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Even while majoring in Religion and Education at Barnard College, Judith Roth knew that she wanted to spend time furthering her Jewish studies and honing her learning skills. So after graduation, the Teaneck native moved to Israel, where she enrolled in the Bruria Scholars program at Midreshet Lindenbaum. “I really felt the need to fully delve into the classical Jewish texts,” recalls Judith, “and Bruria Scholars is the ideal program in which to accomplish that.”

In June, Judith became the first Bruria Scholar to complete three full years of advanced Halacha and Talmud studies in the areas of Kashrut, Shabbat and Niddah - the three traditional subjects covered by men in rabbinical seminaries. “Since we began the Bruria Scholars program 11 years ago, several outstanding students have participated, and some have even stayed on for a second year,” relates Rabbi Herzl Hefter, the program’s director. “Judith is the first to stay in the program for three years and the first to cover such an expansive curriculum. Her commitment is exemplary,” adds Hefter.

Celebrating with a siyyum: “It was the context of being in the Beit Midrash which made the whole experience really special,” says Judith.

Judith marked her achievement with a siyyum and party in the Midreshet Lindenbaum Beit Midrash. “The knowledge and insights that I gained are certainly complemented by a sense of personal fulfillment,” she remarks. “But it was the context of being in the Beit Midrash - the vibrant buzz of hundreds of women of varying ages and levels learning with each other and from each other; asking some questions while serving as a reference to others - that’s what made the whole experience really special. It was only natural that I include them all in my celebration, since they were such an integral part of the process.”

Judith passed tests by Rabbi Hefter, teacher Gila Rosen, and OTS Chancellor Rabbi Riskin. “If a man were to have concluded such an intense and thorough learning program as successfully as Judith, we would call him ‘rabbi,’” explains Rabbi Riskin. “We call Judith a ‘Chachama’ - literally, ‘a scholar’ - in recognition of the fact that she has strengthened her skills in preparation for a lifetime of Jewish learning and teaching. We fully expect her to take on leadership roles in the Jewish community, especially in the area of Jewish education.”

“Making Halacha come alive”  -- Judith Roth in the Beit Midrash.

According to Rabbi Hefter, this has always been the overarching goal of the Bruria Scholars program. “Women have traditionally been excluded from the Jewish people’s ongoing Halachic discourse, be it for economic, political or practical reasons,” he explains. “The Bruria Scholars program offers them the opportunity to engage in Talmud Torah on a level high enough to join the top circle of Torah scholars and spiritual leadership. These are the women who are influencing our society today, holding key leadership and educational positions in their respective communities around the world.”

Recently engaged to be married, the 26-year-old Judith plans to continue living in Israel and has already begun to teach in a number of Jerusalem institutions. “In so many educational establishments, the teaching of Halacha is factual and dry: ‘This is what you’re allowed to do, this is what you’re not allowed to do and this is where it’s written,’” she laments. “Over the past three years I’ve grown to truly understand the ideas, concepts and guiding principles from which Halacha derives. I have a personal attachment now, which allows me to feel so much more connected on a daily basis.” Judith aims to share this excitement with others, “particularly teens, who are at such a turning point in their lives,” making Halacha come alive for a whole new generation of Jewish students.

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