Ta Shma: Come and Learn, is a series of halakhic source guides that present an in-depth look at laws that affect women’s obligations and involvement in ritual life. Using the Talmudic, gaonic, medieval and modern rabbinic texts—in Hebrew and Aramaic, along with word-by-word translations—readers are guided through the relevant halakhic discourse on each topic.

By invoking the phrase Ta Shma, we invite readers to “come and learn” the pertinent texts, to become more knowledgeable about the rich halakhic discussion for each subject, and to find his or her place in the chain of tradition. We hope that these source guides will invigorate both individuals and the larger community toward a more thoughtful and committed observance. To that end, the guides are designed for everyone—from well- versed scholars and rabbis to lay people and those with a limited Hebrew-language background, and are suitable for individual, havruta and class study.

The first two guides in the series are May Women Touch a Torah Scroll?, by Devorah Zlochower, and Women’s Obligation in Kiddush of Shabbat, by Rahel Berkovits. The next articles in the series, scheduled for publication in 2009, will address kaddish and hamotsi.

The series is sponsored by Dr. Monique Katz, and is dedicated to the memory of her father, Jacques Censor a”h.

We invite you to access the Ta Shma Halakic Study Guides online for free, or contact JOFA at jofa@jofa.org or 212-679-8500 to purchase individual hard copies.  To purchase a set of  Ta Shma halakhic source guides with domestic shipping click here, and with international shipping click here.

Ta Shma: Come and Learn, © 2008 JOFA