Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has hailed the “outstanding quality” of the first ten women to graduate from his Ma’ayan programme, an in-depth course for female educators.

Graduates, close family and friends attended a ceremony at Rabbi Mirvis’s home.

The women were presented with personalised certificates designed by artist Debby Ifield.

Their studies encompassed the laws of family purity and women’s health issues and their teachers included London Beth Din dayanim and Rabbi Mirvis himself.

The women will take up positions in communities across the country.

After the ceremony, the Chief Rabbi said: “There are many women in our communities who are thirsting for greater knowledge and understanding of Torah.
“The graduation of our Ma’ayanot is a watershed moment, raising the bar for women’s education and Torah observance in our community.”

Graduate Jacqueline Feldman said: “This programme has educated us to support women of our communities in their lives and their learning. I want to thank the Chief Rabbi for believing in the importance of having women who are trained in halachah, medical understanding and education at the heart of our communities.”