TEANECK—The Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA) announces the launch of the Joan S. Meyers Memorial Torah Lending Program. Through this innovative initiative, girls and women in the tristate area will be able to borrow a Sefer Torah to use in ritual prayer settings for events such as bat mitzvahs, engagements, marriages, births, Rosh Hodesh, and other milestones.

The program began with davening, including a  women’s Torah reading on Rosh Hodesh Tammuz, at Congregation Netivot Shalom in Teaneck, that was followed by a festive meal and celebration.

“There are many women and girls who seek greater ritual inclusion in Jewish life,” said volunteer program coordinator Pam Greenwood.  “Whether they wish to read the weekly parsha at a bat mitzvah, or mark another important lifecycle event by being called to the Torah, there is nothing in Jewish law that prevents women from holding their own Torah service. What often prevents them from doing so is simply logistics.

“While there are Orthodox synagogues that can accommodate the request for a women’s service—making space and a Torah available , there are others that do not. For women in those situations, JOFA is thrilled to be able to provide them with a Torah,” added JOFA board member Pam Scheininger, who is driving the program. “It is a wonderful gift of empowerment and enrichment.”

The program is being generously supported by Mr. Leon Meyers and family, in memory of Mr. Meyers’ wife, Joan S. Meyers. The Sefer Torah is being lent to JOFA by Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum.