Israeli women's leadership today: a panel discussion.(Discussion)

Leah Shakdiel, Chair

I am here today replacing a very dear woman to whom I'd like to dedicate my opening remarks.

It is not every day that a woman receives the Israel Prize for her life accomplishments. It is not every day that a religious woman is granted such esteem on a national and public level. And it is not every day that a banner is raised in honor of a religious feminist woman's accomplishments in the fields of teaching and education, volunteerism and political activity.

Professor Alice Shalvi, this is another opportunity to thank you for being there and opening the way for us and with us. For us, you have been a symbol of courage and tireless action, an amazing personal example, both when we agree with you and even-and in my eyes this is a huge compliment-when our ways have parted. None of us grew up in a vacuum; as each of us makes herself heard in her own way, we remain keenly aware of the vital activities of women, organizations, streams of Judaism and movements that came before us and are working around us in similar areas, from many directions. Where Alice Shalvi is concerned, these include the Israel Women's Network, which she founded; the Pelech High School for Girls, which she directed and shaped; and the Schechter Institute, in which she has filled several leadership positions. Today, she is a member of the Board of Directors of the Schechter Rabbinical Seminary and of the Schechter Institute for Jewish Studies, and she serves on the steering committees of the Women's Studies Program and the journal Nashim. In the past, she served as Rector of this institution. We can only go from strength to strength by acknowledging and honoring the strength that upholds us. Thank you, Alice.

We turn now to hearing the voices of the women leaders seated here.

Dr. Hannah Kehat

Researcher and Lecturer in Judaism and Education