Deracheha: Women and Mitzvot

Women and Mitzvot

דרכיה דרכי נועם וכל נתיבותיה שלום

Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace

Still coordinating your megilla reading for tonigh

Still coordinating your megilla reading for tonight? Here's a question we got from a reader:

If multiple people read different sections of the megilla, who should recite the last bracha (assuming there is a quorum to allow for reciting it)? Should it be the person who made the first brachot, or the one who read the last perek?

Our answer: In theory anyone who listened to the first berachot and reading to discharge their obligation could recite the final beracha.

When splitting up the reading, it is customary for the final reader to recite the final beracha for all present.

Purim sameach!!!

Today, on Ta'anit Esther, we join with women and m

Today, on Ta'anit Esther, we join with women and men around the world to raise awareness of get-refusal and show our support for agunot. Join the movement and use the hashtag on social media today - and tag us so we can amplify your posts!
#iGETit @oraagunot

How should we relate to Purim celebrations if COVI

How should we relate to Purim celebrations if COVID limits our ability to gather with others? Laurie Novick suggests that COVID provides an opportunity to focus on the core mitzvot of Purim within our families.
#purim

What factors should go into a woman's choice of me

What factors should go into a woman's choice of megilla reading, and why might a woman choose a women's reading?
(A Q&A excerpt from our article on Megilla reading.)
In many communities, women have a range of halachically-sanctioned options for megilla reading. A woman’s choice of where to hear megilla often combines spiritual aspirations with mundane concerns. The expertise of the readers and the quality of the overall experience, as well as family and community responsibilities, will factor into her decision.

A large reading in the synagogue, with more of the community, is an opportunity to come together be-rov am to publicize the miracle.

On the other hand, accessibility issues make more than one reading necessary, and it can be easier to concentrate on hearing every word at a smaller, calmer reading.

Many women are content, like their mothers and grandmothers before them, to hear megilla read by a man in the synagogue or a private setting. Other women prefer to attend a women’s reading, either as readers or as listeners.

It is to our community’s advantage for many options to coexist.

Why might a woman choose a women’s reading by women?

Women’s readings afford women a halachically-sanctioned opportunity to take a leading role in ritual. A woman reading the megilla connects to God through her voice alongside other women, in a way that is not usually available in other settings.

Women’s readings can also create a communal ritual space where women assume leadership and share responsibilities in a spirit of kindness and friendship. Hadassah Levy describes the evolution of women’s megilla reading in her community:

Read more in the comments below, and check out the link in our bio for more on women and megilla.
#purim #megilla #women

It's time to bring back one of our favorite reader

It's time to bring back one of our favorite reader questions, along with a picture of Barbra Streisand in Yentl! Here goes:
"I’m dressing up as a chassid for Purim and I plan to wear tzitzit. Should I make a beracha when I put them on?"
Check out the answer in our story!
#women #purim #costume #halacha

Get the Latest from Deracheha!

Subscribe to our email newsletter.

Stay up to date on new articles and behind-the-scenes features and podcasts that you'll love.