Ayoetzet halacha (Hebrew:יועצת הלכה, plural: yoatzot; lit. Advisor inJewish law) is a controversial, recently created position, describing aJewish woman certified to serve as an advisor to individuals with questions regarding Jewish practices relating to menstruation (known astaharat hamishpacha or "family purity", also referred to as the laws ofniddah),[1][2] associated with theOpen Orthodox movement.[citation needed]
The role of theyoetzet halacha is somewhat circumscribed.[3] As titled, it is advisory:yoatzot convey information for clear-cut situations, and take the more complicated questions to atalmid chacham (Torah Scholar) equipped todiscern and decide between competing halachic arguments.TheHalachot (laws) here are a standard component of Rabbinical education – see underSemikhah § Concept andYeshiva § Jewish law – andYoatzot receive corresponding training.[4]
Candidates foryoatzot halacha are chosen for their advanced Torah scholarship, leadership capabilities, and deep religious commitment. As professionals hired by synagogues, schools, and communities, theyoatzot respond to Orthodox women's questions aboutmikveh observance and Jewish law affecting couples, families, sexual relations, and women's medical issues.[4]
Although many Halachic authorities within the Modern Orthodox community allow Yoatzot, others strongly oppose it.[5]
Nishmat is the only institution certifying women asyoatzot halacha.[6] The program spans two years' of study – coveringthe traditional sources – withshiurim by Rabbi Yaacov Warhaftig ofMachon Ariel inJerusalem, and parallelChavruta-based study. On completion, candidates must pass a four-hour exam, administered by four testing rabbis.At its founding, the program received the support of, amongst others, RabbiNahum Rabinovitch; itsposek was RabbiYehuda Henkin.It is noteworthy that having these women determine questions such as these for other women is not widely accepted in the orthodox communities, and is much more commonly accepted in the modern orthodox to irreligious crowds.
^Cohen, I. (2020). Menstruation and Religion: Developing a Critical Menstrual Studies Approach.The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Menstruation Studies, 115-129.
^Raucher, M. (2015). Yoatzot Halacha.Digital Judaism: Jewish Negotiations with Digital Media and Culture, 57.
^Israel-Cohen, Y. (2012). Chapter Three: Methodology. InBetween Feminism and Orthodox Judaism (pp. 27-46). Brill.
^abGanzel, T., & Zimmerman, D. R. (2011). Women as Halakhic Professionals: The Role of the Yo'atzot Halakhah.Nashim: A Journal of Jewish Women's Studies & Gender Issues,22(1), 162-171.
