Dina Brawer
Dina Brawer (born Dina Elmaleh) is an Orthodox woman rabbi and the founder of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance division in the United Kingdom (JOFA UK).[1][2] Brawer received her rabbinical ordination at Yeshivat Maharat in the United States and is the first Orthodox woman rabbi to serve in the UK.[3][4] Brawer's work at JOFA UK focuses on women's rights in Orthodox Judaism and the religious education of adult women in Orthodox communities in the UK.[5][6][7]

Background
Brawer was born and raised in Milan, Italy to a Chabad Hasidic family.[8] After migrating to the United Kingdom, Brawer's education included a B.A. in Hebrew and Jewish Studies from the University of London, an M.A. in Education and Psychology from the Institute of Education, London.[9] In 2013, Brawer established and led JOFA UK to advocate for expanding the religious roles of women in Britain's Orthodox communities. Subsequently, Brawer joined Yeshivat Maharat and received her ordination in 2018.[8][5] Brawer is not formally affiliated with the Chabad Hasidic community but has described her education and training in Chabad as fundamental to her approach to Judaism.[10][11] Brawer is married to Rabbi Dr. Naftali Brawer who was born in Boston but raised in Canada.[12] Brawer and her husband co-founded of the Mishkan community in London which is described as a "transdenominational, pop-up Jewish community".[13][14] After years of service in Britain's Jewish community, the Brawers relocated to the United States.[12]
Recognition
Dina Brawer was listed among Britain's 100 most influential Jewish community activists in 2016.[6]
References
- Wolfisz, Francine. "Dina Brawer becomes UK's first female Orthodox rabbi". Jewish News / Times of Israel. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- "British Orthodox women join US feminists in fight for rights". The Jewish Chronicle. 25 November 2016. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- "First Orthodox female rabbi will open new chapter". The Times. Retrieved 26 January 2022 – via www.thetimes.co.uk.
- Jordan, Leah (24 May 2018). "Progressively Speaking: How significant is Britain's first Orthodox female rabbi?". The Jewish News (UK). Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- "Dina Brawer becomes Britain's first female Orthodox rabbi". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- "Power 100: 100-51". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- Rocker, Simon (10 December 2018). "Orthodox feminist organisation JOFA UK announces new additions, including American rabba". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- "Ex-Hasidic Woman Becomes Britain's First Orthodox Female Rabbi". Haaretz. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- "About". dinabrawer.com. 14 December 2014. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- Wolfson, Rina (30 March 2018). "Dina Brawer: From Rebbetzin to Rabbi". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- Wachmann, Doreen (2017). "Rebbetzen who is hoping she can become an Orthodox Rabbi". The Jewish Telegraph. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- "Borehamwood's Rabbi Naftali Brawer to leave for America". The Jewish News (UK). 28 February 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- "Announcing our new Director of Recruitment and Admissions". Yeshivat Maharat. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- "Pop up pair launch new kind of prayer". The Jewish Chronicle. 25 November 2016. Retrieved 26 January 2022.