Visionary Leaders Lauded for Bringing Yoatzot Halacha to LA

LA Yoetzet Halacha Ilana Gadish (l) with (l-r) Sarah Emerson Helfand, Alison Anziska, Shuli Steinlauf, Chana Gelb. They, along with Danielle Spivak and Jordan Lurie (not pictured), were recognized when the LA Yoetzet Halacha Committee was honored for its visionary determination to bring a Yoetzet Halacha to serve the LA Jewish community.

Nishmat Dean Rabbanit Chana Henkin(r) and Yoetzet Halacha Rachelle Sprecher Fraenkel, Nishmat Senior Scholar, discussed the “sea change” in acceptance of Yoatzot Halacha (Women Advisors in Jewish Law) in the U.S.

The feeling was “magical” when Lauren and David Lunzer hosted Nishmat’s Inaugural Los Angeles Dinner at their home. Lauren and son, Jeremy, catered the evening.

Captured on video, Nishmat International Board of Governors member, Anne Neuberger, Deputy Director of Operations at National Security Agency in Washington, spoke about “the power of women helping women.” “As a professional myself in the national security field, I’m struck by how many women look for ways to invest their intellectual and professional skills in their own communities,” she said. “Nishmat and the Yoetzet program provide a venue for women who want to train to help their communities, combining medical, mental health and Torah study in a unique service.”

Two LA women professionals, (l-r) Dr. Jordana Topp, a dentist and rebbetzin of Beth Jacob Congregation, and Shalhevet High School educator Atara Segal, are enrolled in the U.S. Yoatzot Halacha Fellows Program, Class of 2019, through Nishmat’s Miriam Glaubach Center.