Dina Brawer (born Dina Elmaleh) is an Orthodox woman rabbi and the founder of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance division in the United Kingdom (JOFA UK).[1][2] Brawer received her rabbinical ordination at Yeshivat Maharat in the United States and is the first Orthodox woman rabbi to serve in the UK.[3][4] Brawer's work at JOFA UK focuses on women's rights in Orthodox Judaism and the religious education of adult women in Orthodox communities in the UK.[5][6][7]
Background edit
Brawer was born and raised in Milan, Italy to a Chabad Hasidic family.[8] After migrating to the United Kingdom, Brawer's education included a B.A. in Hebrew and Jewish Studies from the University of London, an M.A. in Education and Psychology from the Institute of Education, London.[9] In 2013, Brawer established and led JOFA UK to advocate for expanding the religious roles of women in Britain's Orthodox communities. Subsequently, Brawer joined Yeshivat Maharat and received her ordination in 2018.[8][5] Brawer is not formally affiliated with the Chabad Hasidic community but has described her education and training in Chabad as fundamental to her approach to Judaism.[10][11] Brawer is married to Rabbi Dr. Naftali Brawer who was born in Boston but raised in Canada.[12] Brawer and her husband co-founded of the Mishkan community in London which is described as a "transdenominational, pop-up Jewish community".[13][14] After years of service in Britain's Jewish community, the Brawers relocated to the United States.[12]
Women's Torah study edit
While living in the UK, Brawer produced the #YourTorah podcast, which is described as a journey through the 63 tractates of the Mishnah, taught entirely by women. The run time for each episode is 18 minutes.
Recognition edit
Dina Brawer was listed among Britain's 100 most influential Jewish community activists in 2016.[6]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Wolfisz, Francine. "Dina Brawer becomes UK's first female Orthodox rabbi". Jewish News / Times of Israel. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "British Orthodox women join US feminists in fight for rights". The Jewish Chronicle. 25 November 2016. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- ^ "First Orthodox female rabbi will open new chapter". The Times. Retrieved 26 January 2022 – via www.thetimes.co.uk.
- ^ Jordan, Leah (24 May 2018). "Progressively Speaking: How significant is Britain's first Orthodox female rabbi?". The Jewish News (UK). Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- ^ a b "Dina Brawer becomes Britain's first female Orthodox rabbi". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- ^ a b "Power 100: 100-51". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- ^ Rocker, Simon (10 December 2018). "Orthodox feminist organisation JOFA UK announces new additions, including American rabba". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- ^ a b "Ex-Hasidic Woman Becomes Britain's First Orthodox Female Rabbi". Haaretz. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- ^ "About". dinabrawer.com. 14 December 2014. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- ^ Wolfson, Rina (30 March 2018). "Dina Brawer: From Rebbetzin to Rabbi". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- ^ Wachmann, Doreen (2017). "Rebbetzen who is hoping she can become an Orthodox Rabbi". The Jewish Telegraph. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- ^ a b "Borehamwood's Rabbi Naftali Brawer to leave for America". The Jewish News (UK). 28 February 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- ^ "Announcing our new Director of Recruitment and Admissions". Yeshivat Maharat. Archived from the original on 26 January 2022. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- ^ "Pop up pair launch new kind of prayer". The Jewish Chronicle. 25 November 2016. Retrieved 26 January 2022.