Taking the Plunge: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to the Mikveh by Miriam C. K. Berkowitz, Translation into Hebrew
Mikveh was largely ignored in much of Israeli society except for the most religious during most of the twentieth century. Rabbi Miriam Berkowitz’s 2007 book Taking the Plunge: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to the Mikveh has been well-received and used as a guide in multiple settings. She is now working on a Hebrew version of the book and Targum Shlishi is helping to support the translation and reworking.
Mavoi Satum, Support for Mesoravot Get, Jerusalem, Israel
Mavoi Satum provides legal and social support for women who have been refused a Jewish divorce (get). The organization also works towards a solving the problem of divorce refusal in Israel. Twenty percent of Jewish women in Israel seeking divorce are not able to freely exit their marriages. Under Israeli law, the religious courts have authority over marriage and divorce, leading to situations in which women are often trapped, sometimes for years. Mavoi Satum provides legal counseling and representation, emotional and psychological support, and empowerment training to women who have not been granted divorces.
JOFA, JOFA Journal, New York
The JOFA Journal is published by the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA), the leading organization advancing social change around gender issues in the Orthodox Jewish community. The journal includes scholarly articles, editorials, and updates on significant issues. Targum Shlishi helped to support the Fall 2010 issue of the publication, celebrating JOFA’s bat mitzvah and exploring the landscape of the bat mitzvah in the Orthodox community. For the issue, Targum Shlishi’s director, Aryeh Rubin, contributed an article entitled “Toward a Meaningful Bat Mitzvah: A Father Reflects.” JOFA’s objective is to expand the spiritual, ritual, intellectual, and political opportunities for women within the framework of halakha (Jewish law) by advocating meaningful participation and equality for women in family life, synagogues, houses of learning, and Jewish communal organizations to the full extent possible. The core JOFA belief is that fulfilling this mission will enrich and uplift the entire Jewish people.
W.I.Z.O. Florida, General Support, Miami
W.I.Z.O. (Women’s International Zionist Organization) is dedicated to advancing the status of women in Israel as well as providing for the welfare of all sectors of Israeli society and encouraging Jewish education. W.I.Z.O.’s Miami branch supports the organization’s primary objectives. Targum Shlishi often supports W.I.Z.O. and W.I.Z.O. Florida initiatives.