Jofa Media

Another good question from the judges: Orthodox Jews are law-abiding citizens. Perhaps if it were simply explained to them that discrimination against transgender people is contrary to UK law, they wouldn’t shun the children? The judges also questioned what exactly was meant by the Jewish “community”.

Orthodox Modesty Culture Under Fire As ‘Sex-Positive’ Spaces …

Jewish Week, November 8, 2017

Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus, director of Maze Women’s Sexual Health and president of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, said she is eager to see if these “sex positive” spaces indicate a broader communal trend. “It is still a small slice of the community that is starting to have these conversations,” said Marcus …

Orthodox Union’s new project says women don’t need to be rabbis to …

The Times of Israel, October 30, 2017

Sharon Weiss-Greenberg, director of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, said she hoped the OU would make good on its promises to advance women and invest more in women’s programs. Along with positive actions, she recommended that the OU stop actively opposing Orthodox women clergy and …

OU: Women need not be rabbis to be leaders

The Jewish Star, October 25, 2017

Sharon Weiss-Greenberg, director of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, said she hoped the O.U. would make good on its promises to advance women and invest more in women’s programs. Along with positive actions, she recommended that the O.U. stop actively opposing Orthodox women clergy and …

While American Orthodox Feminists Fight for Clergy Recognition …

Forward, October 19, 2017

Kolech was founded in 1998, in the wake of the establishment of JOFA, the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance. While American Orthodox feminism is currently consumed by the pushback from the rabbinic establishment against female clergy, its Israeli partners are wondering about other issues. With the …

New podcast launched by Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance

Jewish News, October 18, 2017

New podcast launched by Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance. New ‘#YourTorah’ recordings will offer an introduction to the 63 tractates or books of Mishnah. October 18, 2017, 6:24 pm

Harvey Weinstein Scandal Causes ‘Big Bang’ In Orthodox Community

Jewish Week, October 18, 2017

Dr. Sharon Weiss Greenberg, executive director of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, agreed. “People [responding on social media] feel like dressing modestly doesn’t protect you,” said Weiss-Greenberg. “The reality is that much of this is happening in a Jewish context. Almost every woman has been …

Survey points to diversity, divisions within Modern Orthodoxy

Cleveland Jewish News, October 12, 2017

Both Green Road and Cedar Sinai have female presidents, with Cedar Sinai being the first Orthodox synagogue in the U.S. to elect an all-female board of officers, according to the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance. Truboff said changing women’s roles must be approached carefully, especially since strong …

The Lasting Lessons Of A Shuttered Temple

Jewish Week, October 12, 2017

Having grown up reading Torah and chanting my bat mitzvah portion, Beha’alotecha, I take pride in participating in an (Ashkenazi) Orthodox women’s prayer service every Simchat Torah and receive an aliyah to the Torah; I also attend conferences of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA).

Dating and Disordered Eating in the Orthodox Jewish Community

SELF, October 11, 2017

“Whether or not they are textbook eating disorders, there’s a lot of unhealthy eating habits happening,” Sharon Weiss-Greenberg, the executive director of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, tells SELF. “I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t know numerous people [that suffer from disordered eating].” …

Why it’s easier to ordain Orthodox female rabbis in Israel than the US

Jewish Telegraphic Agency, October 10, 2017

And Sharon Weiss-Greenberg, the executive director of the Jewish OrthodoxFeminist Alliance, said that despite their differences, the Modern Orthodox communities in Israel and the U.S. influence each other. “What the O.U. has done and RCA has tried to do is separate the politics of American Jews from …

Founding Rabbi Retires From Yeshiva That Trains Female Religious …

Forward, October 4, 2017

Riskin expects to remain active in Jewish life, which was cheered by Sharon Weiss Greenberg, the executive director of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance. “I am confident that Rabbi Riskin will continue to be a great leader for justice and inclusivity,” she told the Forward in a statement. She added that …

Rabbi Shlomo Riskin to step down from liberal Orthodox network he …

Jewish Telegraphic Agency, October 3, 2017

“He’s a major leader in the Center for the Jewish Future at Yeshiva University, which is a flagship institution of centrist Orthodoxy,” said Sharon Weiss-Greenberg, executive director of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance. “He’s always been on board with women taking greater roles in the community.” …

Are The Orthodox Facing A Schism Over Female Rabbis?

Forward, September 28, 2017

Seven months after one of Orthodox Judaism’s oldest and biggest institutions barred women clergy from its synagogues, the decision is threatening to create … that the women are being used as pawns in a turf war,” said Sharon Weiss-Greenberg, executive director of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance.

Year-old Cleveland Partnership Minyan looks to expand

Cleveland Jewish News, September 12, 2017

The partnership minyan’s model follows halachach, or Jewish law, guidelines created by the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance which allow women to lead certain parts of services. JOFA is a national group for women’s progress in the Orthodox community. Like an Orthodox synagogue, there is a barrier …

Closing A Chapter On ‘Open Orthodoxy’

Jewish Week, August 16, 2017

He and other proponents of the liberal approach point to successes in the last two decades with the creation of JOFA, the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, and the International Rabbinic Fellowship (a liberal response to the Rabbinical Council of America), in addition to the founding of YCT and Yeshivat …

Jewish Crisis-Pregnancy Helpline Expands, Reigniting Debate Over …

Jewish Week, August 1, 2017

“We’re not the Catholic church,” said Sharon Weiss-Greenberg, executive director of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA), rebutting the frequently peddled misconception that Orthodox law does not permit abortion. “When we don’t protect choice, the choice to follow halacha [Jewish law] is in …

‘Flatbush Girl’ Pushes Back Over #FrumWomenHaveFaces Campaign

Forward, July 25, 2017

Miles also told Jewish Week that some angry parents have called administrators at her children’s school, complaining that they should not attend anymore. Her advocacy did receive some support from the Orthodox community. Sharon Weiss-Greenberg, the executive director of Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, called the …

Orthodox Instagram Star Reflects On Ugly Aftermath Of Social Media …

Jewish Week, July 20, 2017

Some in the Jewish community were vocal in their support for Miles. The JewishOrthodox Feminist Alliance, an organization that promotes women’s participation in Orthodox life, quickly showed support for the Instagram star by publishing photos of famous women — including comedian Tina Fey and …

Mayim Bialik Calls Out “Absurd” Policy Of Blurring Out Women’s Faces

Refinery29, July 13, 2017

… Adina Miles, a.k.a. Flatbush Girl, claimed that Brooklyn’s Flatbush Jewish Journal asked her to blur an image of herself for an ad she was running in their paper. The New York Daily News reported that Miles was told her face violated “modesty rules.” In response, the Orthodox Jewish mother posted the ad …

US Orthodox leaders dance around the Western Wall crisis

The Times of Israel, July 10, 2017

According to all indications, Diaspora Jewry is experiencing a “vey iz mir” moment. The June 25 unraveling of a long-negotiated compromise cementing the equal status of non-Orthodox Jews at the Western Wall has caused a crisis of faith between Diaspora Jewry and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s …

Dangers of stringent modesty

Jewish Chronicle, June 26, 2017

I’ve written about this extensively and lectured about it at the JOFA (JewishOrthodox Feminist Alliance) conference in New York. It will be the topic of one of my upcoming UK lectures in July. Ruth Colian of U’Bizchutan, a movement to get Charedi women into the Knesset, embarked on a campaign to raise …

Israeli Airline Banned From Asking Women To Switch Seats To …

HuffPost, June 23, 2017

Jewish feminist groups praised the ruling as a victory. Sharon Weiss-Greenberg, executive director of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, said that it’s become “extremely common” for women on flights to Israel to be asked to move their seats for men with strict religious views about gender boundaries.

Letter To Ivanka Challenges Birth Control Rollback

Jewish Week, June 7, 2017

The other signatories are Marla Feldman of Women of Reform Judaism; Judith Rosenbaum Jewish Women’s Archives; Janice Weinstein of Hadassah; Lori Weinstein of Jewish Women International; Sharon Weiss-Greenberg of Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance and Carol S. Simon of Women’s League for …

For Jewish Feminists, New Set Of Minefields

Jewish Week, March 15, 2017

The involvement of Odeh made the line between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism particularly difficult to navigate, said Sharon Weiss-Greenberg, executive director of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA). “Linda Sarsour’s involvement pales in comparison to this,” she said, referring to Odeh’s …

Orthodox women get their Esther on

Jerusalem Post Israel News, March 12, 2017

… this year in services around Israel and the Diaspora, in association with Kolech – Religious Women’s Forum and the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance. … The phenomenon of Modern Orthodox women’s megila readings is one that has grown strongly in recent years, and reflects an increasing desire by …

Women’s Megillah Readings Go Global

Forward, March 8, 2017

Women’s megillah (Scroll of Esther) readings haven’t gotten quite as big as Achashverosh’s kingdom, but they are getting there. The Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA) has published its annual directory and interactive map of women’s megillah readings happening around the world on Purim this …

High hopes for UK’s first Jewish-Muslim women’s conference

Jewish Chronicle, March 5, 2017

Jewish speakers are will include Dina Brawer, UK founder of JOFA (the JewishOrthodox Feminist Alliance), Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers of the Movement for Reform Judaism and Marie van der Zyl, Vice President of the Board of Deputies. Representatives of the Community Security Trust and its Muslim …

First Jewish-Muslim women’s conference to take place next week

Jewish News, February 23, 2017

Representing the Jewish community will be Dina Brawer, founder of Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance in the UK, Amanda Bomsztyk, a regional director of the Community Security Trust, Reform Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers and Mitzvah Day founder Laura Marks. Organisers said the sessions would cover …

When Tradition Is Not What Is Best

Jewish Week, February 23, 2017

Insisting that men continue to wear the trousers when it comes to religion might be traditional, but, as the pantalons rouge debacle illustrates, it may not be worth the price. Dina Brawer is founder of JOFA (Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance) in the UK and a third year student at Yeshivat Maharat in New York …

JOFA Conference Explores Orthodox Feminism on Campus

New Voices, February 16, 2017

The Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA) hosted its 9th international conference at Columbia University on Jan. 15, gathering 1,200 feminists and allies, many students among them. Since its debut in 1997, the conference has held panel discussions and classes on topics ranging from Orthodox …

The Rise of the Israeli Single Mother

OZY, February 16, 2017

“The quest for a marriage partner should not be a reason for those who want to have a child to remain childless,” says Sharon Weiss-Greenberg, executive director of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA). “We need to be aware that women are choosing to have children outside of marriage in a …

Ignore the OU — Orthodox Women Rabbis are Here to Stay

Forward, February 8, 2017

As a staff member at the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA), I had learned about the OU’s decision to release a statement over the summer. And as a resident of Washington Heights, I had already spoken to Rabbi Ezra Schwartz, senior rabbi at Mount Sinai Jewish Center, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva …

Women leaders respond to prohibitive Orthodox ruling

Jewish Journal, February 8, 2017

The Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA), which advocates for an expanded female leadership role in Orthodox life, denounced the OU ruling, saying, “We are confused as to why this is being raised now after women have been serving as halakhic spiritual leaders in OU synagogues for well over a …

Despite Ban, These Orthodox Jewish Clergywomen Are Determined …

Huffington Post, February 7, 2017

Opinions about whether women should be allowed to serve as clergy have caused some division within America’s Modern Orthodox Jewish community. The religious establishment, including the OU’s counterpart, the Rabbinical Council of America, is strongly opposed to women’s ordination. On the other …

Orthodox Union bars women from serving as clergy in its synagogues

Jewish Telegraphic Agency, February 3, 2017

“There are various ways of practicing Judaism, halachic Orthodox Judaism,” Sharon Weiss-Greenberg, executive director of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, told the Forward. “We are disappointed, however, that the OU is attempting to squash that healthy debate and impose their [religious ruling] on …

Exclusive: Orthodox Union Adopts New Policy Barring Women Clergy

Highly Cited, Forward, February 2, 2017

Orthodox women rabbis? It’s a certainty

Jewish Chronicle, February 1, 2017

At the opening plenary of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA) conference in New York last week, a speaker asked any woman holding or studying for Orthodox rabbinic ordination to stand up. Around 20 women rose to their feet — one rabbi, several “rabbas” and many “Maharats”, which is short …

Stronger together

The Jewish Standard, January 26, 2017

Attendees at last week’s JOFA — that’s the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance — couldn’t escape the fact that there were very many of them. … The community that was included at JOFA sessions extended beyond the open Orthodox world centered around Rabbi Avi Weiss and his Yeshivat Maharat and …

Can Orthodox Judaism Be Feminist?

Forward, January 25, 2017

With all of this nestled comfortably among the other facets of my identity, I attended the ninth international conference of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, or JOFA. It was my first time attending a JOFA conference, and I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew I wanted to be a part of the conversations …

JOFA conference highlights Orthodox women’s progress

New Jersey Jewish News, January 18, 2017

Since that time, I have observed the official creation of JOFA, the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, and subsequent conferences run by them; the growth of partnership minyanim, in which men and women assume roles within the structure of an Orthodox service; the opening of a yeshiva that ordains …

Orthodox Feminists Slowly Breaking Glass Ceiling in Their …

Haaretz, January 16, 2017

… Conference on Orthodoxy and Feminism. That 1997 conference, which attracted many more people than the organizers anticipated, galvanized a movement of Orthodox feminists, created the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA) and advanced change in the roles women play in their religious lives.

Set for Shabbat, Huge Women’s March Poses Challenge to Liberal …

Forward, January 10, 2017

Sharon Weiss-Greenberg, executive director of the Jewish Orthodox FeministAlliance, has been fielding questions from observant Jews wishing to participate. Many of these people joined a Facebook group that they’re using to crowdsource the question of how to keep the rules of Shabbat while protesting …

In Orthodox Jewish circles, single women are largely forgotten

Washington Post, January 5, 2017

2016

What may contribute to this treatment is that many of the Orthodox obligations for adult women are tied to being married. Sharon Weiss-Greenberg, who is the executive director of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance and has advocated for better treatment of singles in the community, said the high value …

Hillary Clinton’s Defeat Reminds Me of Sexism Within Orthodox …

Forward, November 9, 2016

Hillary Clinton’s Defeat Reminds Me of Sexism Within Orthodox Judaism … He’s well aware that his daughter, who spent four years at an all women’s college and now works for a feminist non-profit, supports Hillary. I knew my … Shira Eliassian is a Program Manager at the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance.

The Orthodox Feminist Revolution Has Finally Arrived — in London

Forward, June 21, 2016

How delighted I was to be proved wrong. I came back to a completely transformed landscape. JOFA (Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance) has set up shop in London, four proudly out-in-the-open and thriving Partnership Minyans are now established, and lately a group have come forward with plans to create …

Jofa Public Statements

JOFA Calls For Action To End The Agunah Crisis

August 23, 2019

JOFA Calls For Action To End The Agunah Crisis

Earlier this week Israeli media reported an incident in which the country’s Chief Rabbi David Lau refused to allow for the burial in Jerusalem of a man’s mother until he agreed to deliver a gett (writ of divorce) to his estranged wife. This unnamed man has been refusing to grant a gett for 14 years, though he has since remarried. Bowing to those pressures, the recalcitrant husband agreed to give his wife a gett only to go back on his word ‪after the burial‬ of his mother. This incident has once again brought to light the plight of the Agunah.

Rabbi Lau’s tepid reaction to what amounts to this man’s mockery of a halakhic ruling and his disregard for another’s life falls woefully short of what should have been his response given the gravity of what is at stake—a woman’s freedom. Thus, we call on the Chief Rabbi to rise to the responsibility his office vests in him: to hold the recalcitrant husband accountable; to mobilize action on behalf of this chained woman; and to take the necessary steps to address the Agunah problem in a comprehensive manner. The failure to institute a permanent and systemic (i.e., halakhic) solution to the Agunah crisis is a moral failure of our rabbinic leaders, one that must be addressed.

Make no mistake, gett refusal is abusive behavior. When one party holds up the divorce process out of vindictiveness, it violates the norms of kiddush Hashem and kavod habriot, the deeply rooted values of sanctifying God’s precious Name and honoring one another.

We must name those rabbis and religious courts that openly favor men who allow this perversion of halakha to continue. Without such action, we allow coercive and unethical behavior to continue without repercussions.

Therefore, we call on our rabbinic leadership to stop enabling abusers. We call on them to enact a systemic solution to end this ongoing crisis.

JOFA Statement on Recent Abortion Legislation

May 16, 2019

JOFA Statement on Recent Abortion Legislation

JOFA’s position has consistently been that women and couples should consult their physicians and personal halakhic advisers in making decisions about abortion and reproductive health care without the involvement of the government. We support every woman’s legal right to make decisions about and have control over her own body.

We are deeply troubled by the recent and pending passage of some of the most restrictive abortion legislation in decades in states across the country. Halakha, as it relates to abortion, is complex and psak is informed by the specifics of each case. We urge the lawmakers who are considering pending legislation to be respectful of a woman’s right to make the best and most appropriate decisions for herself and her family.

JOFA Statement on Reproductive Health Act

February 1, 2019

JOFA Statement on Reproductive Health Act

JOFA applauds the New York State Legislature on the passage of the Reproductive Health Act, a law that protects the health care provider and which ensures safeguards and protections for the life and health of a pregnant woman at any stage of her pregnancy. JOFA’s position has always been that women and couples should consult their physicians and personal halakhic advisers in making these types of decisions without the involvement of the government. We support every woman’s legal right to make decisions about and have control over her own body.

We are deeply troubled by recent statements issued by the Rabbinical Council of America, the National Council of Young Israel and the Agudath Israel of America about the passage of this bill. Halakha, as it relates to abortion, is complex and psak is informed by the specifics of each case. These statement positions, written by male led rabbinic governing bodies, are replete with inflammatory and divisive language which is lacking in any nuance. Moreover, they demonstrate shocking insensitivity to those women and couples who, for a variety of reasons, must consider whether to seek an abortion. We urge these organizations to reconsider their rhetoric and engage in this discussion in a manner which is respectful of a woman’s right to consult her physician and halakhic advisor and make the best and most appropriate decisions for herself and her family.

Jofa Statement on Vaccinations

April 14, 2019

Jofa Statement on Vaccinations

Recent measles outbreaks in our communities and elsewhere have raised concerns regarding the health and well-being of our families and communities. It is well-established that preserving life and maintaining health are core halakhic mandates. The reality is that, often, women are the ones to take the lead in these family matters.

Given the current medical crisis, Jofa urges every individual to follow the vaccination schedule as prescribed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If there is a doubt as to continued immunity, we encourage blood tests to check for measles antibodies and, if necessary, booster shots. Moreover, Jofa encourages all members of our communities to use their voices to inquire about the vaccination policies of their families’ schools, camps, youth groups and synagogues and to lean in with rabbinic authorities who have the ability and capacity to influence institutional policies. This includes education, outreach and enforcement. We are obligated to take steps to protect our health and the health of our families and demand that our institutions do everything in their power to do the same.

Jofa Statement on Child Victims Act

January 31, 2019

Jofa Statement on Child Victims Act

Jofa applauds the New York State Legislature on the passage of the Child Victims Act. By extending the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse, this necessary legislation will prevent abusers from being able to escape the consequences of their actions simply because of the passage of time. Time most certainly will not have erased the pain and damage inflicted on the survivors of child sexual abuse. Also, it may take years for survivors of child sex abuse to recognize and name the crimes committed against them and be able to publicly identify their perpetrators. We are therefore dismayed that Agudath Israel of America has repeated their opposition to the bill, the basis for their opposition resting on the financial viability of the institutions that associate with these predators. These very concerns lead to repeated failures on the part of faith-based communities to publicize, identify, and prosecute sexual predators. It is all too common to discover institutional leadership that failed to take action in order to avoid unwanted attention to themselves or risk retribution from the abusers.

We are troubled that even with all the evidence of sexual abuse by those in positions of religious leadership, the Agudah chooses to shield its schools, houses of worship, youth group programs, summer camps and other institutions. Its leadership maintains that these brick and mortar centers are the “very lifeblood of communities like ours,” when in fact protecting lives–especially the most vulnerable–should be the most important value. We urge the Agudah to endorse the provisions of this bill in order to ensure that such abuses are prevented in the first place, to hold the perpetrators accountable and to enable survivors to heal no matter the passage of time.

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