Rohr, Gutnick Visit Mayanot

In a much anticipated event, Rabbi Joseph Gutnick, founding chairman of the Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, and Mr. George Rohr, founder of the Mayanot Women’s Program, visited the Mayanot Women’s Program over Chol Hamoed Pesach.

Rabbi Gutnick and Mr Rohr, known as supporters of a number of key Jewish organizations and causes, addressed a group of 30 students (who did not go home for Pesach) and the Mayanot faculty, emphasizing the importance of women’s education and leadership.

Rabbi Gutnick drew on examples from the Haggada, and in particular, a homily on the Four Sons, to illustrate the profound impact that women can have, both within their families and on an educational level, on the course of Jewish history and on the Jewish people.

Mr. Rohr expressed the overwhelming happiness and satisfaction he gets from being part of, and supporting the Mayanot initiative. “I feel privileged to help young women study Torah and gain access to their heritage,” he said.

Mayanot student, Naomi Fauerman spoke on behalf of the students, thanking both Rabbi Gutnick and Mr. Rohr for their tremendous generosity.

“Thanks to you, and to your vision and initiative, we have had the opportunity to learn Torah in a vibrant and warm environment,” said Ms Fauerman. “Our identities as Jewish women have been profoundly impacted,” she continued.

In addition, Mayanot faculty contributed to the visit. Associate director of the program, Mrs Rivka Marga Gestetner gave a tour of the Katamon based women’s campus, and educational director, Rabbi Meir Levinger, gave a short presentation of the educational philosophy behind the program.

Mayanot Dean, Rabbi Shloime Gestetner and Mayanot Executive Director, Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov, gave an overview of Mayanot’s plans for development and future.

“It was a true privilege to host Rabbi Gutnick and Mr Rohr at the Mayanot Women’s Program. It is important for our students to have the opportunity to meet two key supporters of Mayanot, and for us to be able to share our exciting plans and vision for Mayanot’s future.

We are truly thankful to Rabbi Gutnick and Mr Rohr, as well as the many other supporters who make our projects possible” said Rabbi Gestetner.