Hadar Sahalo

With five children and a job as a counselor for immigrant Ethiopian families in Israeli absorption centers, single parent Hadar Sahalo still manages to devote one day each week to pursuing a challenging goal: becoming an advocate in Israel’s religious court system. Attending Ohr Torah Stone’s Monica Dennis Goldberg School for Women Advocates on a full scholarship, Hadar, 38, admits that the rigorous studies in Jewish law are extremely demanding, but is determined to succeed and become Israel’s first female advocate of Ethiopian descent. “When you have the will, it is possible,” she states firmly.

“Many couples in the Ethiopian community in Israel have serious marital problems that are compounded by their experience as immigrants,” explains Hadar, who immigrated to Israel at age 17. “With limited Hebrew and a different mindset than most Israelis, it can be very difficult for them to navigate the rabbinical court system and even to communicate with a Hebrew-speaking advocate or lawyer.” Hadar, who gained personal experience in the courts as the result of her own divorce nearly three years ago, looks forward to helping Ethiopian immigrants in cases of divorce, child custody and other family issues. “Because I speak their language and understand their way of thinking, I can be a bridge between the Ethiopian community and the religious court system,” she says.

A Diverse Group of Students

Hadar is one of the 21 women who began their studies at the Monica Dennis Goldberg School with the beginning of this academic year, preparing to join the trailblazing female advocates who have graduated from the program since it was established 17 years ago. “As in previous years, this year’s class includes a number of women who are already working in other professions, ” says program director Nurit Fried. “We have two computer programmers, a social worker, a translator and two Jewish studies teachers, among others. On the other hand, now that it is an established and respected career choice for women, each year there are more and more students who come to the program directly after completing National Service or the army. Today, they make up more than half of our student body.”

A Female Voice in a Male World

As Nurit Fried with Rabbinical  court members

Female representation for women in the rabbinical courts is essential, because the court is a male world, says Fried, who is a practicing advocate. “The three judges are men, and so is the rest of the staff. It can be a very intimidating experience for a woman in crisis – so intimidating that she may be prevented from effectively presenting her case.”

Nearly two decades after the first female advocates began empowering female clients in the religious courts, they have achieved a reputation among men and women alike for being knowledgeable, professional, compassionate and efficient. And, while in the early days, the advocates often had to withstand chilly and negative reception from the rabbinic judges, they now have an excellent working relationship with the courts. “Today, in many cases, rabbinical judges ask women why they aren’t being represented by female advocates!” Fried reports. 

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