Jofa 2025 Conference Schedule
International Conference on
Feminism and Orthodoxy
December 7, 2025 | New York City
Registration & Welcome
Check in, have a coffee, browse Jofa merchandise and the Hanukkah Boutique.
Workshop Block 1
How to Build a Feminist Community: a Hands-on Workshop
Join us for an interactive session focused on practical tools, inclusive strategies, and collective action to foster strong, Orthodox feminist communities.
Moderator: Rabba Wendy Amsellem
Speakers: Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe, Rabbanit Dasi Fruchter, Talia Hurwich
Family in Judaism: Tradition and Modern Realities
Fertility and family are central themes in Jewish life, rooted deeply in the Torah, and communal values. Explore modern developments from fertility treatments to halakhic considerations in child rearing.
Moderator: Rabbi Dr. Erin Leib Smokler
Speakers: Rabbi Tali Adler, Darshanit Dr. Miriam Udel, Rabbanit Alissa Thomas Newborn
How to Move Jewish Institutions from a "Welcoming" Approach to a "Belonging" Atmosphere?
Creating a stronger culture of Jewish belonging: It's not just about being welcoming, it's about making sure that Jewish institutions are accessible both physically and spiritually.
Moderator: Rabbi Marianne Novak
Speakers: Stacey Aviva Clark, Rivka Herzfeld, Ely Winkler
Relax, Reset, and lunch from our Kosher Dairy selection.
Plenary Luncheon
National anthem.
Award-Winning Singer: Neshama Carlebach
Welcoming remarks.
Opening:
State of Orthodox Women’s Torah Leadership: Ann Pava
Agunah Advocacy In 2025.
Effective Tools To End Igun Once And For All.
Speakers: Rabbi Barry Dolinger, Shoshanna Keats Jaskoll, Aliza Lavie
Workshop Block 2
Real Talk: Equity, Power Dynamics, and Halakhic Protections in Dating and Partnerships
In a modern world shaped by shifting expectations and enduring traditions, how do we enter into and stay in marriage with genuine self-knowledge, equity, and mutual respect? This session offers a practical and values-driven framework for cultivating relationships grounded in halakha, emotional wellbeing, and shared responsibility.
Moderator: Sarah Small @thatrelatablejew
Speakers: Dr. Esther Altmann, Rabba Yaffa Epstein, Rabbanit Shalhevet Cahana
New Frontiers in Orthodox Communities
Women across Orthodox communities are stepping into new roles as teachers, spiritual leaders, advocates, chaplains, and halakhic voices. This panel explores what’s emerging, who is driving these changes, and how communities are responding. We’ll look honestly at both the opportunities and the challenges, questions of authority, acceptance, sustainability, and support, and consider what becomes possible when women’s leadership is fully recognized as part of Orthodoxy’s present and future.
Moderator: Michael Kellman
Speakers: Rabbanit Leah Sarna, Rabbi Emily Goldberg Winer, Mali Goldberg-Kellman
Navigating Egg Freezing, Genetic Testing, and Fertility
What is the role of the Jewish Community in supporting single women navigating fertility planning? And what are the halakhic issues that need to be navigated?
Moderator: Rabbi Dov Linzer
Speakers: Dr. Aimee Baron, Elana Frank, Melissa Rosen
Reset, Socialize, Enjoy our refreshments available.
Workshop Block 3
Making Orthodox Feminism a Global Movement
Hear from global feminist leadership pioneers. What can North American and international communities learn from one another?
Moderator: Rabba Daphne Lazar Price
Speakers: Rabba Anat Sharbat, Rabbanit Nomi Kaltmann, Rabbi Dina Brawer
Keeping the Shalom Bayit at the Dinner Table
Explore strategies for having emotionally difficult conversations with family members and loved ones. How do you have hard conversations? How do you stay in relationship? Navigating different perspectives around the family table.
Moderator: Rachel Gildiner
Speakers: Rabbanit Atara Lindenbaum, Navah Kogen, Rabbi Jeffrey Fox
My Body, Whose Decision? Abortion Advocacy in a Time of Rising Antisemitism
As reproductive rights face increasing threats across the United States, Jewish advocates are confronting a dual challenge: the erosion of abortion access and the rise of antisemitism, both of which target our moral agency, religious freedom, and communal safety.
Moderator: Paula Eiselt
Speakers: Allison Tombros, Darcy Hirsh, Dr. Noam Stadlan
Navigating Antisemitism on Campus and the Workplace
Antisemitism continues to be on the rise. Should you face it head on? How to deal with it on campus and at work. Learn about available sources to take action.
Moderator: Dani Kogan
Speakers: Tiferet Grossman, Dr. Laura Shaw Frank, Meredith Weisel
Closing Plenary: She Who Has a Why
She Who Has a Why: Finding inspiration anchored in tradition, connected in community and empowered in leadership.
Inaugural Blu Greenberg Award.
Recipients: Rabba Sara Hurwitz, Rabba Dr. Anat Sharbat
Fireside chat.
Moderator: Abigail Pogrebin
Keynote Spotlight:
Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin’s son, Hersh, was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023, after having his dominant forearm blown off. Since then, the couple, who are dual American- Israeli citizens, have become full-time hostage advocates. They have been speaking worldwide about Hersh's abduction and fighting for all of the hostages to be freed. Almost a year after being stolen, on day 330, the IDF announced that Hersh had been murdered by Hamas, in a tunnel in Gaza, along with 5 other young people with whom he was being held. Despite the devastating loss of their son, Jon and Rachel remain steadfast in their quest for the freedom of every hostage held by Hamas.