How to Become a Yoetzet Halacha

Nishmat’s groundbreaking Yoatzot Halacha program is among the leading halachic studies programs for women today. Both the Keren Ariel Fellowship program at Nishmat’s center in Jerusalem, and the Miriam Glaubach Center Fellows Program in the United States, extend over two years and provide in-depth study of hilchot niddah under the mentorship of outstanding scholars and poskim, as well as a full curriculum dedicated to women’s health and other fields related to the observance of Taharat HaMishpacha.

Applicants are selected on the basis of their religious commitment, Torah scholarship, fluency in original halachic texts, and demonstrated leadership potential.

Students study the original sources of the laws of Taharat HaMishpacha, including the Talmudic sources and commentaries, the major halachic codes, and responsa literature. Weekly shiurim by our Rabbanim as well as Keren Ariel Director Rabbanit Noa Lau in our Jerusalem program, are supplemented by classes with prominent poskim. Rabbinic authorities are accessible to answer and discuss questions. In addition, a panel of visiting specialists and professionals teach classes and seminars on gynecology, fertility, women’s health, mental health, sexuality, psychology and counseling.

Throughout the course of study, each fellow must pass detailed written exams. At the end of the two-year program, the candidate is tested orally on the entire halachic subject matter by four leading rabbinic examiners. Upon passing this stage, each woman completes a training program to acquire practical tools for offering halachic counsel. At this point, the candidate becomes a certified Yoetzet Halacha.

Nishmat is committed to developing opportunities for the Yoatzot Halacha. Some graduates are employed by Nishmat’s Golda Koschitzky Women’s Halachic Hotline, which responds to tens of thousands of halachic inquiries each year. Nishmat also employs Yoatzot Halacha on Yoatzot.org to answer questions in English, Hebrew, French, and Spanish. In addition, Yoatzot Halacha are engaged in research and writing, both under the auspices of the Nishmat HaBayit Research Institute, and in leading Jewish journals. Many communities in North America now employ Yoatzot Halacha to serve the needs of their membership. In Israel and worldwide, Yoatzot answer questions and teach classes that draw on their extensive knowledge of both halacha and women’s health.

A new cohort of women are beginning their studies to become a Yoetzet Halacha in the summer/fall of 2025. Applications for the following cohort will begin in the winter of 2027. For more information about the Keren Ariel Program click here or contact [email protected]. For more information about the Miriam Glaubach Center Fellow program for Yoatzot outside of Israel, please see here.