Israel
Israel’s first lady, Gila Katzav, inaugurated the International Advisory Hotline, a development which has the potential to revolutionize the lives of Orthodox women.
The hotline is staffed by seven Yoatzot Halakha (halakhic advisors) who have undergone rigorous training at Nishmat in Jerusalem to qualify to respond to questions regarding taharat hamishpaha (family purity) in an anonymous, discreet, comfortable and accurate manner.
In their short history Yoatzot have already been called upon to answer questions dealing with everything from menstrual cycles to fertility issues to medical procedures which have halakhic implications. The Hotline may be reached by dialing 972-2-642-9801 from abroad and (02) 642-98101 in Israel.
New York
How can women and men connect with holiness and spirituality in the workplace, in the home, in the broader community? Infusing spirituality and ethics into everyday activities is a theme that will be covered at this year’s Edah conference on modern Orthodox Judaism. There will be a number of sessions dealing with the struggles and opportunities of women in the modern Orthodox community. The conference will be held on February 18- 19 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Manhattan. For more information, and to register, go to www.edah.org, or call (212)-244-7501.
On Sunday, February 11th, from 10am to 2 pm, the Drisha Institute in New York will host a workshop on the topic “Kriat Hatorah (Public Torah Reading) by Women: The Halakhic Argument.” The workshop will be led by Mendel Shapiro and will consider the possibility of women participating in public Torah reading in a minyan of ten men. Men and women are welcome. For information call Drisha at (212) 595-0307.