(Courtesy of Jerusalem College of Technology) Friends of Jerusalem College of Technology, which rallies support for an academic institution that is at the forefront of empowering women in Israeli society, will feature “Big Bang Theory” star actress Mayim Bialik as its keynote speaker at its New York City gala dinner on May 6.

Given the role of the Jerusalem College of Technology (JCT) as a key agent of change in Israel through its training of religious women in science and technology careers, Bialik—an observant Jew in Hollywood who plays neurobiologist Amy Farrah Fowler on “Big Bang Theory” and is herself a neuroscientist—is perfectly cast for the role of keynote speaker at the Friends of JCT gala.

Bialik’s honor at the “JCT—Sparking Innovation” event also comes after the college was recently awarded land in Emek Zion, adjacent to its Lev Campus for men, where it is planning to build permanent facilities for the Tal Campus for women. The Tal Campus offers female students a unique combination of science and engineering education on the highest level and advanced Judaic studies courses.

Originally known for playing the title character of NBC’s “Blossom” as a child actress from 1991-1995, Bialik is also a leading voice on women’s issues, including through her New York Times bestseller book, “Girling Up: How to Be Strong, Smart and Spectacular.”

“Mayim Bialik’s unique personal and professional story is a microcosm of JCT’s own narrative in Israeli society and the global Jewish community,” said Friends of JCT Chairman Aurora Cassirer. “Both in real life and on the television screen, she helps counter the myth that women are not as well-suited as men for science and technology careers, all while maintaining an observant Jewish lifestyle. Mayim is a special role model for Jewish women, and we cannot think of a more fitting and inspirational keynote speaker for JCT.”

JCT’s groundbreaking work in the education of women in technology fields is particularly apparent when it comes to computer science. One out of every five Israeli women studying computers does so at JCT, and all of those students are daati leumi (national religious) or haredi. Fifty-three percent of JCT’s computer science students are women—18 percent higher than any other Israeli institution of higher learning.

The Friends of JCT gala will include a tribute to Dr. Rozalie Schachter, the daughter of Satmar Chasidim, who emigrated to the US at the age of 16, obtained a PhD in physics from New York University and became a trailblazer for women in the field of technology and business, as well as Golan Ben Oni, chief information officer at IDT, wo will be granted the Shield of David award.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the “Garden of Psalms,” a monumental piece of art created to eternalize the shared values represented by JCT’s vision. The artwork is an abstraction of Psalms in light and color, reflecting the longtime influence of Torah study on how we live and act—professionally and privately—toward God, society and ourselves. The windows in the piece are made by Ofra Friedland, one of Israel’s most prominent contemporary artists. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for the Tal Campus for women.

The gala will be held Sunday, May 6, starting at 6 p.m. at Lincoln Square Synagogue, 180 Amsterdam Avenue, New York City and is open to the media. Please RSVP at [email protected].

To learn more about Friends of JCT or donation opportunities, contact Stuart Hershkowitz at [email protected] or +972-52-2454463, Henry Orlinksy at [email protected] or 917-992-2793, or Helene Rothenberg at [email protected] or 917-757-8242.

For more information on the gala or to reserve a seat, visit: http://friendsofjctgala.org/.