for Advanced Studies
First Gender LectureDr. Channa Pinchasi: On Yalta and Scepticism
25 June 2016
A Lecture On Yalta and Scepticism by Dr. Channa Pinchasi.
Yalta is a unique figure in Rabbinic literature. In scattered references in the Talmud we are introduced to a knowledgeable, distinguished woman who is a Torah scholar. A short story in Tractate Berahot sheds a somewhat confusing light on her personality: was Yalta a spoilt and peevish woman or rather a subversive character, through which Hazal, the Jewish sages of the Talmudic era (חז"ל), criticise themselves?
During the presentation I will discuss various interpretations of the story, which will guide us between sceptical and anti-sceptical points of view. These interpretations will refer to the symbolic layers of the story and its context, to traditional and feminist commentaries, and to gender characteristics of the Hebrew language. All of these hermeneutical options will enable us to examine whether Yalta's story should make us sceptical or hopeful as to Hazal’s attitude towards women.
Short Bio
Dr. Channa Pinchasi wrote her PhD at Bar Ilan University on Gender Constructions in Midrash Eikhah Rabbah, offering a feminist interpretation to this classical Rabbinical text. Channa is a research fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute and facilitates Heder mi-shelakh, a Beth Midrash for female leaders. Channa is also the director of the Be’eri School for Teacher Education at the Hartman Institute. She lives in Jerusalem and is a mother of four.
The lecture will be held at 6 o'clock (pm) on the 25th of June 2016 and will be located at:
For a poster, featuring the Information on the workshop, klick here.