Ep #24: In Miriam's Footsteps: Jewish Women's Leadership and the Pursuit of Justice

Ep #24: In Miriam's Footsteps: Jewish Women's Leadership and the Pursuit of Justice

From Speaking Torah by Hebrew College

June 9, 2025 · 41 min · Season 9 · Episode 24

About this episode

Dr. Judith Rosenbaum discusses the legacy of Jewish women's leadership and their pursuit of justice through historical and modern examples.

Dr. Judith Rosenbaum, CEO of the Jewish Women's Archive, explores the rich legacy of Jewish women's leadership through the lens of biblical and modern examples. Through a careful examination of historical documents and personal letters, she reveals how Jewish women have creatively and courageously shaped their communities while pursuing justice. Drawing connections between biblical Miriam and contemporary leaders, Rosenbaum and her students unpack key moments when Jewish women challenged existing power structures and reimagined religious practices. From Henrietta Szold's eloquent 1916 letter asserting her right to say Kaddish to the guerrilla activism of Jewish Women Watching in the 1990s, we see how different generations employed varied strategies to effect change. Get full show notes and more information here: http://hebrewcollege.edu/podcast-24

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Judith Rosenbaum

Topics covered

  • Jewish women's leadership
  • pursuit of justice
  • historical documents
  • community impact
  • power structures
  • religious practices

Keywords

  • Jewish women
  • leadership
  • justice
  • Miriam
  • Henrietta Szold
  • activism
  • community
  • religion

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Jewish Women's Archive, Jewish Women Watching

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