ABOUT
Nishmat is dedicated to nurturing and fostering women in their Avodat Hashem and Yirat Shamayim through high-level Torah study. We are a trailblazer for women’s scholarship, leadership, and social responsibility, and a world leader in paving a new path for women in Jewish life.
Social Responsibility
In-Depth Learning Rooted in Yirat Shamayim
Torah Learning as a First Language
At Nishmat, women from Israel and around the world come together for deep, meaningful Torah study during transformative life stages: before or after National Service, IDF service, university, marriage, professional life, or other major transitions.
Through the diverse programs of Nishmat’s Israeli Beit Midrash and Nishmat’s Alisa Flatow Global Torah Community, women engage in serious Torah learning, both in-person and online, through gap-year programs, summer learning, post-college study, Nishmat’s Kollel, community initiatives, programs such as Maayan for Ethiopian-Israeli students, and Nishmat’s flagship Yoatzot Halacha programs and services.
Across all stages and frameworks, students gain the tools to encounter the foundations of Torah learning in depth while becoming part of a spiritually vibrant, growth-oriented, and deeply committed community.
Our learning model combines structured classes with chavruta study and sustained Beit Midrash learning. The curriculum spans Gemara, Halacha, Tanach, Chassidut, Jewish thought, and more, integrating breadth with depth.
The Beit Midrash is the heartbeat of our institution– rooted in the belief that “great is Torah study, for it leads to action.” Nishmat’s Beit Midrash serves as an open and welcoming space for women, teens, and broader community audiences, integrating Torah learning with meaningful social engagement.
Throughout the year, Nishmat’s faculty supports students through one-on-one mentoring, goal setting, Shabbatons, educational trips, and group experiences. This personal guidance empowers students to deepen their learning, strengthen their values, and build a meaningful connection between Torah and daily life. The program creates space for spiritual growth while helping students navigate personal challenges and life transitions.
One of Nishmat’s hallmark programs is the “Beit Midrash Chevrati”, where students explore the connection between halacha, social issues and lived practice, followed by contributing to the wider community through meaningful volunteer initiatives. Our students lead a range of community-based projects, including a Bat Mitzvah program, chavruta study with senior citizens, a weekly Parashat HaShavua class, programming for high school students, academic tutoring, support for families in need, and a communal food pantry.
In addition, the midrasha hosts open community initiatives such as study series for new mothers on maternity leave, holiday learning afternoons for mothers and children, a Purim carnival, and more. We believe deeply in building neighborhood connections and contributing to the community around us.
Nishmat was founded in 1990 by our Chancellor, Rabbanit Chana Henkin and her husband, Rabbi Yehuda Herzl Henkin, of blessed memory. At a time when women’s seminaries were just beginning to emerge, Rabbanit Henkin envisioned a place where every woman would feel part of the Torah world and where Torah study would be a central part of women’s Avodat Hashem.
Over the years, Nishmat and its programs have helped shape the landscape of women’s Torah learning, inspiring other seminaries and strengthening Torah study for women around the world.
Faculty
Rabbanit Chana Henkin
Founder & Chancellor
Rav Yehuda Henkin z”l
Founder
Rabbanit Yoetzet Halacha Atara Eis
Dean
Rabbanit Yoetzet Halacha Ilana Hadad
Dean
Rav Da’vid Sperling
Rosh Beit Midrash
Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon
Halachic Authority
Noam Adoryan
CEO
Rabbanit Yoetzet Halacha Rachel Eilon Kochva
Ra”mit Lifnei Sheirut
Rabbanit Tamar Newman
Ra”mit Shiur Alef
Rabbanit Emuna Lapid
Ra”mit Shiur Alef
Rav Avi Blidstein
Ra”m Shiur Hemshech
Rav Kobi Gigi
Rosh Kollel
Dr. Esti Bar-El
Director of Academic Advancement, Nishmat Ethiopian College and Level Up Programs
Malka Schwartz
Head of Recruitment and Program Manager
Rabbanit Navit Tzadik
Director of Alisa Flatow Programs
Tzivia Katsman
Rakezet Shana Ba’Aretz
Bhran Worku
Identity Seminars Coordinator
Tehila Schwartz
Coordinator of Army Program
Rav Ari Sat
Ra”m Kollel Halacha
Rabbanit Yoetzet Halacha Rachelle Sprecher Fraenkel
Educator
Rabbanit Neima Novetsky
Educator
Rabbanit Simi Peters
Educator
Rav David Sabato
Educator
Rav Yaakov Varhaftig
Dean of Keren Ariel
Rabbanit Yoetzet Halacha Gilla Rosen
Educator
Rabbanit Yoetzet Halacha Noa Lau
Director of Keren Ariel
Rav Assaf Bednarsh
Senior Lecturer and Halachic Supervisor of Golda Koschitzky Women’s Halachic Hotline
Rav Michael Edrei
Halachic Supervisor, Yoatzot Halacha and Fertility Counselors
Ayelet Habba
Director of Golda Koschitzky Center
Yoetzet Halacha Dr. Ayelet Kaminetsky
Director, Golda Koschitzky Hotline and Whatsapp Response Service
Rabbanit Yoetzet Halacha Michal Roness
Director of Fertility Counselors & Coordinator of Research Institute
Yoetzet Halacha Nathalie Loewenberg
Director, Yoatzot.org French site
Yoetzet Halacha Goldie Katz Samson
Director, Yoatzot.org Spanish site
Yoetzet Halacha Shira Mnitentag
Director, Yoatzot.org Hebrew site
Yoetzet Halacha Hadassa Klein
Director, Yoatzot.org English site
Rabbanit Yoetzet Halacha Laurie Novick
Yoatzot.org Responder
Ateret Meir
Em Bayit, Shiur Alef Coordinator and Shadchan
Lior Malka
Social Coordinator and Shiur Alef Coordinator
Yoetzet Halacha Fay Blashka
Yoatzot.org Responder
Rinat Blum Pechler
Shiur Alef Coordinator
Hodaya Elgrabi
Shiur Hemshech Coordinator
Yoetzet Halacha Ilana Eltzufon
Yoatzot.org Editor
Ketema Mendfero
Ethiopian College Program Coordinator
Yoetzet Halacha Rotem Glasser
Director of Mikveh Attendant Course
Sinayet Mekare
Recruitment and Level Up Coordinator
Chana Peles
Student Village Coordinator
Tehila Gottlieb
Alumnae Coordinator
Julie Weisman
Director of Development
Liora Rosenblatt
Public Relations and Donor Services Manager
Sarah Cassar
Social Media Coordinator, Hebrew
Michal Sklar
Social Media Coordinator, English
Tzipora Templeman
Administrator of Overseas Programs
Rivka Sabo
Office Manager
Anat Persi
Administration Manager
Tzippy Dayan
Dormitory Secretary
Israel Board
Stuart Hershkowitz • Elan Zivotovsky • Elisabeth Mayman • Dr. Dan Polisar • Dr. Tzippy Katz • Adina Rotem • Abby Weisz • Stuart Hershkowitz • Rachel Weiss • Estie Agus