Orthodox Women's Torah Leadership

The Orthodox Women’s Torah Leadership (OWTL) field building initiative was launched in January 2023 at a convening sponsored by Micah Philanthropies, the Walder Foundation, and the Aviv Foundation. Micah Philanthropies is dedicated to building a field of Orthodox women’s Torah leadership by coordinating and supporting the efforts of organizations and passionate professionals, lay leaders and philanthropists working to develop, nurture and support women Torah leaders.

Drisha

Drisha, founded in 1979, by Rabbi David Silber is the world’s first center for women’s advanced study of classical Jewish texts. To build the pipeline of the next generation of women scholars, Micah supports Drisha’s summer Talmud programs for middle school and high school girls.

Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance

Founded by our teacher and mentor Blu Greenberg 25 years ago, JOFA is the pioneering and leading organization that advocates for expanding women’s rights and opportunities within the framework of halakha, to build a vibrant and equitable Orthodox community. In addition to annual operating support, Micah is the founding funder of JOFA’s Devorah Scholar Program, subsidizing the salaries of first-time women clergy in Orthodox synagogues across North America. The program’s goal is to increase the number of women in leadership roles in congregations across North America.

Limmud NA

Limmud NA is dedicated to building inclusive and connected Jewish community through Jewish learning. With a focus on providing greater platforms for Orthodox Women scholars, Micah initiated and supports an Orthodox Women Scholars’ Track of speakers and presenters at Limmud events throughout the year.

Nishmat

Nishmat is one of the premiere centers for advanced Torah study for women in the world. Micah supports Nishmat’s Miriam Glaubach Center through stipends and the training of Yoatzot Halacha across North America. Women who train to be Yoatzot Halacha are selected for their extensive Torah knowledge, leadership ability and deep religious commitment. Graduates of this program serve in communities and synagogues across the globe fostering the observance of Taharat Mishpacha (family purity) and serve as role models and teachers. Micah also supports the publication of Nishmat Habayit 2 and 3, compilations of responsa composed by a team of Yoatzot Halakha.

The Orthodox Leadership Project

The Orthodox Leadership Project promotes Orthodox women as impactful leaders of Jewish communities. Micah supports its Women’s Advanced Halakha Program, in partnership with Ohr Torah Stone, a program for teachers, scholars and professionals already in positions of Jewish leadership, providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary to grow in their roles.

Prizmah Center for Jewish Day School

Micah is an active and leading supporter of Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools, a national network of day schools and yeshivas focused on building and strengthening the Jewish day school field by identifying and investing in talent, catalyzing resources, and supporting educational innovation. In addition to providing operating support, Micah initiated and funds Prizmah’s Orthodox Women in Day School Leadership initiative, designed to support current Orthodox women Heads of School, strengthen the pipeline of women leaders, and identify and nurture the cultures and conditions essential for Orthodox women leaders’ success.

Sefaria

Sefaria is a non-profit organization dedicated to building the future of Jewish learning in an open and participatory way by assembling a free living library of 3000 years of Jewish texts and their interconnections, in Hebrew and in translation. With these digital texts, they create new, interactive interfaces for Web, tablet and mobile, allowing more people to engage with the textual treasures of our tradition. With the goal of increasing the amount of available and accessible women’s scholarship, the foundation provides lead funding for Sefaria’s Author Initiative: Supporting and Mentoring Women’s Text Scholarship.

Sharsheret

Sharsheret provides resources and support for those facing breast and ovarian cancer in the Jewish community. Micah funds the unique halachic curriculum and training program for women communal leaders made available through Sharsheret’s Global Health Training institute.

Susi Bradfield Women’s Institute of Halakhic Leadership

Based in Israel and founded by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, Ohr Torah Stone is a Modern Orthodox movement of 30 institutions and programs making a transformative impact on Jewish life, learning and leadership worldwide. Micah supports OTS’ efforts in two key areas: 1) Yad La’Isha’s efforts to develop and expand the use of the halakhic prenuptial agreement in Israel; and 2) The Susi Bradfield Women’s Institute of Halakhic Leadership at Midreshet Lindenbaum, a five-year-long, full-time yeshiva that provides women scholars with the opportunity to engage in Torah study on a level high enough to join the top circle of Torah scholars and leadership. With an eye towards expanding roles and career opportunities for graduates of the program, and ultimately women Torah scholars throughout Israel, Micah supports a placement professional who will work with graduates to find positions throughout Israel.

Yeshiva University- GPATS

The Graduate Program in Advanced Talmudic Studies (GPATS) is the only Orthodox two-year master’s program that provides women an opportunity for post-college, high-level study to further their growth in skills in advanced Talmud, Tanach and Halakhic studies. This program creates an elite cadre of female scholars of who will serve as leaders and role models for the Orthodox community and Jewish community at large. After completing the two-year program, the women will receive a master’s degree in Biblical and Talmudic interpretation. Micah funds both the Graduate Program and a micro-grant incubation fund for GPATS students launching their own learning initiatives.

Yeshivat Maharat

Yeshivat Maharat, founded in 2009, is the first Yeshiva in America to ordain women to serve as Orthodox clergy. By providing a credentialed pathway for women to serve as clergy, they increased the community’s ability to attract the best and brightest into the ranks of its rabbinic leadership. In addition, by expanding the leadership to include women, they seek to enliven the community at large with a wider array of voices, thoughts, and perspectives. Micah provides multi-year operating support for Maharat  and funds a pilot program designed to place and support alumni in building spiritual communities.

Hadran: Advancing Talmud Study for Women

Founded in 2018, Hadran aims to make Talmud study accessible to Jewish women at all levels. It does so in a unique way: by providing a wide range of resources – daily Talmud study support, commentary, topical shiurim, insights – in the voice of women teachers. These resources present the material in clear ways, with explorations of context and explanations of basic Talmudic assumptions, making them interesting, engaging, and meaningful. Hadran believes that an accessible digital hub of Talmud study will advance women’s Talmud learning worldwide. Micah provides Hadran with operating support.

Kolech, Religious Women Forum

Micah supports Kolech: Religious Women’s Forum, in creating social change for the purpose of promoting the status of women, gender equality, and women’s rights in Israel.

Matan-The Sadie Rennert Women's Institute for Torah Studies

Micah supports Kitvuni, a Fellowship for women writing books of Torah scholarship.

Suggested Edit: Matan has been at the cutting edge of Torah learning for women since it was established in 1988.  What began as a small group studying around a dining room table with Rabbanit Malke Bina, has developed into a dynamic, broad based institute with intensive Beit Midrash programs and a wide array of innovative and challenging learning opportunities for women of all ages and from all backgrounds. Micah supports Kitvuni, a fellowship for women writing books of Torah scholarship.

Ceres

Micah supports Ceres’ Climate Action 100+ program, which is working to ensure the world’s largest corporate greenhouse gas emitters take necessary action on climate change.

Citizens' Climate Education

Citizens Climate Education is a nonpartisan grassroots advocacy organization that empowers individuals to educate key stakeholders, policymakers, and the general public about effective solutions to climate change. Micah supports CCE’s Conservative Outreach efforts.

Environmental Defense Fund

Environmental Defense Fund is one of the world’s leading and most influential environmental organizations. Guided by science and economics they find practical and lasting solutions to the most serious environmental problems. Micah supports their work with aquaculture in order to develop sustainable production of healthy seafood meeting the most stringent environmental and health standards.

Jewish Federations of North America

Micah supports Jewish Federation of North America, whose mission is to protect and enhance the well-being of Jews worldwide through meaningful contributions to community, Israel and civil society, consisting of 146 local federations protecting the well-being of Jews worldwide through tikkun olam and tzedakah.

Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford

Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford protects and enhances the well-being of Jews worldwide and locally through the values of Tikkun Olam, tzedakah and Torah. The Federation galvanizes the community in times of crisis for emergency fund raising campaigns such as the most recent efforts to support and rescue Ukranians. Micah supports the annual campaign and emergency campaigns, as needed.

JLENS

JLens is an investor network that provides a Jewish values lens on impact investing and serves as a bridge between the Jewish community and the Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arenas. In particular, JLens has identified systemic anti-Israel bias in the financial markets and leverages its shareholder advocacy to draw attention to the issues and catalyze change. Micah provides operating support for JLens.

M2

M2: The Institute for Experiential Jewish Education helps educators and organizations design compelling educational experiences that help their learners find meaning and relevance in Jewish life. Micah supports M2’s Center for Values in Action – Environmental Research Fellowship, designed to create curricular materials and experiences for educators and learners to explore and activate the Jewish value of protecting the environment.

The American Joint Distribution Committee is the leading global Jewish humanitarian organization. Micah supports JDC’s efforts to rescue and support Ukrainians.

For more than 90 years, the Jewish Agency for Israel has worked to overcome the biggest challenges facing the Jewish people. Micah supports the Jewish Agency as they create links globally—bringing Jews to Israel and Israel to Jews around the world. Micah supports JAFI’s efforts on behalf of Ukrainian immigrants to Israel.

Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford is the leading social service agency in the West Hartford community, providing a wide array of services to the Jewish community and the community at large. Micah is the founding funder of JFS’ innovative Comprehensive Community Supports: Embracing Independence program, designed to help community members become financially and socially independent through a combination of professional social services and community volunteer frameworks.

New England Jewish Academy

Micah supports New England Jewish Academy, a Pre-K – 12 Orthodox Jewish Day School based in West Hartford, CT. Micah initiated and supports an innovative and responsive tuition subsidy initiative for all NEJA students, helping grow the school and the West Hartford Orthodox community.

Prizmah Center for Jewish Day School

Micah is an active and leading supporter of Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools, a national network of day schools and yeshivas focused on building and strengthening the Jewish day school field by identifying and investing in talent, catalyzing resources, and supporting educational innovation. In addition to providing operating support, Micah initiated and funds Prizmah’s Orthodox Women in Day School Leadership initiative, designed to support current Orthodox women Heads of School, strengthen the pipeline of women leaders, and identify and nurture the cultures and conditions essential for Orthodox women leaders’ success.

Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford

Micah supports Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford, a Jewish day school located in West Hartford, CT that nurtures and inspires the next generation of creators and thinkers to make positive change in the global community through dynamic, forward-looking models of education guided by Jewish principles and values.

American Israel Education Foundation

The American Israel Education Foundation (“AIEF”) is the charitable organization affiliated with AIPAC, America’s pro-Israel lobby. One of its signature initiatives is funding educational seminars to Israel for members of Congress and other political influentials. Micah supports AIEF in their support of educational pro-grams including Middle East research, educational materials and conferences, and leadership programs for university students.

Foundation for Defense of Democracies

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies is a nonpartisan research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. Micah supports FDD with an operating grant for their Israel work, anti-BDS efforts, and work with the burgeoning ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) field.

Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford

Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford protects and enhances the well-being of Jews worldwide and locally through the values of Tikkun Olam, tzedakah and Torah. The Federation galvanizes the community in times of crisis for emergency fund raising campaigns such as the most recent efforts to support and rescue Ukranians. Micah supports the annual campaign and emergency campaigns, as needed.

Jewish Federations of North America

Micah supports Jewish Federation of North America, whose mission is to protect and enhance the well-being of Jews worldwide through meaningful contributions to community, Israel and civil society, consisting of 146 local federations protecting the well-being of Jews worldwide through tikkun olam and tzedakah.

JLENS

JLens is an investor network that provides a Jewish values lens on impact investing and serves as a bridge between the Jewish community and the Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arenas. In particular, JLens has identified systemic anti-Israel bias in the financial markets and leverages its shareholder advocacy to draw attention to the issues and catalyze change. Micah provides operating support for JLens.

Washington Institute

Washington Institute is the one of the leading institutes in the world devoted to advancing a balanced and realistic understanding of American interests in the Middle East and to promote the policies that secure them. Micah supports Washington Institute with a general operating grant.

ADL

Micah funds ADL, the global leader in the effort to combat antisemitism, counter extremism, battle bigotry and protect democracy.

Hadar

Founded in 2006, Hadar works to empower Jews to create and sustain vibrant, practicing, egalitarian communities of Torah, Avodah and Chesed by offering immersive experiences with deep Jewish content. Micah provides multi-year operating support for Hadar and its regional expansion.

Jewish Free Loan

Micah supports the Jewish Free loan fund of Greater Hartford.

Jewish Federations of North America

Micah supports Jewish Federation of North America, whose mission is to protect and enhance the well-being of Jews worldwide through meaningful contributions to community, Israel and civil society, consisting of 146 local federations protecting the well-being of Jews worldwide through tikkun olam and tzedakah.

Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford

Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford protects and enhances the well-being of Jews worldwide and locally through the values of Tikkun Olam, tzedakah and Torah. The Federation galvanizes the community in times of crisis for emergency fund raising campaigns such as the most recent efforts to support and rescue Ukranians. Micah supports the annual campaign and emergency campaigns, as needed.

Jewish Funders Network

JFN is a global network of foundations and philanthropists whose mission is to promote meaningful giving and improve philanthropy in the Jewish world. Micah is a member of the network.

JJ Greenberg Institute

The J.J. Greenberg Institute for the Advancement of Jewish Life is a division of Hadar that promotes the teachings of our teacher and mentor Rabbi Yitz Greenberg, seeking to sustain a vision of Jewish life that is fully integrated into postmodern culture. Micah’s grant supports the production and dissemination of an array of muti-media presentations of Rabbi Greenberg’s teachings, and supporting the recruitment and training of the next generation of Jewish leaders and educators who will further spread this Torah.

PJ Library

With over 230,000 Jewish children’s books sent out monthly to families across North America and over 20 million books sent out since its launch by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, PJ Library is one of the Jewish community’s most successful outreach, engagement, and identity building programs. Nothing matches the excitement children and families experience monthly as they rip open their envelope to reveal another quality Jewish themed book. The books are a gift from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, the local community partner (Jewish Federations or Jewish Community Centers) and a group of philanthropists known as PJ Alliance Partners. Micah is proud to be a member of the PJ Alliance.

Pardes

Micah supports Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, an inclusive and intellectually challenging Jewish learning community in Jerusalem with programs worldwide

Operation Benjamin

Micah supports Project Benjamin, an organization devoted to preserving the memories of American-Jewish servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending the cause of freedom during World War II.