Kol Isha Centered: Badass Women You've Never Heard Of
What if some of the most fascinating women in our tradition are the ones we've never heard of?
Jewish classical texts introduce us to women who challenge conventions, lead communities and imagine possibilities beyond the boundaries of their time. What happens when we look at our tradition through a feminist lens? Who gets remembered, and who gets forgotten? What can these women teach us about power, courage, creativity and community? How might we carry their legacy forward?
Kol Isha Centered: Badass Women You've Never Heard Of is an invitation to discover these women and ourselves.
This is a space for text, conversation, friendship, curiosity and a little bit of good trouble.
No prior experience with Jewish texts is required. Bring your questions, your life stories and the wisdom you've gathered along the way. Your lived experience is part of the Torah we will bring to the table.
There will be nine meetings on the following dates:
- Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 7:00–9:00 PM
- Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 7:00–9:00 PM
- Thursday, December 10, 2026 | 7:00–9:00 PM
- Thursday, January 14, 2027 | 7:00–9:00 PM
- Thursday, February 11, 2027 | 7:00–9:00 PM
- Thursday, March 18, 2027 | 7:00–9:00 PM
- Thursday, April 8, 2027 | 7:00–9:00 PM
- Thursday, May 20, 2027 | 7:00–9:00 PM
- Thursday, June 3, 2027 | 7:00–9:00 PM
Tova Birnbaum is a Scholar in Residence for Israel Education and Spiritual Innovation at Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School in Palo Alto and a faculty member at the Mandel Institute for Nonprofit Leadership. In December 2026, she will be ordained as a rabbi by the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America. Previously, Tova served as Director of Jewish Life at the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto and as a Senior Jewish Education Specialist at JCC Association. She was born in Bnei Brak, Israel, and raised in an ultra-Orthodox home. She was one of the founders of the BINA Secular Yeshiva in Tel Aviv, where she also served as a faculty member. She served as the Central Shlicha (emissary) and director of the North America Region of the World Zionist Organization. Tova holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and Jewish philosophy and a master's degree in theater. She lives in Mountain View with her husband, and they are the proud parents of two daughters.
Location
Oshman Family JCC, Arrillaga Family Pavilion (Bldg C) 2nd Floor, 94303