Mikeitz Sheva Shanim: Reflections on Seven Years of Serving as a Yoetzet Halacha in Teaneck

By Shoshana Samuels

Jewish Link New Jersey | July 04, 2018

(Courtesy of the Teaneck Yoetzet Initiative) As I declutter my home and pack for aliyah this summer, my physical preparations are balanced by a fair amount of reminiscing and reflecting on the past seven years. Seven years, over 100 local presentations, more than 6,000 halachic consultations, and the privilege of helping more than 1,300 individual women and couples. I’ve learned so much during this time, and wanted to share some parting thoughts with you.

Knowledge Is Power

Ignorance is not bliss. Sure, we can go into many situations in life without information and manage okay. But lack of information can make us vulnerable and frustrated. In particular, lack of awareness of the nuances of the laws of taharat hamishpacha can cause a tremendous amount of strain on many people’s observance and their attitudes toward halacha. For example, a woman who thinks all colored discharge makes her status change can spend months attempting to get to the mikvah, each exasperating stain chiseling away at her appreciation of the laws and potentially damaging her relationship with Hashem and/or her husband.
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