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2010 vs 2015: Reflections From the Frontline
Rabba Sara Hurwitz, Dean
 When the RCA released its resolution this past Friday condemning the ordination of woman as violating its view of Jewish tradition, I was immediately transported back to 2010 when the RCA presented its first such statement. At that time, I recall feeling isolated and unsure of the future of Orthodox women in my position.
Today, just five years later, so much has changed. I no longer feel isolated, and I am 100% certain of the future of Orthodox women serving as clergy in halakhically committed communities across the Unites States.
Reactions - Then and Now: Read here
In the Media
This week many of our students, graduates, and leaders of our community had the opportunity to share aspects of the important work and vision of Yeshivat Maharat.
Thanks to the RCA, We Now Have Female Clergy
By Miriam Gross '19
The Times of Israel, 11/5/15
Female Clergy Are Key to 'Sacred Continuity'
By Rabba Dr. Melanie Landua, '15
The Forward, 11/3/15
My Maharat Life
By Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez '18
Redefining Rebbetzin, 11/5/15
Women can be Rabbis, in Keeping with Tradition
By Rabbi Avi Weiss, Founder
The Jewish Week, 11/3/15
Facts on the Ground for One Maharat Student
By Marianne Novak '19
Times of Israel, 11/6/15
Why All Jews Should Fight for Women Rabbis not Just the Orthodox
By Jane Eisner
Forwrad, 11/5/15
For more articles, visit our website!
Insights from the Parsha
Dr. Erin Leib Smokler,
Director of Spiritual Development
This week’s parsha, Chayei Sarah, or “The life of Sarah,” begins with the death of Sarah.
וַיִּהְיוּ חַיֵּי שָׂרָה מֵאָה שָׁנָה וְעֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה וְשֶׁבַע שָׁנִים שְׁנֵי חַיֵּי שָׂרָה:
וַתָּמָת שָׂרָה בְּקִרְיַת אַרְבַּע הִוא חֶבְרוֹן בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנָעַן וַיָּבֹא אַבְרָהָם לִסְפֹּד
לְשָׂרָה וְלִבְכֹּתָהּ:
And the life of Sarah was one hundred years and twenty years and seven years; [these were] the years of the life of Sarah. And Sarah died in Kiriath Arba, which is Hebron, in the land of Canaan, and Abraham came to eulogize Sarah and to bewail her. (Genesis 23:1-2)
This final phrase--"וַיָּבֹא אַבְרָהָם לִסְפֹּד לְשָׂרָה וְלִבְכֹּתָהּ"--marks one of the saddest moments in Tanach. Sara dies and Avraham comes to eulogize her.
Continue reading here. To subscribe to Dr. Leib Smokler's weekly blog please email info@yeshivatmaharat.org.
Dr. Carmella Abraham, Class of 2017
Our Shalshelet Moment Has Arrived
The shalshelet, literally a chain, is one of the rarest cantillation marks used in chanting the Torah. It appears four times and is an extended vocalization that rises and falls as it is chanted. The shalshelet’s unusual appearances beckons us to understand its inherent message. We encounter it in Parshat Chayei Sarah over the word “said” when Eliezer prays to God asking for a sign help him identify the chosen mate for Yitzchak, “And he said Oh Lord God of my master Avraham, I pray thee, cause it to happen before me this day and show kindness to my master Avraham” (Bereshit 24:12). Continue reading here.
Sign the petition
Why do you support women in Orthodox leadership roles? Sign the Change.org petition and tell the world! Help us get to 3,000 signatures before Shabbat! Every voice matters.
Women Leaders Unite For Torah
Orthodox women leaders across organizations are learning all of Tanakh (Bible) and Shas (Talmud) in a beautiful display of unity. Calling all leaders, teachers, yoatzot, and clergy: sign up, and share! (The password is learningtogether)
Mazal tov to Yael and Will Keller on the birth of a baby boy!
Mazal Tov to Maharat Rori Picker Neiss on her important meeting with the Pope. See full article here.
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