Rebbetzins Programming:
Providing Support to Women
Rebbetzins Yarchei Kallah
The Center for the Jewish Future has developed one of the first
formal programs in America designed to give rabbis' wives the
opportunity to meet with seasoned professionals to discuss issues of
self, family and community in a safe and supportive environment.
Begun in 2006, the yearly, two-day conferences have included more
than 80 rabbis' wives, coming from large metropolitan areas
and small towns across North America.
Participants also have the opportunity to network, develop lasting
relationships and a support system, and enjoy the intellectual
stimulation of Torah study with leading Jewish scholars. Session topics
have included:
- Women's Health and Halacha [Jewish law]
- Ten Hats and Counting: The Many Roles of a Rebbetzin
- The Prevalence of Postpartum Depression: Detecting and Dealing with It
- Keeping the Connection with Our Children in a Media Frenzied World
The theme of a recent Yarchei Kallah was "Appreciating the Rabbinic
Couple: Formal and Informal Influence of the Rebbetzin." The conference has been renamed the Rebbetzin Esther Rosenblatt Yarchei Kallah by her family to honor
her memory as an exemplary rebbetzin.
The Rebbetzins Cafe
More than 135 rebbetzins currently participate in the Rebbetzins
Cafe, a Yahoo group that serves as a forum for discussion, sharing
information, advice and support. Topics include child-raising, promoting
meaningful conversation at the Shabbat table, dealing with non-kosher
birthday parties, motivating a greater observance of Halacha,
sharing ideas for fundraisers and chesed projects, gift-giving and
smachot, family/community balance and interpersonal challenges.
Resources and Mentoring
Resources and mentoring are available by e-mail and by phone to
rebbetzins throughout the year through the Rebbetzins Progamming
coordinator, Meira Davis.
Semikha Wives Program
In conjunction with the Ner L'Elef program, wives of advanced
Semikha students, on the pulpit track, are invited to hear speakers to
prepare them for a future in kiruv and the rabbinate.
Championsgate
Rebbetzins who attend the annual Yeshiva University Championsgate
conference are invited to several sessions for rebbetzins only.
Midrashiya Program at Gruss Kollel in Jerusalem
The Rebbetzins Programming coordinator, Meira Davis, and her husband meet with
the wives of the Gruss Kollel students every year for a session on
"Working together as a Rabbinic Couple."