Podcast: Empowered Jewish Women of Orthodox Copacabana

Young Jewish women in an orthodox Jewish community in Rio De Janeiro shed perspective on balancing tradition and individuality, the potential of Jewish wisdom, and the power of community while reflecting on their personal journeys.

Stella, (middle), age 18, respects and admires her orthodox upbringing while excitedly exploring new ways to connect with Judaism. She is rediscovering traditions she always observed with a more creative and personal approach and thinking, "maybe I'm even more Jewish than I thought I was."

Paloma, (left), age 26, has recently became involved in a Jewish youth community for the first time that has inspired her to rethink the role she wants Judaism to play in her life.

Both women were empowered by other women to take reins of their Jewish identities, to search for what's personally meaningful to them, and empower other women to do the same, in an Orthodox space (called Bait). Together they discuss breaking the restrictive social norms of Orthodox spaces without breaking the religious laws. They have stories of receiving push back, but in this conversation they focus on the support they have received. Listen to hear about their love for their favorite Jewish values and traditions, the nature of their beloved community, and their process of becoming protagonists in their Jewish journeys.

Link to Spotify Episode: Empowered Jewish Women of Orthodox Copacabana

(And to learn more about the Brazilian Jewish women's group Stella mentions, Kehilah, listen to my next podcast where I interview its founder!)