listening for
their voices
An exploration of contested status and the power of naming through a laser focus of the Torah lines that reveal Bilha & Zilpah. A way to move beyond framing these Jewish matriarchs solely through conditions of not having autonomy over their bodies, being named and categorized by others, having their voices silenced, having identity and control exerted over their children, and being invisible in plain sight. Tapping into the intersection of their realities with resonances that persist in the lives of marginalized people today.
Bilhah Zilpah Homecoming 2025 Registration is open!
Bilha & Zilpah: Silenced Voices of Sister Wives & Concubine Matriarchs
Flagship text study exploration of contested status and the power of naming through a laser focus of the Torah lines that reveal Bilha & Zilpah, beyond conditions of not having autonomy over their bodies, being named and categorized by others, having their voices silenced, having identity and control exerted over their children, and being invisible in plain sight, realities which still resonate in the lives of marginalized people today.
Source sheets contain Hebrew with English translation with secular auxiliary sources in English; open to all levels of Hebrew & text study experience. Customizable themes for different audiences & groups.
Shema Yisrael: Hearing Bilha & Zilpah Voices Through Creative Midrash
Guided personal writing journey that invites us to give dimensionality and voice to un-acknowledged Matriarchs. An opportunity to listen, through creative midrash prompts, for what Bilha & Zilpah can teach us today about surviving marginalization, realizing abolition, and being in sisterhood. No previous Midrash or writing background required.
Bilhah Zilpah Homecoming 2025
Bilhah & Zilpah Homecoming welcomes these matriarchs as they enter the Torah in parashat Vayeitzei through parashat Vayigash. Join us for three interactive online sessions of ritual dreaming and deepening relationship with the wisdom of these matriarchs.
BILHAH & ZILPAH ENTER – 12-1:30pmET November 23: A Homecoming Celebration to welcome Bilhah & Zilpah as they enter the Torah in parashat Vayeitzei. This interactive session will deepen your relationship with the wisdom of these matriarchs, continue ritual dreaming, and mark the anniversary of Jews of Color Sanctuary.
MODERN MATRIARCHS – 3-4:30pmET December 7: Link the wisdom of Bilhah & Zilpah to women throughout history who have navigated kindred silences and lack of bodily autonomy. Explore how their voices can help us understand our modern lives, find community, survive marginalization, and realize abolition.
ANCESTRAL STORIES – 3-4:30pmET December 21: Catch up on a year’s worth of learning focused on Bilhah & Zilpah through midrashic tales of ancestral connections, divine power, and generational wisdom for survival.
Jews of Color Sanctuary 