The Joy of Text is a monthly podcast about Judaism, sexuality, and the intersection of the two. Co-hosted by YCT President and Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Dov Linzer and Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus and moderated by Sara Rozner Lawrence, this podcast features in-depth conversations by rabbinic and medical experts about subjects that you’ll never hear discussed anywhere else, even online.

The Joy of Text is a project of The Lindenbaum Center for Halakhic Studies and is sponsored by Maze Women’s Health and Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School. The show is produced and edited by Maximillian Hollander.

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Sex Education, Part 1 – Early Childhood In this episode, we discuss how parents should talk with their young children around issues that relate to sex, body parts, physical touch, and more – what language and tone one should use, at what age should certain topics be raised, and how do we balance these conversations with our values and with concerns for tzniut? Then, we chat with our own moderator, Sara Rozner-Lawrence, about her recently published book “Monologues from the Makom,” a collection of poetry and prose from Orthodox women about sexuality, gender, body image, and Jewish identity.

BONUS EPISODE: Reflections on Five Years with the Joy of Text In this bonus episode, our hosts reflect on wrapping up their fifth season of the Joy of Text, reminisce about some of their favorite episodes, and look forward to next season. Thank you to all of our longtime listeners for sticking with us, and thank you to all of our new listeners for joining us on this fantastic journey!

Learning Torah after Sex (Berachot 22A) In this episode, we look at various opinions in the Gemara about limitations on learning Torah after having sex and explore the potential spiritual and psychological effects sex can have on the way we engage with Torah.

The Family Planning Episode We now have the potential to control the sizes of our families more than ever before. In this episode, we discuss family planning and ask what exercising this control says about our approaches to family life and sex, and how this freedom can be balanced with our halachic obligations to have children and raise a Jewish family. Then, we chat with Rebbetzin Rachel Druk, the Rebbetzin of the Chabad of Cancun, and learn about her experience bringing Jewish women to the ocean to perform the mitzvah of Mikveh. https://soundcloud.com/jewishpublicmedia/the-family-planning-episode

Shema and Strange Bedfellows (Berachot 24A) In this episode, we examine a passage in Tractate Berachot regarding reciting the Shema while lying unclothed next to family members and others, and grapple with perspectives and social norms different than our own.

BONUS EPISODE: Interview with an “Unorthodox” Kallah teacher In this episode, we sit down with award-winning producer, filmmaker and actor, Michal Birnbaum, who most recently played the Kallah teacher on the Netflix hit series, Unorthodox. We talk about her portrayal of the character, how she prepared for the role of a Kallah teacher in an Ultra-Orthodox community, and much more!

Sexuality Throughout the Lifespan In this episode, we discuss the complexities of changes in our sex lives through different life stages. We look at how couples can spice up their private life when youthful signals like Mikveh night fade away, and when different aspects of life might get in the way of intimacy. Then, we sit down with Bracha Bard-Wigder, known as Balaboostas, to discuss her work as an Orthodox birth doula and sex and intimacy coach.

Whispering Sweet Nothings? (Zohar I:49a-b) In this episode we look at a passage from the Zohar which seems to put the woman in charge of the sexual relationship, and we ask the question: what does sleeping on rocks, flattery and apes have to do with all this?

Mechitzah, Gender, and Transgender Activism One of the defining characteristics of an Orthodox synagogue is the mechitzah. But where does it come from and what is it about? On this episode, we discuss the ins-and-outs of mechitza. Is the goal to make women invisible, to create a gender-separate space, or something else? And does mechitza truly make for a better davening space? Then, we sit down with Rabbi Mike Mozkowitz, scholar in residence for trans and queer Jewish studies at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, to discuss his work, his Torah and his advocacy for LBGTQ+ members of the Jewish community.