Inspiring young girls
Janice Iloni-Furstenberg, is St Kilda Shule's 86th and first female president.
St Kilda Hebrew Congregation has announced its first female president since its inception 151 years ago in 1871.
Janice Iloni-Furstenberg, the shule’s 86th president (56th individual) , said she feels “honoured and privileged” to take up the position, which officially begins on October 22.
Although she was the shule’s first female treasurer and first female vice-president, she said that “being the first female president holds a greater significance”.
“I hope that this appointment helps to encourage female leadership roles, pave the way for future female presidents, motivate other Jewish organisations to follow suit, and inspire young girls to aspire to leadership roles,” she said.
Iloni-Furstenberg has been with the congregation for almost 10 years, having joined the shule board in 2013.
She told The AJN, “While there have been some challenges along the way, it has been very rewarding. I feel blessed to be a small part of the shule’s more than a century-and-a-half’s rich history.”
Iloni-Furstenberg shared that there are several initiatives that she is excited to explore that are already in consultation with the board.
She said, “Our bat mitzvah program has been rapidly growing in popularity over the past few years. More and more girls have gained confidence, stepped up and are choosing to do their own dvar Torah from the pulpit. It is a delight to watch,” adding, “While our session on ‘sisterhood influences’ includes biblical women such as Sara, Rivkah and Leah, I am looking forward to addressing the girls personally as president of St Kilda Shule and talking about women playing a positive and influential role in many areas of society.”
She also mentioned the “wonderful choir” at the shule, saying, “I am hoping to create a mini song book (helped by our chazan Brett Kaye) containing the main tunes to enable members and guests to engage with joy in the services. It also enables those less familiar with the services to improve their knowledge.”
Rabbi Yaakov Glasman, who Iloni-Furstenberg described as being “a real mensch and a great person to work with”, said he is “delighted” with her election.
“Janice has served on the board with distinction over the past 10 years and I am excited to continue working with her to serve the needs of our St Kilda Shule family,” he said.
He added, “I commend our outgoing president Gerry Bullon for the enormous contribution he has made over the years and as president, and for his ongoing support of our amazing shule.”
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