Yoetzet halacha
A yoetzet halacha is a recently created position, describing a Jewish woman certified to serve as an advisor to individuals with questions regarding Jewish practices relating to menstruation.
Overview
The role of the yoetzet halacha is somewhat circumscribed. As titled, it is advisory: yoatzot convey information for clear-cut situations, and take the more complicated questions to a talmid chacham equipped to discern and decide between competing halachic arguments.The Halachot here are a standard component of Rabbinical education – see under and – and Yoatzot receive corresponding training.
Candidates for yoatzot halacha are chosen for their advanced Torah scholarship, leadership capabilities, and deep religious commitment. As professionals hired by synagogues, schools, and communities, the yoatzot respond to Orthodox women's questions about mikveh observance and Jewish law affecting couples, families, sexual relations, and women's medical issues.
Although many Halachic authorities within the Modern Orthodox community support Yoatzot, others are opposed.
Certification
Nishmat is the only institution certifying women as yoatzot halacha. The program spans two years of study – covering the traditional sources – with shiurim by Rabbi Yaacov Warhaftig of Machon Ariel in Jerusalem, and parallel Chavruta-based study. On completion, candidates must pass a four-hour exam, administered by four testing rabbis.At its founding, the program received the support of, amongst others, Rabbi Nahum Rabinovitch; its posek was Rabbi Yehuda Henkin. The "Keren Ariel" training program for Yoatzot Halacha was established by Rabbanit Chana Henkin in 1997, and has since certified about 220 Yoatzot Halacha worldwide.