Propelling JOFA Australia’s mission forward
These generous philanthropists have been instrumental in propelling JOFA Australia's mission forward.
Late last year, JOFA Australia affiliated to the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV). It was a significant milestone for our organisation, symbolising that Orthodox Jewish women now have a place in the main Victorian forum dedicated to discussing communal affairs. At the JCCV plenum, I was asked to give a small spiel about the organisation, how it came into being and why it is so important for it to continue existing.
When I spoke, I highlighted the outsize impact the organisation I founded had for Australian women in less than three years of existing. I spoke about the scholarships, more than 250 of them, which were granted to women around Australia so they could receive skills training. I spoke about the Torah learning opportunities that had been created. I pointed to the speakers bureau.
One of the other representatives in the room had a question for me, and he wanted to know how JOFA Australia had been able to emerge and fund so many activities for women in such a short time, when we literally started with zero dollars in the bank and offer our courses to women for nothing or a nominal donation. The answer to this question is the foundations and generous philanthropists that live and work amongst us.
These generous philanthropists have been instrumental in propelling JOFA Australia’s mission forward. They recognise the importance of our cause and the impact it can have on the broader community. They have taken the time to recognise that Australia did not have too many opportunities for development and learning for Orthodox women and decided that they wanted to be part of a new chapter.
Through their financial contributions, they have allowed JOFA Australia to swiftly initiate and expand our programs, from educational workshops to scholarships and community engagement initiatives.
The benefits of philanthropy are multifaceted. First and foremost, it provides JOFA Australia with the financial resources necessary to execute our vision. Without the support of these philanthropists, we would have faced daunting challenges in establishing and sustaining our operations. Their contributions have enabled us to offer courses and resources to women at little or no cost, breaking down economic barriers and ensuring accessibility for all.
Moreover, philanthropy brings with it a sense of communal unity and shared purpose. It fosters a spirit of collaboration and reinforces the belief that we can collectively drive meaningful change within our community. As philanthropists invest in our cause, they invest in the future of Orthodox Judaism, one that is more inclusive and equitable.
The philanthropists who support JOFA Australia do more than just provide financial assistance; they inspire us to keep pushing forward, even in the face of challenges. They are not always Orthodox. And they are not always women. But they support JOFA Australia’s growth because it helps to ensure that Australia has vibrant opportunities on the horizon for all Orthodox women.
Their generosity serves as a catalyst for our ongoing success, empowering us to continue making strides towards a more equal and inclusive future for women within the Orthodox Jewish community.
I have the privilege of serving as the president of JOFA Australia, and it’s a role that fills me with immense joy and pride. What makes this position so fulfilling are the countless reasons I love being at the helm of this remarkable organisation.
First and foremost, I cherish the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of women within the Orthodox Jewish community. JOFA Australia is dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowerment, and I get to witness the impact of our work firsthand. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that we’re creating a more inclusive and equitable future for women in our community.
Secondly, I love changing the fabric of our community, ensuring that women have a seat at the table and opportunities to develop themselves and their Torah learning.
But lastly, I love that I get to work with so many visionary philanthropists who share a vision for a better future, one where all Jewish women in Australia have access to extraordinary learning opportunities that enrich their lives.
Nomi Kaltmann is president of JOFA Australia.
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