Rebbetzins hone leadership skills during Teaneck YU conference
Earlier this month, nearly 200 rebbetzins from across the United States and Canada gathered for the Rebbetzin Esther Rosenblatt Yarchei Kallah for Rebbetzins. The meeting was organized by Yeshiva University’s Center for the Jewish Future and held at Congregation Keter Torah in Teaneck.
Rabbi Yaakov Glasser, David Mitzner Dean of CJF, said, “This program provides an opportunity to network with others in a safe and supportive environment, develop lasting relationships, acquire new resources and skills, and enjoy the intellectual stimulation of Torah study with leading Jewish scholars while being mentored by more experienced rebbetzins. It acknowledges the great contribution and influence of rebbetzins in the growth and success of the rabbinic couple in developing their community.”
The focus of this year’s meeting was “Olam Chesed Yibaneh: Chesed In Our Homes, In Our Communities, and In Our World.” Topics included the philosophical (the pursuit of peace in halacha), the day-to-day (the discipline of children, a professional wardrobe), the therapeutic (identifying clinical issues in congregants), and the financial (fiscal fitness for young couples).
Speakers included Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, the president of YU; Dr. Danielle Wozniak, the Dorothy and David Schachne dean at YU’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work; Daniel Pollack, a professor at Wurzweiler and an expert in child safety issues, and Keshet Starr, the managing director of the Organization for the Resolution of Agunot.
Attendees met with representatives of organizations that work on issues including domestic violence, family planning, physical fitness, pensions and retirement, making aliyah, and pastoral counseling.
Meira Davis, coordinator of the Personal and Professional Enhancement Program for Rebbetzins at CJF, who coordinated the kallah, said, “The rebbetzins look forward to this as a highlight of their year, where they can come together for two days of networking, camaraderie, learning, personal growth, delicious food, and pampering in a setting with true peers. They return home rejuvenated, inspired, and with a dose of chizzuk to propel them forward to achieve increased personal and communal growth.”
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