Rebbetzin Heller is a senior lecturer at Neve Yerushalayim College in Jerusalem. Amongst her many areas of expertise are the role of women in Judaism and analysis of the lives of women in the Bible. Rebbetzin Heller herself is an example of a woman who has managed to balance her responsibilities as the mother of a large family with her roles as international speaker and author.
Society is quickly shrinking into itself, creating a dearth of trust at its core. How does this erosion reflect on ourselves and how we view one another? Also hear how any subconscious negativity we express towards others can add to the breakdown, and can even cause us to erect a facade of perfection and confidence, which may further reduce our sense of security.
The need for intimacy is a basic inborn drive. Judaism is not afraid or ashamed to extoll this great value when used in its proper setting. So when is this drive a valuable foundation for the home and marriage - as opposed to being an end in itself? Once its essence is understood, and how Torah tempers it towards a healthy, natural expression of self, it will become obvious why misusing it can be harmful to the user.
Rebbetzin Heller presents a sweeping view of where the education of our daughters is headed. She defines chinuch, what it means for them to become an 'Ezer Kenegdo,' and where secular influence has seeped into them. She brilliantly balances the seeming dichotomy of helping our daughters become true Bnos Yisrael, while fully developing their talents and strengths in all areas. The concluding question and answer period brings up pressing and relevant issues that are answered with precision and clarity.
How much discipline do we need to apply and how much love is needed to balance it off? Finding the perfect school is impossible - so what should we look for when choosing one and what are the priorities? Also, what should our relationship be with the children when there are major disagreements between the parents on how to discipline them?
Does it seem that instead of women gracefully rising above the glass ceiling, that many are crashing through it on their way down? Rebbetzin Heller lays all the cards on the table with unabashed candor and refreshing humor as she delves into many sensitive topics that women thirst to hear more about.
Doesn't it seem that instead of rising gracefully above the glass ceiling, many women are crashing through it on their way down? Rebbetzin Heller lays all the cards on the table with unabashed candor and refreshing humor as she delves into many sensitive topics that women thirst for.
The concepts of tum'ah and taharah are deep principles that need a sufficient amount of time and mental space to process the powerful forces that affect life cycles - like birth and death. Also, Rebbizen Heller explains how the forces of sexuality fit into these concepts. Hear how certain relationships that are forbidden by the Torah shed light on what a good marriage is to be based upon.
Who has more personal satisfaction and creative self-expression: a feminist or a woman with traditional Jewish values? Rebbetzin Heller travels from the dawn of creation to the 21st century. Hear an insightful explanation of how feminism evolved, and Judaism's response to this development. She also unravels other emotionally charged issues such as: the laws of modesty, women in the rabbinate, agunahs, women and minyan, and a woman's need for Torah learning.
Why do so many wonderful wives and mothers struggle with discontent and non-fulfillment? The Vilna Gaon says it stems from the nature of the work they typically do – which is consistently undone, or needs to be done again the next day. Rebbitzen Heller reveals a list of practical objectives we can use for gaining a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
From where do our thoughts come, and really who are we underneath the facade we show the world? Perhaps by cutting through to the basic message society is feeding us about who we should be and the priorities to have, then we can better understand what God expects of us, and our responsibilities to other people.