Tonight with David Muir
Talk About Talk - Executive & Leadership Communication Skills
