Europe’s "modern Orthodox” communities currently face calls by Reform organizations to have women lead Jewish communities by appointing them as Rabbis, in a break from tradition.
Fifty wives of rabbis from across Europe recently came to Vienna to meet and entreat the European Jewish community to continue the tradition, by which the rabbis lead the community with their wives working alongside them.
The three-day seminar on the "modern-day Orthodox rabbinic role" focused on explaining to Rebbetzins across Europe, especially in communities with a lot of outreach, the many situations in which they can guide families and teach various subjects to their communities.
Rebbetzin Naomi Lehrer said at the end of the conference that "Rebbetzins return to their communities with renewed strength to continue our grounded roles."
"Meeting Rebbetzins from all the corners of Europe and beyond was a source of tremendous inspiration to me. It was amazing to see the tremendous dedication of these Rebbetzins and how important their roles are alongside their husbands as community leaders."