Women from 50 communities attend Chief Rabbi’s Neshama learning event

More than women from 50 religious Jewish communities came together at the new South Hampstead Synagogue on Sunday for the Chief Rabbi’s Neshama event.

The evening was the latest in a series of events under the Neshama umbrella, which Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis set up last year to promote women’s learning. Since then there has been a new dedicated women’s officer role introduced in United Synagogues.

Participants on Sunday heard from Rebbetzen Dr Adina Shmidman, founding director of the Women’s Initiative at the Orthodox Union, as well as educator Yael Leibowitz and artist Chava Erlanger.

Mirvis said: “These events are so important, not just because of the wisdom and inspiration that they offer in and of themselves, but because they set a tone far greater engagement with women teaching and learning Torah.”

Attendee Louise Moont said: “It means so much to take part in an event like this – particularly one led by women who are more than able to educate in a manner that we can not only relate to through our own experiences but also inspires and enhances our connection to Torah.”

Moont, who was recently elected women’s officer at Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue, added: “These are exciting times and as opportunities for women’s learning continue to increase. I hope many more women take advantage of them.”