Australia's Female Orthodox Rabbis in Conversation

On Wednesday 9 September at 8 pm (AEST) NCJWA will bring together Rabbanit Ellyse Borghi and Rabbanit Judith Levitan for an historic evening in conversation with Melinda Jones, President of the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (NCJWA). This event promises to be a fascinating dive into halacha and the role of women leaders in Judaism.

Rabbanit Borghi from Melbourne received her smicha from Beit Midrash Har’El in Jerusalem in 2019 and works as a Children’s Lawyer for Legal Aid. Rabbanit Levitan, a Sydneysider, received her smicha from Yeshivat Maharat in New York and works for Legal Aid NSW.

The two homegrown Rabbaniot have received an outpouring of support and interest since receiving their smichot (ordination). Women have contacted them in search of answers across many issues such as halachic questions, inspirational Jewish teachings and pastoral care with relationships and life-cycle matters.

Rabbanit Judith has commented: “The number of women coming to me indicates a deep need within the community for spiritual leadership from women.”

Rabbanit Ellyse has said: “Being a woman and a working mum, I understand the pressures faced by the women in our community and easily relate to their concerns especially during this pandemic.”

NCJWA is a Jewish feminist organisation committed to promoting social justice and the rights of women in all aspects of their lives. At a National level we do this through advocacy, education and community building.