Halachic Foundations

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Introduction

Why is it important for women to engage directly with halachic texts? An introduction to Deracheha.

Three Special Mitzvot

Challa, candle-lighting, and nidda are three mitzvot in which women’s performance takes precedence over men’s. Taken together, what do they teach us about women and Halacha?

PART I: Why do these mitzvot form a group? Why does this matter?

PART II: What is the significance of each mitzva? What does this teach us about the group?

Women’s Status

Men’s and women’s mitzva obligations are often, but not always, the same. What are the similarities and differences? How can we make sense of them?

PART I: OVERALL STATUS Are men and women equal? Was gender hierarchy built into Creation?

PART II: HALACHIC STATUS In what types of cases are men’s and women’s obligations the same?

PART III: POSITIVE TIME-BOUND MITZVOT Why are women exempt? How can we understand the exemption?

Voluntary Mitzva Performance

Exemption from a mitzva is not prohibition. Does that leave room for women to perform mitzvot voluntarily?

PART I: VOLUNTARY MITZVA PERFORMANCE When women are exempt from a mitzva, is performing it permissible? How is it meaningful?

PART II: BERACHA ON VOLUNTARY PERFORMANCE When a woman voluntarily performs a mitzva from which she is exempt, may she recite a beracha?

Inclusion in the Miracle

Women are obligated in mitzvot that publicize miracles experienced by the Jewish people. How and when does this principle apply?

Discharging Obligations

When and how can one person discharge another’s mitzva obligations? Can a man discharge a woman’s obligations, and vice versa?

Tzeni’ut

How is tzeni’ut a general halachic principle? Why is it essential for all Jews? How does it go beyond dress?