kol isha
Kol Isha Centered focuses on the heart of what has always made this program special: the women who show up for one another, the connections they build together,and a deepening of Jewish identity through learning and text.
This year’s cohort, Kol Isha Centered: Badass Women You’ve Never Heard Of, explores fascinating women in Jewish tradition through a feminist lens; asking which figures we remember, which we’ve forgotten and why. Together, participants uncover lessons in courage, creativity and community, grounded in Torah study and Jewish wisdom.
No prior Jewish text experience is needed. What matters is showing up with your questions, your own story, and the wisdom you’ve gathered along the way.
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.