Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash is Senior Faculty at Pardes, where she teaches contemporary halakha and Talmud and also holds the positions of Education Director of the Pardes Learning Seminar and Sexual Misconduct Officer. Nechama studied in Matan’s Advanced Talmud Institute and Hilkhata. She holds a Masters in Talmud from Bar-Ilan University, and is a certified Yoetzet Halakha from Nishmat.
In addition to her work at Pardes, Nechama is Senior Faculty at Midreshet Torah V’Avodah, Lecturer at Matan Jerusalem, and Director of Kitvuni at Matan. She has published Uncovered: Women’s Roles, Mitzvot and Sexuality in Jewish Law, which explores questions of women and halakha in contemporary Jewish life. Nechama lives in Gush Etzion with her family and enjoys ice cream, meditation and yoga.
What defines Jewish belonging—land, Torah, or loyalty? In this episode, Parshat Matot-Masei sparks a rich conversation between Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash about the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and Menashe who ask to settle east of the Jordan…
Tanakh, Torah, Bamidbar (Numbers), Critical issues, Israel, Masei
How do life’s transitions invite spiritual renewal? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash explore the cycles of tumah (impurity) and taharah (purity) in Tazria-Metzora. They discuss how life experiences like birth, intimacy, and death naturally create…
Tanakh, Torah, Vayikra (Leviticus), Metzora, Podcast series, Pardes Parsha Podcast
Can legacy and memory transform the pain of loss into purpose? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash reflect on the tragedy of Nadav and Avihu in Parshat Shemini, exploring how the loss of Aaron’s sons on…
Podcast series, Pardes Parsha Podcast, Tanakh, Torah, Vayikra (Leviticus), Shemini
Are Jacob’s final words blessings, prophecies, or something else entirely? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash delve into Parshat Vayechi, focusing on Jacob’s final blessings to his sons. They explore the complex nature of these “blessings,”…
Tanakh, Torah, Bereishit (Genesis), Podcast series, Pardes Parsha Podcast, Vayechi
What can Avraham’s journey teach us about finding inner light when surrounded by uncertainty? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Nechama Goldman Barash to delve into Parshat Lech Lecha. They discuss the complex dynamics between Sarai and Hagar,…
Tanakh, Torah, Bereishit (Genesis), Lech Lecha, Podcast series, Pardes Parsha Podcast
How does the Torah guide us in creating balanced and just leadership? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Nechama Goldman Barash explore Parshat Shoftim, delving into the Torah’s vision for leadership and governance. They discuss the various models of leadership…
Tanakh, Torah, Devarim (Deuteronomy), Podcast series, Pardes Parsha Podcast, Shoftim
The following article was originally published as part of the 5784/2023 Edition of Havruta Magazine. Surprisingly or not, the idea that people might create entities capable of mimicking their physical and cognitive abilities did not exceed the imagination of our…
Critical issues, Modernity
Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash joins us this week for an investigation of the eternal flame that burned upon the altar. Contemplating the balance between the passion of the burning fire and the steadfastness of its daily lighting, Zvi and Nechama…
Tanakh, Torah, Vayikra (Leviticus), Tzav
Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash joins us to share her take on this week’s parsha, and the infamous story of the Golden Calf. We’ll discuss how this event can serve as an example of the inevitable moments of collapse and the…
Tanakh, Torah, Shemot (Exodus), Ki Tisa
Thoughtful explorations of Jewish legal and historical texts on women’s roles and place in Jewish faith and practice.