My Journey To Becoming A Yoetzet Halacha

By Yaffa Setton

As far back as I can remember, I’ve always loved learning Torah. As a student, I excelled in my Judaic subjects and I remember studying every pasuk and Rashi in the study guide for the BJE High School entrance exam.

I sat with my father for hours, enthusiastically memorizing pesukim, eager to uncover the answers to Rashi’s questions. In high school, I looked forward to all of my Judaic classes; Gemara, Halacha, Tanach, and Jewish philosophy. It was a no-brainer that I’d continue to pursue high-level learning in Israel, and my year there exceeded all my expectations. As it came to a close, I was certain that learning Torah would always be a central part of my life.

But my life took a slightly different path. As determined as I was to keep Torah learning a priority in college and my career, when it came time for graduate school, going into healthcare felt like the right fit. I loved working with people, and I had a strong sense that I could help improve their quality of life in this profession. I also thoroughly enjoyed the coursework. Anatomy and physiology gave me a deeper appreciation for how resilient, intricate, and brilliant the human body is. And I found true fulfillment thinking that I could become a resource in this area.

Once I became involved with my community through my husband’s position as a shul rabbi, I began teaching brides. I welcomed the opportunity out of a deep love of learning. The more I taught, the more women turned to me for guidance, and the more motivated I became to serve as a supportive resource.

I soon realized that many of their questions were multilayered. Beyond simple halachic inquiries, there were complex scenarios requiring a deeper understanding of halacha and medical procedures, paired with emotional support. To meet these needs, I knew I needed to broaden my knowledge, which led me to consider becoming a yoetzet halacha. I loved teaching brides, answering their questions, and uncovering underlying thought processes from primary sources. Over time, I took advantage of every opportunity available by attending webinars and programs from the OU, The Eden Center, and Nishmat trainings for rebbetzins.

Yet, as much as I enjoyed these experiences, I felt called to do more. I reached out to Rabbanit Atara Eis about the application process, applied, and was accepted, beginning a journey that would profoundly impact my life and the lives of the women around me. Honestly, I had not anticipated just how transformative the experience would be. I expected my existing knowledge to be enriched with greater depth; instead, I was introduced to a whole new world. Beyond mastering the vast body of knowledge, I learned how to listen more deeply, address scenarios loaded with complexity and emotion, and become a better teacher, all while being immensely inspired by the rabbis, yoatzot, and clinicians from whom I was privileged to learn.

Stepping into this role has deepened my commitment to women’s learning, which has always been a core passion of mine, even as balancing it through different stages of life presented real challenges. Living an observant life often involves a continuous journey to find meaning, maintain true commitment to avodat Hashem, and foster ahavat Hashem. Balancing these goals as a working mother is one of life’s most meaningful complexities. Through my work as a yoetzet and my ongoing studies, I strive to teach, empower, and bring greater meaning to women’s lives as they navigate their own commitment to halacha within their evolving roles. In doing so, I hope to cultivate that same meaning in my own life while serving as a role model for my children so they can achieve greater heights in both Torah and secular pursuits.

It is remarkable how the more you learn, the more you realize how much more there is to learn. I feel deeply fortunate that becoming a yoetzet halacha has allowed me to integrate everything I am passionate about: learning, connecting with people, offering guidance to empower others, and strengthening relationships within marriages and with Hashem. It’s a profound honor and privilege to serve Am Yisrael in this role as a yoetzet halacha.

On December 1, 2026. twenty years since Dr. Felix Glaubach, z’l, named the Miriam Glaubach Center for his beloved wife Miriam, American Friends of Nishmat will honor this iconic couple along with their Shevet Glaubach. If you’d like to pay tribute or attend this gala, please visit afnishmat.org/gala. 

Yaffa is a Yoetzet Halacha who serves as the Director of Programming for a women’s Beit Midrash and teaches Judaic Studies at Yeshiva of Flatbush High School. As a Melava Poriyut, she provides fertility counseling and offers halachic guidance to Sephardic communities in Brooklyn and Deal. In addition to teaching brides while also training kallah teachers, Yaffa recently completed Ematai’s Advanced Torah Study Program for Women in End-of-Life Care and is currently a Walder PhD Fellow.