The Jewish Year

Dedicated in Loving Memory of Beatrice Chernev

Inclusion in the Miracle

• What is the principle of af hen hayu be-oto ha-nes? When and how does it obligate women in mitzvot? Af Hen: Inclusion in the Miracle

Chanuka

• Does a woman light her own Chanuka candles? When does she light for others? Chanuka I: Candle-Lighting

• What other observances of Chanuka are special to women? Are women obligated to recite Hallel on Chanuka? Chanuka II: Other Observances

Rosh Ha-Shana

• Why do we blow shofar in Elul? Should a woman make an effort to hear it? Shofar in Elul
• What is the mitzva of shofar? Are women obligated in it? What are the practical halachot involved? The Mitzva of Shofar
• Who blows shofar for whom? Blowing Shofar

Simchat Torah

• How should a Sefer Torah be treated? May women handle it? Contact with a Sefer Torah
• How did the custom of dancing with a Sefer Torah on Simchat Torah come about? How can women celebrate during the hakafot? Dancing with a Torah

Shavuot

• What is the nature of the mitzva to count the omer? Are women obligated? How do the customs of this time period apply to women? Sefirat Ha-omer
• What is the source of the custom to stay up late to learn Torah on Shavuot? Does it apply to women? Tikkun Leil Shavuot

Read on to see what we’re planning for this section of the site–and let us know if you have a topic to suggest.

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Shabbat

What are women’s obligations at Shabbat’s entrance and exit, and in between?

Rosh Chodesh

What makes Rosh Chodesh a woman’s holiday? How is it observed?

Festivals

Each of the major festivals and the High Holidays has time bound mitzvot that grant it flavor and significance. When are women obligated, and when not? How do these exemptions and obligations affect the experience of each holiday?

Purim

From Megilla reading to mishlo’ach manot and beyond, what are women’s practical obligations on Purim?

Days of Fasting or Mourning

The three weeks and fast days are periods of affliction or mourning practices. To what extent do these practices apply to women?

Israeli Holidays

Do modern observances of Israeli holidays differ for men and women?