Yael Kanarek and Tamar Biala discuss their project Toratah, which regenders the Bible, offering a matriarchal structure and female characters. They explore the process of regendering the Torah, the new perspectives it reveals, and the challenges it poses. They also touch on reactions to their teachings and the importance of creating an inclusive understanding of the text. The podcast delves into translation choices in the regendered version and discusses the shift in perspective while working on Toretta, which can be expressed through various mediums.
Toratah - the Regendered Bible seeks to explore a matriarchal structure and feminine divinity in contrast to the traditionally male-dominated Bible.
The Torah Ta project offers a fresh perspective by regendering the characters and encourages self-reflection and exploration of moral and ethical dilemmas from a new vantage point.
Deep dives
The Essence of Midrash
Midrash is not just a genre of literature, but an activity that seeks to extract deeper meanings from texts. It involves using various inquisitive methods, such as referencing other texts, to uncover hidden layers of interpretation. Midrash is a playful activity that teases out coded meanings and adds new layers of meaning to existing texts. It has been practiced since biblical times, with later books expanding on and sometimes even reversing the earlier meaning. The book of Ruth serves as an example of midrash, challenging the prohibition against marrying Moabites and presenting a new perspective on Deuteronomic law. Over time, midrash evolved from biblical tradition to external books, and eventually to commentaries about commentaries. Today, modern midrash projects, like Torah Ta, are pushing the boundaries of interpretation by rewriting the Torah and regendering its characters.
Regendering the Torah
The Torah Ta project aims to rewrite and regender the Torah, giving voice to feminine perspectives and experiences. By changing names and assigning female gender to characters, Torah Ta explores a non-patriarchal world and challenges traditional norms. This unique approach offers a different lens through which to examine biblical narratives. Rather than presenting a feminist manifesto, Torah Ta highlights the potential behaviors and experiences of women if they held the same power as men. It provides a fresh perspective that encourages self-reflection and explores moral and ethical dilemmas from a new vantage point.
Reaction and Pushback
Despite some expected pushback, the Torah Ta project has received relatively less criticism than anticipated. Some Orthodox individuals expressed disagreement through anonymous emails, while others denounced it for not aligning with their feminist ideals. Non-binary individuals raised concerns about the binary nature of the regendering and suggested exploring gender-neutral translations. However, overall feedback has been positive, with many individuals finding personal resonance and transformative experiences through Torah Ta's regendered text.
Moving from Text to Ritual
As the Torah Ta project expanded from a textual endeavor to a more ritualistic experience, readings and performances of Torah Ta have been incorporated into religious settings. Efforts have been made to adapt the regendered text to fit traditional ritual practices, such as creating tfillin, a ritual object, with the text of Torah Ta. Additionally, Torettu songs have been created and will be released in an album. The project aims to make Torah Ta more accessible and engaging by utilizing different artistic mediums to bring the text to life.
What do we learn from reversing the genders of Biblical characters and reworking the text to center on the feminine? With their ambitious project Toratah – the Regendered Bible, Yael Kanarek and Tamar Biala seek to find out. They offer a matriarchal structure, female characters, and feminine divinity that contrasts with a sacred text that has been dominated by masculinity and male characters for millennia. Yael and Tamar join Yehuda Kurtzer to discuss the process of regendering the Torah and the new and unexpected perspectives that Toratah reveals through transformative language.
Read texts from Toratah and learn more about the project HERE.
Get tickets to attend the Songs of Toratah: Album Release Concert HERE.
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