Dina Brawer

Rabbi Dina Brawer

Dina Brawer (born Dina Elmaleh) is an Open Orthodox[citation needed] 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

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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

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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

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Dina Brawer was listed among Britain's 100 most influential Jewish community activists in 2016.[6]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Wolfisz, Francine (10 May 2018). "Dina Brawer becomes UK's first female Orthodox rabbi". Jewish News / Times of Israel. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  2. ^ "British Orthodox women join US feminists in fight for rights". The Jewish Chronicle. 25 November 2016. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  3. ^ "First Orthodox female rabbi will open new chapter". The Times. Retrieved 26 January 2022 – via www.thetimes.co.uk.
  4. ^ Jordan, Leah (24 May 2018). "Progressively Speaking: How significant is Britain's first Orthodox female rabbi?". The Jewish News (UK). Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  5. ^ a b "Dina Brawer becomes Britain's first female Orthodox rabbi". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  6. ^ a b "Power 100: 100-51". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  7. ^ Rocker, Simon (10 December 2018). "Orthodox feminist organisation JOFA UK announces new additions, including American rabba". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  8. ^ a b "Ex-Hasidic Woman Becomes Britain's First Orthodox Female Rabbi". Haaretz. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  9. ^ "About". dinabrawer.com. 14 December 2014. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  10. ^ Wolfson, Rina (30 March 2018). "Dina Brawer: From Rebbetzin to Rabbi". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  11. ^ Wachmann, Doreen (2017). "Rebbetzen who is hoping she can become an Orthodox Rabbi". The Jewish Telegraph. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  12. ^ a b "Borehamwood's Rabbi Naftali Brawer to leave for America". The Jewish News (UK). 28 February 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  13. ^ "Announcing our new Director of Recruitment and Admissions". Yeshivat Maharat. Archived from the original on 26 January 2022. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  14. ^ "Pop up pair launch new kind of prayer". The Jewish Chronicle. 25 November 2016. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
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