kol isha
Kol Isha is the OFJCC’s women’s initiative, bringing together a select group of local women for a year-long journey of learning, connection and impact. Rooted in Jewish wisdom and inspired by the power of women’s voices, Kol Isha creates a space to build community, explore Jewish texts through a feminist lens, and take action on pressing social issues.
Each session begins with study of the weekly Torah portion, uncovering themes that echo the very issues we face today—safety and homelessness, gender-based violence and healing, immigrant rights and labor justice, civic responsibility and ethical leadership, food security and access, inclusion of people with disabilities, and representation of marginalized communities.
These timeless questions set the stage for the second part of each session, where participants meet with local nonprofit leaders working on these challenges in our society and learn how change is happening on the ground.
Together, participants amplify women’s voices past and present, engage in meaningful dialogue that bridges ancient wisdom and modern realities, and take part in hands-on volunteering opportunities that deepen their impact.
Kol Isha is more than a program; it’s a community of women committed to shaping a more just and compassionate world guided by Jewish values, inspired by each other and empowered to lead.
For the 2026–27 year, Kol Isha includes nine monthly sessions.
Applications for Cohort VI are now being accepted.
APPLY HERE
SESSION DATES AND TIMES:
- Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 7:00–9:00 PM
- Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 7:00–9:00 PM
- Thursday, December 10, 2026 | 7:00–9:00 PM
- Thursday, January 14, 2027 | 7:00–9:00 PM
- Thursday, February 11, 2027 | 7:00–9:00 PM
- Thursday, March 18, 2027 | 7:00–9:00 PM
- Thursday, April 8, 2027 | 7:00–9:00 PM
- Thursday, May 20, 2027 | 7:00–9:00 PM
- Thursday, June 3, 2027 | 7:00–9:00 PM
Program cost: $450
Tova Birnbaum is a Scholar in Residence for Israel Education and Spiritual Innovation at Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School in Palo Alto and a faculty member at the Mandel Institute for Nonprofit Leadership. In December 2026, she will be ordained as a rabbi by the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America.
Previously, Tova served as Director of Jewish Life at the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto and as a Senior Jewish Education Specialist at JCC Association. She was born in Bnei Brak, Israel, and raised in an ultra-Orthodox home. She was one of the founders of the BINA Secular Yeshiva in Tel Aviv, where she also served as a faculty member. She served as the central shlicha (emissary) and director of the North America Region of the World Zionist Organization. Tova holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and Jewish philosophy and a master’s degree in theater. She lives in Mountain View with her husband; they are the proud parents of two daughters.
Luba Palant is the Chief Program Officer at the Oshman Family JCC, where she leads mission-driven programs that foster belonging, volunteerism and Jewish life. With a background in business management and over 18 years in Jewish communal work, she has developed innovative initiatives such as the Center for Social Impact and women’s learning and community circles. Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, Luba holds a master’s degree in cultural arts management and a certification in nonprofit executive leadership from the Mandel Institute for Nonprofit Leadership. She is passionate about creating inclusive communities and inspiring social change.