Best Rachel Leshaw Podcasts (2024)

1
Bat Mitzva 1:04:32

1+ y ago1:04:32

1:04:32

In this episode we discuss the halachic significance of bat mitzva and how should it be observed or celebrated. Full article available here: https://www.deracheha.org/bat-mitzva/

1
Chinuch 54:21

1+ y ago54:21

54:21

In this episode we discuss what is chinuch for mitzvot, who is obligated, and at what stage. Dedicated by Sarah Kenigsberg Le-ilui Nishmat Chaya Miriam Bat Kasriel. Full article available here: https://www.deracheha.org/chinuch/

1
Behind the Scenes: Talking about Chinuch with Ora & Laurie 23:18

2y ago23:18

23:18

In this episode, we discuss our personal inspirations and approaches to chinuch for our children. Article on Chinuch available here: https://www.deracheha.org/chinuch/

1
Mechitza III: Separation in Society 1:02:01

2+ y ago1:02:01

1:02:01

In this episode we discuss when we need a mechitza or gender separation outside of prayer. To read all the sources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.deracheha.org/mechitza-3-separation-in-society/

1
Mechitza II: Structure 30:42

2+ y ago30:42

30:42

In this episode we discuss the structural requirements for a mechitza and whether the ezrat nashim‘s structure has a halachic effect on prayers said within it. Find all the sources discussed in this episode on our website here: https://www.deracheha.org/mechitza-2-structure/

1
Mechitza I: Purpose 41:29

2+ y ago41:29

41:29

In this episode we discuss the purpose of mechitza and why gender separation is a part of prayer. This episode is dedicated in honor of Ilana Abramson's birthday by her daughter, Raphaela. Full article available here: https://www.deracheha.org/mechitza-1-purpose/

1
Megilla Reading II: Quorum and Reading for Others 39:31

2+ y ago39:31

39:31

In part 2 of our megilla reading podcast we discuss who constitutes a quorum for megilla reading, and whether women may read for herself and others. Read all the sources here: https://www.deracheha.org/megilla-reading/

1
Megilla Reading I: The Mitzva and Brachot 28:39

2+ y ago28:39

28:39

In this episode we discuss the nature of women's obligation in megilla reading and the brachot recited. Part 2 will discuss who constitutes a quorum for megilla reading, and who a woman may read for. Read more in our article here: https://www.deracheha.org/megilla-reading/

1
Women and Tefilla Be-tzibbur 48:33

2+ y ago48:33

48:33

In this episode we dicuss women and tefilla be-tzibbur. Specifically, what is the nature of communal prayer? What is the role of Shaliach Tzibbur, and who can fill it? What is the significance of women’s participation? Click here for the full article: https://www.deracheha.org/tefilla-be-tzibbur/ This episode was dedicated in memory of Michael ben …

1
Women and Minyan 34:53

2+ y ago34:53

34:53

In this episode we address some fundamental questions about minyan. What is a minyan and what is it for? Who does and doesn’t count toward a minyan, and why? To read all the sources mentions in this podcast, head to https://www.deracheha.org/minyan/

1
Behind the Scenes: Menstruation and Shabbat 18:58

2+ y ago18:58

18:58

In this short episode, Rachel goes behind the scenes with Laurie to discuss Deracheha's most recent article on menstruation and Shabbat. Learn what made writing this article so challenging, what surprised Laurie as she was writing it, and what's next on Deracheha's to-do list. To read the article, click here: www.deracheha.org/menstruation-and-shab…

1
Learning about Sigd with Brhan Worku 21:24

3y ago21:24

21:24

Deracheha's Rachel Weber Leshaw spoke to Brhan Worku about the Ethiopian Jewish holiday of Sigd. Brhan talked about the meaning of Sigd, her family's journey from Ethiopia, cultural differences between Ethiopian and Israeli society, and whether non-Ethiopian Jews should celebrate Sigd too. Speaking engagements for Brhan can be arranged through stor…

1
Erev Yom Kippur 56:44

3y ago56:44

56:44

What are the the mitzvot and customs of Erev Yom Kippur? Why are they significant? How do they apply to women? Full article here: www.deracheha.org/erev-yom-kippur/ Tefilla Zakah adapted for women here: https://www.kipa.co.il/userFiles/zaka_yomKipur.pdf

1
Selichot 1:02:05

3y ago1:02:05

1:02:05

In this espisode we discuss Selicht - what are Selichot? Are women obligated to recite them? Do they require a minyan? Read the full article here: https://www.deracheha.org/selichot/ Rav Ezra Bick's commentary on the Yud Gimmel Middot - https://www.etzion.org.il/en/series/understanding-13-middot-en All Deracheha's Elul content available here: https…

1
Dress IV: Keli Gever 1:10:12

3y ago1:10:12

1:10:12

In this episode we address the halacha of keli gever - what is a man’s article, a keli gever? What is the prohibition of a woman’s wearing one? How does intent affect this halacha? Read the full article here: https://www.deracheha.org/dress-4-keli-gever/

1
Talking About Eicha and More with Dr. Yael Ziegler 29:12

3y ago29:12

29:12

In this special Pre-Tish'a Be-Av episode we talk to Dr. Yael Ziegler about her new book "Lamentations: Faith in a Turbulent World" and her experience writing on such a seemingly sad topic. We also discuss her new appointment as Rosh Beit Midrash of Matan, and her career path until today. Buy the book here: https://korenpub.com/products/lamentations…

1
Kiddush 2: Practical Issues 1:04:37

3y ago1:04:37

1:04:37

In this episode we discuss some practical issues relating to kiddush. Can someone eat before kiddush? Does a woman recite or respond to she-hechiyyanu in Yom Tov kiddush? Does prayer affect the ability to make kiddush for others? Full article available here: https://www.deracheha.org/kiddush-2-practical-issues/…

1
Kiddush I: Obligation 50:26

3y ago50:26

50:26

In this episode we discuss the mitzva of kiddush, both on Shabbat and Yom Tov, at night and during the day. We discuss a woman's obligation, and also how a couple should handle kiddush during nidda. Read the article here: https://www.deracheha.org/kiddush-1-obligation/

1
Discharging Obligations in Practice 20:28

3y ago20:28

20:28

In this episode we discuss when a woman can discharge a man's mitzva obligations, and cases where she technically can, but maybe should not. Why would that be the case? Listen to find out, and gain insight into differences between birkat hamazon, kiddush and megilla. Read the full article here: https://www.deracheha.org/discharging-obligations-in-p…

1
Talking about Trust and Fear in Halakha Education with Shayna Goldberg 44:26

3+ y ago44:26

44:26

In this new podcast we go behind-the-scenes with Shayna Goldberg, Contributing Editor to Deracheha and author of the new book "What Do You Really Want?" In her conversation with Rachel, Shayna explains how the book came to be, how it relates to her work as an educator, and lessons she's learned from her years of teaching and providing halakhic guid…

1
Discharging Another's Mitzva Obligations 22:55

3+ y ago22:55

22:55

In this episode we discuss how and when a person can discharge someone else’s halachic obligation. Who can do this for whom, and what are the halachic mechanisms that allow this to work?

1
Talking about Shavuot with Rachel Sharansky Danziger 28:04

3+ y ago28:04

28:04

In this special pre-Shavuot interview episode, we spoke to Rachel Sharansky Danziger about Torah, story-telling, immigration, Megillat Rut, Shavuot at the Kotel and more!

1
Zimmun 2: The Text and Mixed Zimmun 48:45

3+ y ago48:45

48:45

In the second episode in our podcast series we discuss whether men and women can combine to form a

1
Zimmun 1: The Mitzva and Women's Zimmun 41:40

3+ y ago41:40

41:40

In our first podcast on Zimmun we discuss the mitzva of zimmun, who is obligated in it, and under what circumstances women recite it. Full article with sources: https://www.deracheha.org/zimmun-part-1/ Women's Zimmun Card available here: https://www.deracheha.org/zimmun-card/

1
Talking Chametz, Matza and More with Devorah Katz of Pat Bamelach 18:51

3+ y ago18:51

18:51

In this interview, Rachel sat down with Devorah Katz of Pat Bamelach bakery in Efrat right before Pesach to talk about chametz, matza and more. Listen to find out what a bakery does with its sourdough starter on Pesach, and the surprising ways food brought people together during the coronavirus pandemic. (And lots more, like Deracheha's zimmun card…

1
Women at the Seder - Part 2 28:18

3+ y ago28:18

28:18

In this episode we discuss women's obligation in reclining at the seder and telling the story of the exodus from Egypt. Read the full article with sources here: https://www.deracheha.org/the-seder-part-2/

1
Women at the Seder - Part 1 29:35

3+ y ago29:35

29:35

In this episode we discuss women's obligation at the Pesach seder. Are women obligated in Pesach, matza and maror? In the four cups? In Hallel? Read the full article here: https://www.deracheha.org/the-seder-part-1

1
Mitzvot of Purim 44:34

3+ y ago44:34

44:34

In this episode we discuss the mitzvot of Purim - mishlo'ach manot, matanot la-evyonim and se'uda. Where do these obligations stem from, and what are women's obligations in them? (The topic of women and megilla reading will be addressed in the next podcast.)

1
Arba Parashiyot 27:17

3+ y ago27:17

27:17

In this episode we discuss the four special Torah readings that precede Purim and Pesach Why do we read them and who must hear them? Are women obligated to hear Parashat Zachor? Read the full article here: https://www.deracheha.org/arba-parashiyot/

1
Exemption from Major Fasts 1:05:18

3+ y ago1:05:18

1:05:18

In this episode we discuss whether all women must fast on Yom Kippur and Tish’a Be-Av? What if a woman is pregnant, postpartum, or nursing? How do the laws of the two fast days differ? Read the full article here: https://www.deracheha.org/exemption-from-major-fasts

1
Exemptions from Minor Fasts 30:03

3+ y ago30:03

30:03

Must all Jewish women fast on the minor fast days? What if a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding? Postpartum or after pregnancy loss? Read Deracheha's full article here: https://www.deracheha.org/exemption-from-minor-fasts/

1
Fast Days 45:17

3+ y ago45:17

45:17

In this episode, the first in our series on fast days, we discuss when do we fast and why, including background on the fasts of Yom Kippur, Asarah Be-tevet, 17 Be-tammuz, Tisha Be-av, Tzom Gedalya and Ta'anit Esther. We also discuss the level of obligation on each fast day and who is obligated. To read the full article, click here: https://www.dera…

1
Chanuka II - Other Observances 18:26

4y ago18:26

18:26

What other observances of Chanuka are special to women? Are women obligated to recite Hallel on Chanuka? Read the full article here: https://www.deracheha.org/chanuka-2-other-observances/

1
Chanuka I - Candle-Lighting 31:38

4y ago31:38

31:38

Does a woman light her own Chanuka candles? When does she light for others? Read the full article on our site here: https://www.deracheha.org/chanuka/

1
Birkat Ha-Mazon II - Women's Obligation 40:32

4y ago40:32

40:32

In this episode we discuss women's obligation in Birkat Ha-Mazon, and what questions the test of Birkat Ha-Mazon may raise for women. Read the full article here (starting from obligation): https://www.deracheha.org/birkat-ha-mazon/

1
Birkat Ha-mazon I: The Mitzva 25:31

4y ago25:31

25:31

What is the mitzva of Birkat Ha-mazon? What is the reason for the mitzva, and what must be included? Read the full article on our site here: https://www.deracheha.org/birkat-ha-mazon/

1
Af Hen: Inclusion in the Miracle 30:42

4y ago30:42

30:42

What is the principle of af hen hayu be-oto ha-nes? When and how does it obligate women in mitzvot? Does it only apply to Chanukah, Purim and Pesach? Read the full article here: https://www.deracheha.org/af-hen/

1
Simchat Yom Tov 32:04

4y ago32:04

32:04

In this episode we discuss simchat yom tov (rejoicing on a festival). What is the nature of this mitzva? What is a woman’s obligation in it? Read the full article on our site here: https://www.deracheha.org/simchat-yom-tov/

1
Talking about Nursing and Fasting with Dr. Deena Zimmerman 27:30

4y ago27:30

27:30

In this episode we interview Dr. Deena Zimmerman, MD MPH IBCLC and yoetzet halacha, about nursing and fasting. We discuss what a nursing mother can expect if she fasts, how to prepare for the fast, and when a woman should consult with a halachic expert to decide whether she should fast. Learn more here: https://www.deracheha.org/exemption-from-majo…

1
Blowing Shofar 21:55

4y ago21:55

21:55

In this episode we'll discuss who can blow shofar for whom on Rosh Hashanah, and specific issues that arise because of the difference in obligation between men and women. To read the full article, click here: https://www.deracheha.org/blowing-shofar/

1
The Mitzva of Shofar 31:06

4y ago31:06

31:06

In this episode we discuss the mitzva of shofar on Rosh Hashana, whether women are obligated, and some practical issues that arise. To read the full article on our site, click here: https://www.deracheha.org/the-mitzva-of-shofar/

1
Shofar in Elul 16:21

4y ago16:21

16:21

In this episode we discuss the reasons we blow shofar in Elul, and whether women should make an effort to hear the shofar blown. To read the full article on our site, click here: https://www.deracheha.org/shofar-in-elul/

1
Talking About Kol Isha with Elena Tal and Nina Tokayer 46:59

4y ago46:59

46:59

In this special bonus episode, we interview Elena Tal and Nina Tokayer about their careers and Kol Isha. For more on Kol Isha (articles and podcasts) on Deracheha, click here https://www.deracheha.org/constants/#kol-isha Learn more about our guests: Elena Tal - https://www.elenatal.net/ Nina Tokayer (Yonina) - https://www.yoninamusic.com/…

1
Kol Isha III: In Context 1:05:25

4y ago1:05:25

1:05:25

In this episode we discuss how contextual factors can affect the application of kol isha, and whether the halacha is different in a religious context. To read the full article, click here https://www.deracheha.org/kol-isha-3-in-context/

1
Kol Isha II: Mutual Responsibility 48:19

4y ago48:19

48:19

In this episode we discuss men’s and women’s responsibilities with respect to kol isha, and whether a woman may freely listen to men sing, or sing herself. To read the full article, click here: https://www.deracheha.org/kol-isha-2-mutual-responsibility/

1
Kol Isha I: Halachic Basis 32:43

4y ago32:43

32:43

In this episode we discuss the halachic basis for the concept of Kol Isha. How does Halacha view song in general? What is of specific concern with kol isha? When and to which type of voice does kol isha apply? To see the sources inside, click here https://www.deracheha.org/kol-isha-1-halachic-basis/

1
Hallel 31:41

4y ago31:41

31:41

What is Hallel? When is it recited and why? When do women have an obligation to recite Hallel? Read the full article here: https://www.deracheha.org/hallel/

1
The Three Weeks and the Nine Days 35:56

4y ago35:56

35:56

In this episode we discuss the mourning practices of the period leading up to Tisha B'av, and whether they have particular relevance for women. To read the whole article, click here https://www.deracheha.org/3-weeks-9-days/

1
Mussaf 22:25

4y ago22:25

22:25

In this episode we'll discuss women's obligation in Tefillat Mussaf. We'll start by discussing the nature of the mussaf offering and how is it related to the mussaf prayer. From there we'll move on to how this impacts women's obligation in Tefillat Mussaf. To read the sources mentioned in this episode, click here https://www.deracheha.org/mussaf/…

1
Tzeniut Behind the Scenes 14:16

4y ago14:16

14:16

In this special behind the scenes episode, Rachel speaks to Laurie about tzeniut, and the challenges of writing about tzeniut as its own concept, not as it relates to clothing. Plus some thoughts on coronavirus, trampolines and backyard weddings. To read the sources referenced, click here https://www.deracheha.org/tzeniut/…

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