Must yoatzot halacha candidates be married?
14 January, 2012
Question:Must one be married in order to study to become a Yoeztet Halacha?
If yes, is the purpose so that the yoetzet may share either the experience of having marital relations or marriage difficulties with the asker? If that is the reason, can you explain this rationale in light of the reality that men can attain semicha – and can deal with questions of niddah – without first being married?
Thank you for all the wonderful work you do.
Answer:Yes, being married is a requirement for entering Keren Ariel, the yoetzet halacha training program.
As opposed to semicha (rabbinic ordination) programs that confer a general credential, Keren Ariel trains women to specialize in answering questions in taharat hamishpacha. Women usually do not turn to inexperienced, unmarried rabbis on questions of this nature if they can help it, regardless of their semicha credentials. Resources are limited, so our program is selective. Each student is an investment, one best made in training women with the maximum likelihood of being immediately helpful to other women.
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