Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance Hosts zoom event
The Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance Australia recently hosted an event dedicated to showcasing global Torah learning programs that are available to Australian women who are wanting to further their Torah knowledge from the comfort of their own homes.
Held on Wednesday 23 March 2022, the event hosted Australia’s first two scholars of the Ohr Torah Stone International Halakha Scholars Program in conjunction with one of the committee steering chairs, Dr Yardaena Osband.
“The discussion was really thoughtful and touched upon the new opportunities that are being created around the world that actively encourage women to study Torah, no matter their age or location,” said JOFA Australia President Nomi Kaltmann.
“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.
Questions that were posed to the panellists included their thoughts around what the future may hold for women in orthodox leadership as well as what is bringing them hope in discussions happening now around women’s Orthodox leadership.
Rabbanit Dr Hannah Hashkes, one of three trailblazing women who graduated from another one of Ohr Torah Stone’s high-level study programs in 2021 was also present at the Zoom event.
“It was a surprise and a real pleasure to see Rabbanit Hashkes on our Zoom event. She is renowned around the world for her excellence in Torah knowledge, trailblazing leadership and dedication to promoting women in orthodoxy,” said JOFA Australia President Nomi Kaltmann.
In Australia, with limited opportunities for high level and rigorous Torah study options, the Ohr Torah Stone program on offer helps to encourage women to continue their studies no matter where they are located. It is specifically designed to be conducted part-time in conjunction with work or studying.
“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.
Women who would like to know more about the program, are encouraged to contact Ohr Torah Stone, with the next intake expected in October 2022.
A recording of the event can be found here: https://youtu.be/EFZ5xgG7sqw
