Chief Rabbi hails first graduates of women’s education programme

A ceremony was held at the chief rabbi’s offices on Sunday to mark the first graduating cohort from a women’s educator programme.

It concluded an 18-month programme entitled Lilmod Ul’Lamed (“To learn and to teach”), which provided high-level training in teaching to university-age women and education from experts in their fields.

It was jointly organised by the United Synagogue, Mizrachi UK and Bnei Akiva UK.

Topics included public speaking, preparing shiurim and Jewish pedagogy.

The seven participants, aged 22-23, gained practical experience giving shiurim, writing articles and representing the three partner organisations at important educational events.

The 30 guests attended the event at the Wohl Suite, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis’s new offices in Central Synagogue.

“The Lilmod Ul’Lamed programme is a wonderful initiative which meets a clear need for ongoing Torah learning and educational training, for our next generation of female educators and role models,” the chief rabbi said.

“The graduates demonstrated an impressive level of knowledge and understanding and it was a privilege to host the ceremony. I look forward to launching the next round of the programme in January.”

Rachel Prais, one of the graduates, added: “One of the biggest strengths of the Lilmod Ul’Lamed programme has been that it invests in me, so that I can invest in others.

“It ensures that I am equipped with knowledge, techniques and exposure to educational leaders so that I can begin to give to others.”

The next cohort will commence in January.