Aa
  • Read, Watch, Listen
  • TJI Series
  • Community Action
  • Events
  • Zedi
Follow us and continue the conversation
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • FaceBook
  • X
  • YouTube
Test yourself with the TJI Quiz!

Adjust size of text

Aa

Follow us and continue the conversation

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • FaceBook
  • X
  • YouTube

Your saved articles

You haven't saved any articles

What are you looking for?

Original reporting, insightful analysis and diverse views, delivered straight to your inbox

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • FaceBook
  • X
  • YouTube
Your support fuels our mission to inform, entertain and inspire.

The Jewish Independent is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the Standards may have been breached, you may approach The Jewish Independent or make a complaint to the Australian Press Council in writing at www.presscouncil.org.au. The Council may also be contacted on 1800 025 712.

  • Our Story
  • Contact us
  • Our Team
  • Support us
  • Guidelines
  • Pitch your idea
  • Republishing us
  • Community Action
  • Our Awards
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • FaceBook
  • X
  • YouTube
Aboriginal FlagTorres Strait Islanders Flag

The Jewish Independent acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and strive to honour their rich history of storytelling in our work and mission.

© The Jewish Independent 2026All Rights Reserved
Website design and development by Your Creative, MelbourneTerms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy
HomeRead, Watch, Listen

Israel’s first female rabbi: My country needs liberal Judaism

TJI Pick
Print this

Published: 20 August 2018

Last updated: 4 March 2024

IN 1992, WHEN I was the first woman ordained in the State of Israel, I was an oddity at best. This year, we ordained our 100th Israeli Reform rabbi, and they are serving communities and institutions all over Israel.

Over 25 years later, my daughter, a native-born Israeli, great granddaughter of the founders of Rechavia, became a rabbi. She is serving a community in the lower Galilee founded by 3rd and 4th generation kibbutzniks, taking back the Judaism that their grandparents had discarded, but remolding it for the 21st century.

FULL STORY I was the first woman ordained in Israel. Of course Israel needs liberal Judaism (Forward)

Photo: Rabbi Naamah Kelman was ordained by former President Rabbi Alfred Gottschalk in 1992. (Courtesy of HUC-JIR)
You might also like
  • The Altalena should be a warning, not a political weapon
    Shahar Burla
  • Turkey emerges as military threat to Israel
    Dror Doron
  • Because of my Zionist values, I’m joining an Arab party
    Yoav Segalovitz
logomark.67a07ee3
We believe in the free flow of information

Republish our articles for free, online or in print, by using our Creative Commons licence

You might also like

    Australia’s Prime Minister Albanese Speaks After Bondi Shootings
    News

    What PM, Premier, Police say about Bondi antisemitic attack

    The Jewish Independent 1
    Copy of Politica Podcast Social Tiles (600 x 400 px)
    Israel Iran WarPodcastIsrael

    Politica – Israeli Politics Explained

    The Jewish Independent 1
    Feature

    While still holding off the ground invasion, Israel praises Qatar over hostage talks

    TJI Wrap

About the author

TJI Pick

TJI Pick

TJI Picks are curated articles selected by The Jewish Independent Editorial team.

More from the author

NewsAustralia

Australia votes for Palestinian sovereignty in occupied territories

NewsAustralia

Antisemitic vandal likely to avoid criminal conviction

AnalysisAustralia

Why police can’t stop neo-Nazis marching in Australia

OpinionIsrael

Treason, trauma, and how the war could end