If the Talmudic Rabbis had Asked Women…

by Jill Maidhof

I have a shameless plug for those of you who are Hadassah members: Did you know that a couple of years ago Chai Mitzvah developed a three-unit, six-session curriculum that relates to the mission of your organization? Chapter members in Kansas, Missouri and Florida have used our curriculum and it was their suggestion that we make our curriculum known to others across the country, so here’s your notice! 

We begin by looking at life cycle events, comparing Talmudic writings about them with those in the life of Hadassah’s founder, Henrietta Szold. And we wonder what that Talmudic model would look like if the rabbis had asked women. (Spoiler alert: We think it would look very different!)

What would  that Talmudic model look like if the rabbis had asked women?

We then look at the role of philanthropy and the allocation of funds in enabling Hadassah to carry out its critical work. From a Jewish perspective, we explore issues that arise when asking for or receiving financial support. (Examples:  Is it better to contribute money anonymously—why or why not? Where do you go if you want to know how Hadassah allocates the funding it receives? How would you describe why you support Hadassah if you had only a minute to do it?) 

Finally, we discuss antisemitism, one of Hadassah’s key concerns. What is an effective role for Hadassah to take, from the national level to the opportunities for individual members? 

If this experience interests you, please contact me at jill@chaimitzvah.org or 913.832.4477 or respond in the box below. Till then, enjoy a joyous Passover with friends and family!