Feminism and Jewish Identity in a Time of War

In an era of intense conflict, the intersection of Jewish identity and feminist principles has become a battleground. This video explores the unique challenges facing Jewish feminists — from reinterpretations of scripture to the political weaponization of antisemitism. In this conversation, Dr. Judith Plaskow, a pioneer in Jewish feminist theology, discusses the origins of Jewish feminist theology and why Jewish feminists cannot ignore theological questions. While she has criticized anti-Judaism in Christian feminist thought, she explores the crucial difference between anti-Judaism and antisemitism. She shares how the wars in Iran and Gaza prompted her to rethink Jewish identity, especially during this year's Passover. As one of the co-founders of the Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion, Dr. Plaskow discusses changes of feminist scholarship in religion and the challenges of making the journal fully inclusive — incorporating contributions from women of color and international scholars. A scholar and activist, Dr. Plaskow also reflects on her work supporting incarcerated women and her ongoing commitment to reproductive justice. Dr. Judith Plaskow is the author of Standing Again at Sinai: Judaism from a Feminist Perspective.