Speaking Availability: Workshop and Course List

Rabbi Marla J. Feldman Partial Workshop List

Torah Study and/or Text-Based Workshops:

Biblical Women Speak: Discovering Their Voices through New and Ancient Midrash
Taken from the upcoming book by the same title, this session will provide insight into the art of midrash, from ancient sources to modern biblical interpretation as we discover women of the Bible and restore their voices. This session will provide an in-depth look at one of the many biblical women featured in the book.

Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof: A Textual Approach to Social Justice
The social justice mandate within Judaism permeates the life of Reform congregations. This session will examine social justice texts from Biblical, Rabbinic and Medieval tradition that provide the foundation for the work we do and consider what these teachings mean for us today. In addition to a general session on social justice texts, more tailored sessions can focus on poverty, just war, international human rights, reproductive rights, bio-ethics, and other select topics.

Masters and Stewards: The Jewish Environmental Ethic
This textual approach to Judaism and the environment will examine relevant texts from Biblical, Rabbinic and Medieval tradition and consider what these teachings mean for us today.

Advocacy and Social Justice:

Achieving Pay Equity: Closing the Pay Gap in Reform Congregations
Statistically women in the U.S. earn 20% less than their male colleagues and the Reform Movement is no exception. The gender wage gap in our Reform institutions and congregations has been documented through several salary studies over the past ten years. As Reform leaders and as women we are obligated to seek economic justice and work to close the wage gap for clergy, Jewish professionals, and all employees of the Reform Movement. This session will touch on the causes of the gender wage gap, such as implicit bias, as well as key interventions that will help us achieve pay equity throughout our Reform congregations and institutions.

Advocacy Matters: A History of Reform Jewish Women’s Engagement
WRJ has a long and proud history of advocacy and engagement on public policy issues. We take action on the basis of existing resolutions and policy statements adopted by our leadership as well as the values of Reform and Progressive Judaism. Over the years, we have witnessed the importance and power of women’s advocacy on a wide array of issues of concern. Being a part of WRJ deepens our impact and amplifies our individual voices through collective action.

Speak Truth to Power: A Guide for Congregational/Sisterhood Political Engagement and Advocacy
In fulfillment of their mandate to seek tikkun olam, repair of our broken world, many congregations and sisterhoods address social justice issues in their local communities. This session will consider when and how we can engage in matters of public policy, respecting the diversity of our membership while remaining true to the prophetic teachings that have inspired Reform Judaism.