Valerie Stessin

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Valerie Stessin is the first woman to be ordained as a Conservative rabbi in Israel, as well as the first woman to be ordained by the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies; she was ordained in 1993. [1] [2]

She was born in France, and was involved with the Bnei Akiva youth movement there, but moved to Israel at age 17. [3] [4] In 2009 she and Rabbi Miriam Berkowitz founded Kashouvot, an organization in Jerusalem whose mission is to "introduce chaplaincy (also referred to as pastoral care or spiritual support) into Israel, and to provide quality, professional spiritual support in the healthcare and social services." [5] [6]

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References

  1. "New Jewish Feminism" . Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  2. "Hudson Jewish Community Forum" . Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  3. "Founders «  Kashouvot" . Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  4. "Israeli Conservative Movement Will Begin to Ordain Women As Rabbis". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  5. "Founders «  Kashouvot" . Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  6. "Mission «  Kashouvot" . Retrieved 29 October 2014.