Dana Shamasian, Director, Tidreshi Program, Memizrach Shemesh

Rabbanit Adina Bar Shalom, daughter of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and founder of the Ultra-Orthodox College, was hosted at a fascinating encounter at the Memizrach Shemesh – Kol Israel Haverim Tidreshi program. The Rabbanit's integration of social action for women in the ultra-Orthodox sector and her personal history of having been raised in her renowned father's home form the basis for an extraordinary story that aroused great interest among the women studying in the Tidreshi program.

The Rabbanit discussed the establishment of the college and its social import within the sector in which she is active and for Israeli society as a whole. The story of the college illustrates some of the challenges in facing extreme incidents of extremism, exclusion and prejudice in Israeli society in general and in ultra-Orthodox society in particular. The Rabbanit praised the moderate Sephardi worldview, according to which social and religious responsibility is implemented in the entire community, and outlined possible avenues for change and for promoting women's public leadership. The encounter was highly inspiring and, by enhancing the meaning of their efforts, greatly strengthened participants' resolve.

Tidreshi is a women's study house that promotes hands-on projects aimed at preventing the exclusion of women through study of the lore and tradition anchored in mizrachi communities and by providing tools for social change.