Perth’s Carmel School educator selected to embark on empowering learning journey
Carmel School’s Teacher of Jewish Studies, Hebrew and Food Technology, Shohan Taub, has secured one of only ten available Australian scholarships for the Torah L’Am course.
Shohan Taub
“Unprecedented Opportunity for Australian Women: LSJS and JOFA Australia Introduce Exclusive Torah L’Am Course on Zoom”
In a groundbreaking collaboration between the London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS), Lead at the Jewish Leadership Council UK (Lead – Inspiring Jewish Leaders), and the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA) Australia, Australian women are being granted a unique chance to gain access to the highly sought-after Torah L’Am course via Zoom. This 12-week program, previously unavailable in Australia, aims to provide participants with an immersive experience in Torah study and empowerment.
Shohan, one of the fortunate few to receive a scholarship for this esteemed cohort, expresses her gratitude, stating, “I am among ten women in Australia to be offered a scholarship for this cohort, which is a significant privilege.”
Delivered through a series of webinars and diverse learning opportunities, the course features renowned instructors from LSJS, and distinguished experts in their respective fields. Shohan eagerly anticipates learning alongside esteemed educators such as Miriam Lorie, Rabbi in Training at Kehillat Nashira, the first orthodox British woman to hold a clergy role, and Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum, the esteemed Dean of LSJS. The course encompasses practical assignments, culminating in a final Torah talk presentation scheduled for early September.
Notably, Shohan has also been accepted into another exclusive course in partnership with JOFA – Biblical Women: Emerging from the Margins through Midrash. Over the course of ten weeks, this enriching learning journey focuses on exploring the lives of influential women in the Tanach (Bible). Participants engage with the creative and imaginative teachings of revered sages and modern scholars alike.
Shohan shares her insights, stating, “JOFA Australia’s aim is to expand the spiritual, ritual, intellectual, and political opportunities for women in Australia within the framework of Halakha (Jewish law). They believe that the best way to empower women and help them take on positions of leadership is to provide opportunities that offer further training and education.”
With a profound commitment to personal and professional growth, Shohan recognises the importance of expanding educational opportunities for Orthodox women. She believes it is her obligation to herself and her students to seize these opportunities and broaden her knowledge. Shohan looks forward to sharing her newfound wisdom with her colleagues at Carmel School, enriching the education of their students.
The collaborative efforts of LSJS, Lead, and JOFA Australia have created an unprecedented platform for Australian women to delve into the profound teachings of Torah through the Torah L’Am course. These educational initiatives reflect the ever-expanding landscape of opportunities for Orthodox women and the ongoing dedication to empower them to assume leadership roles within the community.
