A group of 18 scholars from around the world came to Israel last week to meet face to face and learn together after studying Torah intensively via zoom, in class and in pairs, for more than a year. Participants in this unique summer seminar are all enrolled in the 4-year International Halakha Scholars Program (IHSP), a division of the Israel-based Susi Bradfield Women’s Institute of Halakhic Leadership (WIHL) that is specifically geared towards an international student body. , with representatives from the United States, England, Germany, Israel, Canada and Australia,

“This summer seminar represents an ongoing commitment to change in our communities as it relates to women in leadership positions,” explained Rabbanit Dr. Hannah Hashkes, program director. “The Jewish world, both here in Israel and abroad, has clearly demonstrated its desire to see women as full partners in Torah study and halakhic conversation in general and to serve as leaders in within our communities. The Ohr Torah Stone Educational Network has responded to this growing level of interest with the creation of the IHSP and by hosting this seminar dedicated to exploring women’s leadership positions in the world of Torah and halakha.

The IHSP curriculum for Jewish educators, scholars, and community leaders includes an advanced course in Halakha study in the subjects of Shabbat, Aveilut (mourning), Kashrut, and Nidda (family purity and fertility) . The program also offers two intensive in-person summer seminars on leadership development, writing and communication skills, and the philosophy of halakha.

During the week, participants met leading figures in the world of female Torah study and took part in classes focusing on topics ranging from religion-state issues, challenges between traditional theology and contemporary female thought, new initiatives among halachic leaders, etc.

Reflecting on this experience, Joanne Greenaway, Chief Executive of the London School of Jewish Studies, said: “We were treated to a series of masterclasses with pioneers and role models, some of the greatest Torah scholars in our generation, who have developed the space of learning for women and provided us with essential role models, the management of institutions, the publication of halachic writings and, above all, teaching.

“I return to my work at LSJS and my mission of educational excellence and the nurturing of the next generation of education leaders for the UK with enthusiasm to pursue my own learning, a renewed sense of purpose”, she continued. “With a belief in creating high-level learning opportunities, spaces for women to grow and contribute, and a knowledge that, as it says in The Ethics of the Fathers, ‘if we are not here to finish the job, nor are we free to give it up.’”

“This seminar gave us all the opportunity to meet face-to-face, bond as a group, study Torah in depth, and explore in depth many issues that affect participants’ leadership and communities. around the world,” added Dr. Yardaena. Osband, assistant professor of pediatrics at New York Medical College, and study partner Joanne Greenaway’s international chavruta for five hours a week during the academic year.

“We are honored to be the home of Torah and Halacha study for serious Jewish women around the world and thrilled to welcome the inaugural cohort of IHSP here in Israel this summer,” the rabbi said. Dr. Kenneth Brander, President and Rosh HaYeshiva of Ohr Torah. Rock. “Providing advanced learning opportunities for female Torah scholars will ultimately lead to a broader and more effective landscape of Jewish leadership that will benefit our entire community.”