JOFA
Rating: 4.74 stars 35 35 reviews 3,622
Address:
520 Eighth Avenue 4th Floor New York NY 10018 USA
Mission:
JOFA’s mission is to expand the spiritual, ritual, intellectual and political opportunities for women within the framework of halakha. We advocate meaningful participation and equality for women in family life, synagogues, houses of learning and Jewish communal organizations to the full extent possible within halakha. Our commitment is rooted in the belief that fulfilling this mission will enrich and uplift individual and communal life for all Jews.
Programs:
Jofa seeks to expand the spiritual, ritual, intellectual, and political opportunities for women and advocates for their meaningful participation to the full extent possible within the framework of jewish law via newsletters, manuals, conferences, workshops and articles.
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Reviews for JOFA
4 people found this review helpful
JOFA fills an important role in the Jewish world by striving to bridge the gap between men and women in traditional Judaism while understanding the importance of tradition and the slow processes of change within that tradition.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Growing numbers of partnership minyanim around the country and the world.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The JOFA conference in February 2007. Unfortunately I won't be able to attend this year's conference.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009-9-01
4 people found this review helpful
JOFA is a very empowering organization for traditional Jewish women. They lead the way in curriculum development, Jewish ritual practices, and scholarship that promotes gender equality within halacha.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
reading the and learning from their amazing Journal, participating in the annual conference.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
make the programming more regional - partnering with synagogues across the country for lectures, movies, etc.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Getting to know so many women in the forefront of Jewish scholarship.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very smart and professional
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
change the world.
Ways to make it better...
Their office was local (in my area)and I was able to participate more often in programs.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
creating a more sophisticated board in the areas of development, marketing and recruitment.
One thing I'd also say is that...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009-10-01
4 people found this review helpful
As a fairly new observant Jewish woman, coming from a Progressive, feminist background and orientation, I consider JOFA often to be a port in the storm. Smart, active, and generous to newcomers like me, it's an inspiring and essential organization.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Washington DC at a regional conference and through personal friends and the Journal. I have studied with Aliza Sperling, Jennifer Breger and Laura Shaw Frank which pretty much says it all.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009-3-01
3 people found this review helpful
JOFA's newsletters and on-line insights are very informative. Conferences are a great learning experience and provide a forum for networking otherwise not available.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
a supportive role to Orthodox Jewish women who would like to be recognized for our contribution as leaders, teachers and advisors to the entire Jewish community.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
it's progressive stance, while being true to Orthodox Judaism.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
dedicated and motivated to bring about change for Orthodox women
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Create a well endowed school to promote the role of women in Orthodox Judaism.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009-10-01
3 people found this review helpful
JOFA is a voice for Jewish women. Their support of scholarly work by women gives me resources to share with my students. JOFA conferences gave me the opportunity to learn more about how the Jewish community is addressing issues that affect me as a Jewish woman. JOFA's very existance testifies to the vitality of nurturing the next generation of Jewish women. In some way it empowered both me and my daughter so we could pursue and realize dreams of leadership in the Jewish community.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Personal and professional life, in education and in my life choices.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
They are vibrant. Very responsive.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Helpful, friendly, knowledgeable
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Reach more poeple. Work on more curriculum sorely needed in the schools.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009-10-01
4 people found this review helpful
Innovative and compelling programs in general. Leadership amongst Orthodox women. Always good movies and panel discussions. Awesome literature to supplement study around the holidays too:)
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
This organizations provides knowledge. Empowering Orthodox women.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008-5-01
5 people found this review helpful
I am not Orthodox, but it has helped me learn to chant Megillah Ester by providing a CD ram. Also, it has sent booklets and thoughts for Pesach and offers more services than I need to or can utlize. I am so proid of their Agunah service, although I do not need that help. I found them while seeking the Megillah, and it has been worthwhile being involved as a recipient. I DO FEEL A BIT GUILTY ABOUT NOT BEING ORTHODOX, BUT THEY DO NOT JUDGE ME.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
their offering the megillas Ester and other holiday servcies.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Thier position as Otrhodox and Feminist and their quest for learning and speading knowledge.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009-9-01
5 people found this review helpful
Great organizations spreading Feminism and inclusion into the Jewish community. As a Rabbi at an all-women's college, I use their materials regularly and share them with my students.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
sharing Orthodoxy and Feminism.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Very little
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Fresh thinking, great knowledge, personal stories.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
send speakers to many smaller communities and reach female Jewish college students (a relatively untapped resource for them).
Ways to make it better...
More of their events took place outside of New York/Boston, etc.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Tilt to the right in Orthodoxy
One thing I'd also say is that...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009-9-01
5 people found this review helpful
JOFA is a unique organization in the Jewish community. It provides intellectual, emotional and spiritual support and refreshment to Jewish women who are both committed to Jewish tradition and practice and also engaged with the larger world. The conferences, publications and speakers are of the highest quality. It is a truly outstanding organization!
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If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Bring human resources to outlaying communities.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009-9-01
5 people found this review helpful
I live in a small community. The woman are professionals,traditional religiously, kind, generous and good people. BUT most are lacking in religious introspection. JOFA has given me a venue where I can share my conflicts between Orthodoxy and my feminism. The conferences have shown me that there are many other women (and men) who feel as I do and validate my frustrations and encourage me to work through them. Their monthly and holiday bulletens and divrei torah have fed my intellect and encouraged my spirituality. I have used these lessons at the seder table, Friday night shabbat dinners, and in conversations as I walk the boardwalk. I now say the motzei and when applicable the Zimun, and read the siddur more carefully.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The Ta Shma class that I gave on "Women touching the torah". It was Simchat Torah and after the class, those who had been reluctant now eagerly danced with the torah.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The intellectual honesty of the staff and volunteers, and their constant striving for a deeper spiritual connection to god.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
helpful, professional, friendly, sincere, terrific.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
1 Sponsor conferences across the world. 2 Write study guides for each weekly torah portion. 3 Conduct Webinair ta shma classes 4 Do more for agunot, pr, pay for toanot and lawyers. 5 more PR 6 write a more gender inclusive siddur.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009-10-01
