JLIC at University of Maryland recently arranged a fabulous night of learning with various women in the community, entitled, “Jewish Woman Throughout The Ages.” Four very different women spoke about a different aspect of women in Judaism. Sheila Jelen, a professor in Maryland’s Jewish Studies Department, spoke about Gluckel of Hamelin, an early female business woman and diarist. Nira Berry spoke about owning her own business, Laughter Yoga, and led a session which was thouroughly enjoyed by all. Malka Adatto, the senior fellow at Yeshiva University’s Graduate Program for Women in Advanced Talmudic Studies, spoke about Sara as the Mother of Identity. The evening was concluded with Viva Hammer, a representative of JOFA and a law partner at the New York City firm Crowell & Moring, who spoke about the legal issues involved in a anti-agunot pre-nuptial agreements.
A panel discussion during dinner was moderated by Davida Silberman, a senior at UMD. Some issues discusses were maternity leave, family time, and equal opportunity in the workplace. Attendees said they were attracted by the variety of speakers and topics at the event, and left extremely impressed.