Testimonials

Minyan Tiferet is an oasis for people searching for a halachic yet inclusive minyan. In Tiferet, women who have never had an opportunity to read Torah or lead parts of tefilah have a warm, Jewishly educated and thoughtful kehila which embraces them as they take these steps. The leining is beautifully and expertly executed, and is always very moving for me to hear, as I think about the religious and emotional journey that many of the female leiners have traveled in order to “find their voices” and engage with Torah in this way. Myself, when I lein or lead Tefilah, I am filled with gratitude and awe to be raising my voice in sacred song, the way I always longed to do when I was growing up. The Minyan is blessed to have super-smart leadership which takes the principles of both Halacha and feminism extremely seriously and always works diligently to find that sometimes elusive place where the two co-exist.

-S.H.

I consider myself very lucky to be the sort of Jew who has been afforded the opportunity to explore, grow and change. As an Orthodox woman, over the years I’ve felt the desire to learn and do more and more. Just this fall, after leading the Hoshanot service during the holiday of Sukkot, I felt empowered and privileged that I could contribute, proud of what I accomplished, appreciative that others seemed inspired when they approached me afterwards and said, “Was that really your first time?!” But more important than that, Minyan Tiferet allowed me to have the passion that the Torah asks of us.

-A.K.

As a long time member of Minyan Tiferet I feel privileged to participate in, and witness others’ growth and engagement in halachic practice. Our recent Yom Tov Sukkot davening was a deeply spiritual experience. Virtually every woman in attendance had her own Arba’ah minim and participated in Hoshanot, which was led by a woman. As an Orthodox man, it was profoundly moving to see my wife and daughter experience the chag in a truly meaningful manner. I am in awe by the times we live in.

-M.S.