The JOFA mission statement speaks about effecting change in the status of Orthodox women in their personal and communal lives. Change does not occur in just one place, nor is it accomplished by one person, and it does not happen overnight. That is why the contribution of each one of us, wherever we may live, has been and will continue to be, so important. Assuming leadership, which is really about making this contribution, cannot always be the role of someone else. Each of us must take on the task and lend our own special talents to accomplish a larger goal.
Twenty-five years ago, the Drisha Institute for Women was the kernel of an idea in the mind of Rabbi David Silber. I chose to share his vision and have had the joy of watching it realized in a school that has completely changed the face of Jewish education for women. It has also been a catalyst for other programs in many parts of the United States.
JOFA itself was born out of the vision of Founding President Blu Greenberg, for a conference that would allow women and men to tackle the difficult questions and issues facing Orthodox Jewish women today. Blu, and those who came together to make her dream a reality, chose to lead despite the many obstacles encountered along the way.
These are two examples of larger institutions created to effect change. However, there is a great deal that each of us can do in our own, local communities. By participating in my synagogue and creating an open dialogue with my rabbis, I have helped to create more awareness of the importance of ceremonies surrounding Bat Mitzvah, Simchat Bat, and have fostered, with the help of others, a better environment for women at prayer. While I have been working in my own community, many others have done similar or other creative tasks in theirs.
Leadership is demanding and hard work, and too often we find it difficult to envision ourselves playing such a role. It requires risk, courage and perseverance to change the status quo. The reward for such labor is enormous. Together, we have the power to create a more perfect community for ourselves, for our families, and for generations to come.