What It Is About
Beit Midrash Har’el in Jerusalem, led by Rabbi Herzl Hefter, has become a groundbreaking institution by ordaining both men and women as Orthodox rabbis. Rabbi Hefter believes that for the Torah to remain relevant, it must be applied in real and meaningful ways—this includes the inclusion of female rabbinic leadership.
Why It Matters
The initiative taken by Rabbi Hefter underscores a significant evolution within Orthodox Judaism. As the first and only Orthodox program in Israel granting rabbinic ordination to both genders, this move promotes gender equality and paves the way for future generations to see Torah leadership through a more inclusive and balanced lens.
Leadership and Vision
Rabbi Herzl Hefter, an American-Israeli educator and spiritual leader, envisioned a more inclusive rabbinate. A graduate of Yeshiva University and Yeshivat Har Etzion, he saw disenchantment growing within the religious establishment’s treatment of women. By founding Beit Midrash Har’el in 2013, he positioned his yeshiva at the forefront of progressive Orthodox Judaism, marrying tradition with contemporary values.
The Genesis of Joint Rabbinic Studies
Rabbi Hefter recalls teaching men at a Yeshiva University affiliated program in the mornings and their wives later in the day. This exposure to keen female students questioning why they couldn’t receive the same credentials initiated his shift in perspective. The formation of Beit Midrash Har’el was essentially born out of this realization, leading Hefter to push boundaries in the Orthodox community.
Gender Integration in Learning
Initially a weekend program, Beit Midrash Har’el grew thanks to support from the Lindenbaum family. Classes now meet thrice weekly, providing rigorous rabbinic studies encompassing Jewish law and Talmud. Significantly, the curriculum also includes creative writing and spiritual counseling, underscoring today’s more holistic educational needs.
Mixed Reactions from the Religious Community
For Hefter, who remains deeply respectful but critical of established norms, the act of ordaining women is profound. While some traditional denominations may see it as radical, others, particularly those who experience and support gender equality, view it as a necessary evolution for Orthodoxy to sustain its relevance in a modern world.
The Broader Impact
Hefter’s approach reveals a broader introspection: religion must adapt without compromising its core principles. By creating a platform for both men and women to be spiritual leaders, Beit Midrash Har’el not only introduces female rabbis but also fosters cross-gender educational enrichment, promising richer, more empathetic future leaders of Orthodox communities.
This story was first published on jpost.com.