Rahel Berkovits

Rahel Berkovits is an expert on women and Judaism, author of "A Daughter's Recitation of Mourner's Kaddish," and a teacher of Mishnah, Talmud, and Halakha at the Pardes Institute.

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About

Rahel is a senior faculty member at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem and a founding member of Shirah Hadasha, a partnership minyan. She can lecture on any topic of your choice related the status of women in Jewish law. Rahel also loves to teach Mishnah and Talmud using literary analysis focusing on the philosophy and theology behind the texts. Request a topic of interest.

Programs

Shamor V’Zakhor B’debor Ehad: Women and Kiddush on Shabbat; An In-depth Halakhic Text Study

Do the traditional gender roles around the Shabbat table stem from legal necessity or societal norms? Are women obligated in the mitzvah of kiddush? May they recite kiddush on behalf of a man and fulfill his obligation? Through a serious text study of sources from the Talmud to modern legal Rabbinic literature, we will examine the issues surrounding this weekly occurrence.

Darkhei Shalom- The Path to Building Community. Text Study of Mishnah Tractate Gittim

How important is it to compromise the letter of the law for the sake of peace? Whom do the Rabbis consider to be part of the Jew’s concentric community? How are the disabled, the poor, and non- Jews viewed? Which areas in life do they feel most cause fighting and unrest in communities? (Don’t be surprised when the synagogue is first on the list!) A literary examination of a chapter of mishnah.

Torat Hayyim- A Living Torah: The Status of Women in the Thought of Rabbi Professor Eliezer Berkovits ז"ל

What is the interplay between Torah and real life situations? How do ancient texts apply to modern times? How does the halakhic system function? The philosophy of R. Berkovits will be examined through the lens of his writings on women and Jewish law.

Voices from Behind the Mehitzah: Women and Kaddish; An In-depth Halakhic Text Study

During the critical time of mourning, women often encounter opposition to their desire to honor the deceased by reciting kaddish. Is there precedent within the halakha for women saying kaddish? May she say it alone or only accompanied by a man? Through a serious text study of responsa and legal rabbinic literature we will examine the issues surrounding this emotional topic.

"I am not like other people": Rabban Gamliel's Personalized Halakhic Practice. Text Study of Mishnah Berakhot

Can one live in Malhut Shamayim, the kingdom of heaven, and engage in one's surrounding community at the same time? What is the interplay between the objective Divine law and the individual's personal situation and needs? A literary analysis of the meta halakhic themes presented in a chapter of mishnah.

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Articles

Pardes Journal 20 August, 2013:

The Three Weeks: The Pull and Power of Idol Worship

Shofar: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Jewish Studies Volume 31, Number 4 1 June, 2013:

Torat Hayyim : The Status of Women in the Thought of Eliezer Berkovits

JOFA Halakhic Source Guide Series 1 January, 2008:

Women's Obligation in Kiddush of Shabbat

Jewish Women: A Comprehensive Historical Encyclopidia 1 January, 2006:

Maimonides' Views on Women

Jewish Women: A Comprehensive Historical Encyclopidia 1 January, 2006:

Nahat-Ruah-Le-Nashim-Women's Spiritual Satisfaction

Interested in booking Rahel Berkovits to speak at your next event? Contact Jewish Speakers Bureau (infREMOVEo@jewREMOVEishspeakerREMOVEsbureau.com), America's only speakers bureau for Jewish-interest speakers, authors, entertainers, and experts.