Baltimore, MD - Mar. 7, 2024 - On February 7th, an important event took place in Baltimore, bringing together a vibrant community of women with a common theme – frum women who work in a secular environment.
Hosted by the WITS/Maalot Alumnae Association, the event, titled “Navigating the Terrain: Frum Women in the Secular Workplace,” marked the beginning of a series of initiatives to support frum women in their professional lives.
The event was chaired by alumnae Yael Weiss, Yaffa Stern, and Zehava Gerstenfeld, whose hard work brought to fruition an impactful and memorable event. After attending the event, alumna Yakira Price shared, “It was so special to come together with other women who are also working in secular environments. It really helped me feel less isolated.”
The evening was emceed by Rebbetzin Ettie Rosenbaum, Menaheles of WITS, and commenced with words of wisdom from Dr. Hinda Dubin. Dr. Dubin, a distinguished psychiatrist and Director of Psychiatry Education and Training for the state of Maryland, as well as a WITS Board Member, shared stories and invaluable insights on navigating the professional world with grace. She emphasized the opportunities we have to make a kiddush Hashem by proudly embracing our Jewish identity.
Following Dr. Dubin’s message, Rabbi Dovid Heber, Rav of Khal Ahavas Yisroel Tzemach Tzedek and a Kashrus Administrator at the Star K, addressed the attendees. Rabbi Heber, who has taught at WITS for 26 years, expertly answered pre-submitted questions on a wide range of pertinent issues. The questions included topics on kashrus, interacting with male colleagues, attending social gatherings, addressing "woke" culture that contradicts Torah values, and handling conversations about Israel and the war. Rabbi Heber’s guidance illuminated a path for women striving to maintain their religious integrity while working in diverse settings.
To enable more women to attend such an important event, the program was open to all women in the community, regardless of being a WITS/Maalot alumna, and a live-stream option was offered so alumnae living out of town could participate as well.
“WITS devotes an entire seminar focused on this topic, but as much as one tries to prepare, until you are living it, you don’t truly understand the challenges of a secular workplace,” says Mrs. Sarah Brody, WITS Director of Marketing and Development, who oversees the Alumnae Association.
As Jewish women continue to balance their roles at home and in their professional lives, events like this serve as vital platforms for dialogue, support and chizuk. The initiative of the WITS/Maalot Alumnae Association not only fosters a sense of community but also encourages women to ask important shailos and seek guidance. By addressing the unique challenges these women are facing, WITS and the Baltimore community are paving the way for future generations to thrive both as professionals and as proud Jewish women.
If you have suggestions for programming to help support frum women working in secular work environments, please contact Mrs. Sarah Brody – stbrody@wits.edu.
