Community
Women to be permitted to stand for United Synagogue president
Decision will remove longstanding barrier to leadership
December 24, 2021 13:49
Decision will remove longstanding barrier to leadership
December 24, 2021 13:49Women will be able to stand for the presidency of the United Synagogue in future after the 151-year old Orthodox synagogue body removed the last barrier to lay leadership.
A spokesman for the Office of the Chief Rabbi, who is the religious authority for the US, confirmed the rule change.
It will be still be a few years before a woman will be able to put her name forward since current US president Michael Goldstein, re-elected for a second term earlier this year, has until 2025 to serve.
Doreen Samuels, who served six years as one of the first US women trustees, said it was a "momentous" decision. "I think the United Synagogue has been incredibly forward-looking. They have recognised the contribution women have made as trustees."
She praised current trustee Jacqui Zinkin who had "worked tirelessly" for the latest move.
Women were first able to stand as trustees of the US seven years ago although authority continued to be vested in a male president of its council.
The previous year, they were able to stand as chairs of congregations, having previously been eligible to become vice-chairs and financial officers for some years before.
READ MORE: New role for women in synagogues
To get more from community, click here to sign up for our free community newsletter.