“In 5779, the Women’s Initiative engaged women across North America, championing their personal and communal pursuits and fusing the uniqueness of the 21st Century zeitgeist with the Mesorah’s timeless wisdom.”
Mr. Allen Fagin, OU Executive Vice President
This time of year provides space for great introspection, a time when we make a conscious effort to look back in order to move forward. Oftentimes, it is helpful to take inventory, as numbers tell an important part of the story. Over the past year, the Women’s Initiative, under the leadership of Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman, has taken its mission and vision to new heights. In 5779, the Women’s Initiative engaged women across North America, championing their personal and communal pursuits and fusing the uniqueness of the 21st Century zeitgeist with the Mesorah’s timeless wisdom. At the inaugural OU Women’s Initiative’s Lay Leadership Summit, I witnessed the gathering of over 100 women from four continents, joined together in a deep-seated, collective investment in a vibrant, thriving Orthodox community. The Women’s Initiative scholars programs have brought 100 female scholars to over 70 Jewish communities, and provided Mikvah Attendant support seminars to four communities and over 50 mikvah attendants and directors. The monthly Rosh Chodesh Lunch N’ Learn shiurim reach hundreds of women each month. In 5780, we are excited to expand the Women’s Initiatives programming, increasing its accessibility to women throughout North America and the world wide web. I invite you to learn more about our programs and the people behind them in this month’s Women’s Initiative newsletter. Looking forward to going from strength to strength, together.