Global Torah learning programs targeting women
After successfully launching in Melbourne in May, the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance Australia is hosting an event dedicated to showcasing global Torah learning programs that are available to Australian women who want to further their Torah knowledge.
In October 2021, the Susi Bradfield Women’s Institute of Halachic Leadership at Ohr Torah Stone in Israel launched the International Halacha Scholars Program.
Twenty-six women, including two Australians, enrolled in the inaugural class of this four-year, part-time program featuring a course of advanced study of halakha in the subjects of Shabbat, Aveilut (Mourning), Kashrut, and Niddah (Family Purity).
“It is wonderful that global learning opportunities now exist that are available to Australian Jewish women wanting to further their Torah study without leaving the country,” said JOFA Australia President Nomi Kaltmann.
The Zoom event will host Dr Yardaena Osband, a medical doctor and one of the steering committee members of the program. Dr Osband has taught in many schools, synagogues and lectures on Tanach, Halacha, and Talmud with a specific interest in the biographies of the Taanim and Amoraim. She also serves on the board of ORA- Organization for the Resolution of Agunot, The Riverdale Minyan and is a founder of the Orthodox Leadership Project.
JOFA Australia is hosting her in conversation with Australia’s first two scholars in the International Halakha Scholars Program, Melburnians Sarah Winthrope and Batya Maron.
Students commit to 8 hours of study per week: 3 hours of classes one morning a week and 5 hours of chevruta study. Instruction is conducted virtually and is led in English.
“The pandemic has led to new remote programs that open up the world to Australian scholars that want to further their Jewish education and now no longer need to leave the country in order to access these programs,” said Kaltmann. “Australia has shown itself to be ready for greater women’s involvement in all Orthodox areas of life with many women seeking to participate in learning and teaching Torah.”
JOFA Australia intends to promote existing initiatives as well as actively promote women to positions of leadership in Orthodox institutions across Australia so that women are aware of these opportunities and take advantage of them.
Date: Wednesday 23 March 2022
Time: 7pm
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/BXLPQ
Charge: This is a free event, but preregistration is required
