Nishmat Marks the Graduation of its 14th Cohort of Yoatzot Halacha
On Rosh Chodesh Adar 5786, Nishmat proudly celebrated the graduation of its 14th cohort of Yoatzot Halacha, marking yet another milestone in the expansion of women’s Torah leadership and scholarship.
In Nishmat’s Esther Kryss Bet Midrash, the evening brought together families, educators, rabbinic leaders, alumnae, students, and supporters to honor the newest cohort of Yoatzot Halacha. These graduates now join an expanding international network of 202 women trained to provide halachic guidance to women in matters of Taharat Hamishpacha and women’s health, strengthening Jewish life and observance around the world.
The ceremony opened with words of blessing from Rabbanit Noa Lau, Director of the Keren Ariel Yoatzot Halacha Fellowship Program, as well as Rabbanit Chana Henkin, Founder and Chancellor of Nishmat, together with Rabbi Yaakov Varhaftig, Dean of Keren Ariel and Rabbanit Atara Eis, Dean of Nishmat, and Nishmat’s longtime Executive Board Member, Dr. Dan Polisar.
Nishmat’s Halachic Authority Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon, Rabbi Zev Weitman, Rabbi of Alon Shvut, and MK Michal Waldiger delivered key addresses, reflecting on the significance of women’s Torah leadership, the responsibility borne by the graduates, and the profound impact of the Yoatzot Halacha program on Jewish communities in Israel and abroad.
Representing the graduates, longtime Nishmat student, Kollel graduate and newly certified Yoatzot Halacha, Elisheva Hasin, delivered moving remarks, recounting that the entire two and a half years of their study was under the shadow of war, with husbands and family on duty the reserves, and constant uncertainty. “I feel privileged to have successfully completed the Yoatzot Halacha program. With Am Yisrael facing existential threat, we leaned into Torah. We read the great Poskim of generations past, and felt them with us in the beit midrash. They also faced unimaginable challenges. They held on to Torah and the Torah held them. We felt that as we clung to our studies as the world spiraled around us. They would have given anything to trade places with us- to live in this generation- with a state, an army, and the technology to defend ourselves under threat.
We are blessed to be students of Rabbanit Henkin, who taught us to always place the Jewish people first, to look out for the nation, see their needs, and answer them with compassion and expertise. I wish us great success in the journey ahead- may we be blessed to always see and respond to the needs of Am Yisrael. May we merit to continue to witness the geulah unfold before our eyes.”
We congratulate the graduates and wish them great success as they embark on their important roles as Yoatzot Halacha, serving women, families, and communities with wisdom, dedication, and faith.