Women at the Crossroads

description of book A Women’s Perspective on the Weekly Torah Portion Women at the Crossroads: A Woman’s Perspective on the Weekly Torah Portion comprises 53 essays pertaining to women based on each of the weekly Torah Portions throughout the year. Rebbetzin Chana Bracha Siegelbaum discusses in-depth the characters and dilemmas of the women in the Torah that are relevant to the issues which women encounter today. The author explores the underlying values of laws and rituals that pertain to women by examining the inherent nature of women as presented in the Torah. Based on the intricacies of the Torah text, she shows the beauty and depth of the role of women as portrayed in the Torah and teaches the importance of women and their immense influence on society as prime movers of history. The book is divided into five chapters, corresponding to the five books of the Torah. Each chapter is divided into sections according to each Torah portion. In addition, it includes a comprehensive and useful compilation of biographies of the commentaries quoted in the book. Expounding the Torah text through methodical research of Midrash, Talmud and traditional commentators, such as Rashi and the Ramban, placed side-by-side with Chassidic masters like the Me’or v’Shemesh and modern commentators including Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, Rebbetzin Chana Bracha Siegelbaum weaves together the strands that make up the tapestry of life for the contemporary woman. Rather than paying homage to the external, competitive, masculine world, the author demonstrates how Jewish women of today may look inwards to the women in the Torah for guidance in choosing their priorities in life. “Women at the Crossroads brings a powerful and thought-provoking perspective based on Torah texts with a wide scope of commentaries, and offers a personal, relevant, and inspirational reading for women and men as well. Women from all walks of life will enjoy her refreshing perspective.” – Dr. Miriam Adahan “The author has spent many years teaching her unique and inspiring classes touching both hearts and minds. She has now given the reading public this rare combination in a lucid, readable form that will no doubt benefit many women.” -Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller “As a recognized authority in the field of Jewish women’s education, Rebbetzin Siegelbaum’s Torah commentary overflows with emunah, love of her fellow Jew, and love of our Holy Land of Israel” – Rabbi Lazer Brody