Female leaders take on roles in Orthodox Judaism for first time

RABBIS are to share duties with women for the first time under an initiative from the Chief Rabbi to create roles for female leaders in Orthodox Judaism.

Ephraim Mirvis said his Ma’aynot Project was in response to a “real need” within the Orthodox community, which does not permit female rabbis, for women to be put in a position to offer others advice.

Ten women – known as Ma’aynot, from the Hebrew “spring of water” – have completed an 18-month course to enable them to offer guidance in two areas.

They will serve as highlevel educators of Judaism, and will also be advisers on issues which women may feel uncomfortable talking to their rabbi about such as fertility and relationships.

Plans to develop a 24-hour hotline are under way to ensure they are accessible to women all over the country.

Mr Mirvis said: “Our communities should have the opportunity to harness the talent of such women, appointed in a formal capacity, to ‘enlighten the eyes’ of those around them.

“Experience shows there is a real need within our communities to place women in a position to offer guidance and advice on issues which women may feel more comfortable discussing with a woman.”

Last week, The Sunday Telegraph was granted exclusive access to the first session run by the Ma’aynot – a “roadshow” format across four homes in London.

Emma Taylor, 32, one of the Ma’aynot, said women have always been at the forefront of Judaism, but the programme has given this a formal structure.

“We train under the Chief Rabbi and learn about the religion in ways which normally only men would, and we also received training to help women with personal issues such as miscarriage,” she said.

Sam Pinnick, a 52-year-old nutritional therapist and one of the four hosts, said: “This scheme provides a new voice for generations.

“We’ve had female speakers for generations, but it’s new that they’re being given a platform and this has been recognised by the Chief Rabbi.

“These Ma’aynot have been trained to the same standard – if not better – and that’s a wonderful thing.”

‘Our communities should be able to harness such women’s talents’