Kol Isha is the OFJCC’s women’s initiative, bringing together a select group of local women for a year-long journey of learning, connection and impact. Rooted in Jewish wisdom and inspired by the power of women’s voices, Kol Isha creates a space to build community, explore Jewish texts through a feminist lens, and take action on pressing social issues.
Each session begins with study of the weekly Torah portion, uncovering themes that echo the very issues we face today—safety and homelessness, gender-based violence and healing, immigrant rights and labor justice, civic responsibility and ethical leadership, food security and access, inclusion of people with disabilities, and representation of marginalized communities.
These timeless questions set the stage for the second part of each session, where participants meet with local nonprofit leaders working on these challenges in our society and learn how change is happening on the ground.
Together, participants amplify women’s voices past and present, engage in meaningful dialogue that bridges ancient wisdom and modern realities, and take part in hands-on volunteering opportunities that deepen their impact.
Kol Isha is more than a program; it’s a community of women committed to shaping a more just and compassionate world guided by Jewish values, inspired by each other and empowered to lead.
For the 2025–26 school year, Kol Isha includes eight monthly sessions, along with several hands-on volunteering opportunities to engage more deeply with local nonprofits. We are also exploring the possibility of offering an optional weekend retreat at an additional cost.
Applications for Cohort V have closed. Check back for information about the 2026–27 cohort!
SESSION DATES AND THEMES:
November 5, 2025 | Parashat Vayera: Refugees and Immigrants Rights
In Parashat Vayera, Hagar—the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah—experiences deep anguish when she and her son Ishmael are cast out into the wilderness. Her story resonates with the work of organizations where volunteers support refugees and asylum seekers, helping them rebuild their lives with stability, dignity and hope after displacement.
December 3, 2025 | Parashat Vayishlach: Gender-Based Violence and Healing
In Parashat Vayishlach, we read the painful story of Dina, one of Jacob’s daughters. This difficult narrative reminds us of the importance of supporting victims of domestic violence. Organizations dedicated to this work offer a path toward safety, healing and renewal, helping individuals reclaim their dignity and begin new lives free from abuse.
January 7, 2026 | Parashat Shemot: Rights and Representation of Marginalized Communities
In Parashat Shemot, we read about the Israelites’ journey from a small, vulnerable community to a disenfranchised people and ultimately into slavery. This foundational story in Jewish tradition inspires us to engage with grassroots organizations that advance the rights and representation of marginalized communities through community-driven advocacy, education and leadership development.
February 4, 2026 | Parashat Yitro: Civic Responsibility and Ethical Leadership
In Parashat Yitro, the newly reborn nation of Israel receives guidance on leadership and legal systems, culminating in the giving of the Ten Commandments. This pivotal moment establishes enduring principles of justice, accountability and ethical governance. It inspires engagement with organizations that promote civic responsibility and ethical leadership, where volunteers work to strengthen communities, foster fairness and support the development of just and compassionate systems.
March 4, 2026 | Parashat Ki Tisah: Homelessness
In Parashat Ki Tisah, the Israelites are commanded to create a sacred space for God’s presence among them. This story emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility, generosity and care in building a home that nurtures community and holiness. It inspires volunteering with organizations that address homelessness, where individuals contribute time, resources and compassion to help create safe, welcoming homes for those in need.
April 15, 2026 | Parashat Tazria-Metzora: Inclusion of People with Disabilities
In Parashat Tazria-Metzora, we encounter the laws of leprosy, which underscore the isolation and vulnerability experienced by those afflicted. This story reminds us of the importance of compassion, inclusion and care for marginalized individuals. It inspires support for organizations that promote the inclusion of people with disabilities and protect animals who have been abandoned or neglected.
May 6, 2026 | Parashat Behar-Bechukotai: Environmental Issues
In Parashat Behar-Bechukotai, the concept of Shmita, the sabbatical year, is introduced, when the land rests and debts are forgiven, emphasizing respect for the earth and the balance between human activity and nature. This principle inspires engagement with organizations that address environmental issues, promoting sustainable practices, conservation and responsible stewardship.
June 3, 2026 | Parashat Shlach: Food Insecurity
In Parashat Shlach, the mitzvah of Hafrashat Challah—setting aside a portion of dough—is introduced, teaching the values of generosity, gratitude and mindful sharing of resources. This practice inspires engagement with organizations that address food insecurity, where volunteers help ensure that all members of the community have access to nourishing food.
Program cost: $450
FACILITATORS
Tova Birnbaum is a faculty member at the Mandel Institute for Nonprofit Leadership and a rabbinic ordination student at the Shalom Hartman Institute. She previously served as Director of Jewish Life at the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto and as Senior Jewish Education Specialist at the JCC Association. Born in B’nai B’rak, Israel, she co-founded the BINA Secular Yeshiva in Tel Aviv and later became its faculty. She also served as Central Shlicha and Director of the North America Region of the World Zionist Organization. Tova is a Judaic studies teacher, theater midrash facilitator and officiant for secular Jewish life-cycle ceremonies. She serves on the boards of the Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School and the Birthright Israel International Education Committee. Tova holds a BA in psychology and Jewish philosophy from Hebrew University and an MA in heater from Tel Aviv University. She lives in Palo Alto with her husband and their two daughters.
Luba Palant is the Chief Program Officer at the Oshman Family JCC, where she leads mission-driven programs that foster belonging, volunteerism and Jewish life. With a background in business management and over 18 years in Jewish communal work, she has developed innovative initiatives such as the Center for Social Impact and women’s learning and community circles. Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, Luba holds a master’s degree in cultural arts management and a certification in nonprofit executive leadership from the Mandel Institute for Nonprofit Leadership. She is passionate about creating inclusive communities and inspiring social change.