Heterodox Jewish Woman Podcast

How we got into the mess we are in, and how we can find a way forward that is compassionate, realistic, and authentically Jewish.Today I am interviewed by Jo Brew of Women’s Declaration International. The interview was not suitable for WDI’s channel as my positions are not radical feminist, but Jo kindly has allowed me to publish the interview here, which I hope will be a treat

How a post-modern deconstruction of religious education threatens the most effective tool our society has to inoculate children against antisemitism and other interethnic bigotry.You will have the best experience if you view this episode as a video on my Substack page: https://shirabatya.substack.com/p/worldviews-and-the-pan-berkshireYou can also find links to the notes at https://

A Rebbetzin, a Priest and a Muslim scholar discuss the problem of Truth in interfaith educationFor easily readable notes on this episode, go to https://shirabatya.substack.com/p/but-which-religion-is-correctThis episode is a real treat: a recording of a panel discussion held at the Limmud Festival in Birmingham UK on 23 December 2024.This is my first post in a while, due to a situa

J K Rowling's reluctance to forgive Dan and Emma is understandable, but a story from Reb Shlomo Carlebach shows us why she should be more generous. Reb Shlomo tells of a miser who has never given a penny of charity in all his life. Because all he ever offers is a single rusty penny. We assume he offers this to show his disdain for all who ask him for help. But are we correct?Listen

It is a mistake to focus excessively on the problem that children lack capacity to consent to trans medicalisation. The problem is much more serious than that.This audio essay explores how the concepts of medical care and consent have been queered by those campaigning for “gender affirmative” healthcare. By clarifying the mindset that leads people to find such treatments plausi

Organisations such as MEND and Stonewall can no longer be allowed to dominate diversity training. The potential solution may surprise you.You can find a written version of this article with hyperlinks to sources here:https://shirabatya.substack.com/p/can-we-mend-diversity-training This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bo

Jews and Feminists have common cause against extremists who wish to shut down debate. Any conflict of interests is illusory. I speak carefully here and I recommend listening at 1.25XYou can find a written version of this article with hyperlinks to sources here: https://shirabatya.substack.com/p/david-miller-jo-phoenix This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with

This year at Limmud Conference, I was privileged to attend a number of lectures by Ysoscher Katz, who heads Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. These talks have helped clarify in my mind why it is time to stop being embarrassed about being modern Orthodox Jews, and to hold our heads up and realise that not only are we just as halachic as our 'ultra Orthodox' fellow Jews, but actually we can c