Dina Brawer is an Orthodoxwoman 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]
Born Dina Elmaleh[8] and raised in Milan, Italy to a ChabadHasidic family.[9] 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.[10] 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.[9][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.[11][12] Brawer is married to Rabbi Dr. Naftali Brawer who was born in Boston but raised in Canada.[13] Brawer and her husband co-founded of the Mishkan community in London which is described as a "transdenominational, pop-up Jewish community".[14][15] After years of service in Britain's Jewish community, the Brawers relocated to the United States.[13]
Recognition[]
Dina Brawer was listed among Britain's 100 most influential Jewish community activists in 2016.[6]
Category: Women rabbis
