Yoetzet Halacha
Sarah Cheses
The New England Yoetzet Halacha Initiative is a project of Ma'ayan, Inc. and is supported by the following local shuls: Congregation Beth El-Atereth Israel of Newton, Congregation Beth Sholom of Providence, Congregation Kadimah-Toras Moshe of Brighton, Congregation Shaarei Tefillah of Newton, Maimonides Kehillah of Brookline, Young Israel of Brookline, and Young Israel of Sharon, as well as by private donations.
Our mission is to foster broader awareness and additional avenues of involvement with halachic experts relating to taharat hamishpacha and women's health through the engagement of a local Yoetzet Halacha.
Role of Yoetzet Halacha
A Yoetzet Halacha is a woman certified by Nishmat, Jeanie Schottenstein Center for Advanced Torah Study for Women, to serve as a resource for couples regarding Taharat HaMishpacha (Jewish law relating to married life) and its intersection with women’s health, including fertility issues, pregnancy loss, and marital intimacy. She has spent two years of intensive study of the laws relating to Taharat HaMishpacha in depth, and is equipped to guide couples through their observance of these mitzvot. In addition she has received training from experts in the field of modern medicine and psychology on topics such as gynecology, infertility, sexuality, and family dynamics. A Yoetzet Halacha is an advisor and does not offer psak. She answers questions that have clear answers and consults with the inquiring couple’s Rabbi when the question is novel and requires a psak. She serves as a comfortable address for women to ask their personal questions.
Related Areas of Support
- Infertility
- Pregnancy loss
- Contraception
- Marital intimacy
- Gynecological procedures
- Postpartum
- Peri-menopause
Goals
- Encourage and increase observance of Taharat HaMishpacha.
- Empower women to feel knowledgeable and dignified in their observance of Taharat HaMishpacha
- Enhance community understanding of Taharat HaMishpacha, including related medical issues, and enrich the quality of life for couples observing Taharat HaMishpacha.
- Provide a resource for issues relating to women’s health and Halacha throughout life.