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A yoetzet halacha (, plural: yoatzot; lit. Advisor in halakhah) is a controversial, recently created position, describing a Jewish woman certified to serve as an advisor to individuals with questions regarding Jewish practices relating to menstruation (known as taharat hamishpacha or "family purity", also referred to as the laws of niddah),Cohen, I. (2020). Menstruation and Religion: Developing a Critical Menstrual Studies Approach. The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Menstruation Studies, 115-129.Raucher, M. (2015). Yoatzot Halacha. Digital Judaism: Jewish Negotiations with Digital Media and Culture, 57. associated with the Open Orthodoxy movement.
Candidates for yoatzot halacha are chosen for their advanced Torah scholarship, leadership capabilities, and deep religious commitment. As professionals hired by synagogues, schools, and communities, the yoatzot respond to Orthodox women's questions about mikveh observance and Jewish law affecting couples, families, sexual relations, and women's medical issues.Ganzel, T., & Zimmerman, D. R. (2011). Women as Halakhic Professionals: The Role of the Yo'atzot Halakhah. Nashim: A Journal of Jewish Women's Studies & Gender Issues, 22(1), 162-171.
Although many Halachic authorities within the Modern Orthodox community allow Yoatzot, others strongly oppose it. Yoatzot: Both ‘Strongly Opposed’ and ‘Warmly Welcomed’ in the Teaneck Community
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