Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies: Celebrating Hebrew Union College’s Trailblazing Women for Women’s History Month
March 10, 2025
Throughout Hebrew Union College’s history, women have broken barriers, redefined leadership, and reshaped the Jewish world. From the first woman rabbi and cantor in North America to pioneers in accessibility, racial diversity, and musical leadership, these trailblazers have transformed Jewish life. Their groundbreaking achievements have not only expanded opportunities for women in the rabbinate and cantorate but have also strengthened the inclusivity, richness, and reach of Reform Judaism. As we honor some of these remarkable leaders during Women’s History Month, we celebrate their lasting impact and the doors they continue to open for future generations. These are just a few of the many women who have shaped our institution and movement, and we honor all those—past, present, and future—who continue to pave the way.
Rabbi Sally Priesand ’72:
Rabbi Sally Priesand ’72:First Woman Rabbi in North America
On June 3, 1972, Jewish and American history were made when Rabbi Sally Priesand ’72 was ordained by Hebrew Union College as the first woman rabbi in North America. A pioneer who opened the way for generations across all denominations and around the globe, Rabbi Priesand set in motion the first steps toward inclusion, diversity, equity, and empowerment of new cohorts of leaders for the Jewish people over the past five decades.
Cantor Barbara Ostfeld ’75
Cantor Barbara Ostfeld ’75First Woman Cantor in North America
At the age of 22, Cantor Barbara Ostfeld ’75 became the first woman cantor in the world, securing her place in history. Ordained in 1975 by Hebrew Union College’s School of Sacred Music, her leadership opened the doors for many women to pursue similar paths. A writer, mental health advocate, and recipient of Reform Judaism’s highest musical honor, Cantor Ostfeld has spent her life using music and words to inspire change. Cantor Ostfeld’s influence on Jewish music, aspiring cantors, and the Reform movement is profound, most notably through her commitment to music, education, and social justice. 50 years later, the female Reform cantorate is over 400 women strong and growing.
Rabbi Laura Geller ’76
First Woman to Lead a Major Metropolitan Synagogue as Senior Rabbi
As the first woman selected to lead a major metropolitan synagogue as senior rabbi, Rabbi Laura Geller ’76 made history. Ordained in 1976 as the third woman in the Reform Movement to become a rabbi, she went on to serve as the senior rabbi of Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, breaking new ground for women in Jewish leadership. Before that, she was a trailblazer in Jewish education and advocacy, directing Hillel at the University of Southern California and co-creating the Jewish Feminist Center. Recognized as one of Newsweek’s 50 Most Influential Rabbis in America, Rabbi Geller has dedicated her career to strengthening Jewish life and community, with a lasting impact on feminist leadership and aging in the Jewish world.
Rabbi Amy Perlin ’82
Rabbi Amy Perlin ’82First Woman Rabbi to Start a Congregation
Rabbi Amy R. Perlin ’82 broke ground as the first female rabbi to found a congregation, establishing Temple B’nai Shalom (TBS) in Fairfax Station, VA, in 1986. Serving as senior rabbi for 32 years until her retiring as Founding Rabbi Emerita, she built TBS from the ground up, fostering a caring and values-driven Jewish community. A passionate educator, counselor, and innovator in worship, she guided generations of congregants, inspiring nine to become rabbis at Hebrew Union College. She was also the first Rabbi Emerita of the congregation’s sister Lutheran church. A committed philanthropist and lifelong Zionist, Rabbi Perlin serves on HUC’s Board of Governors, co-chairing its Israel Committee, and continues to mentor rabbis in the U.S. and Israel.
Rabbi Naamah Kelman ’92
Rabbi Naamah Kelman ’92First Woman Rabbi and Dean of Hebrew Union College in Israel
Rabbi Naamah Kelman ’92 has been a pioneering force for Reform Judaism in Israel and a transformative leader at Hebrew Union College for decades. As the first woman ordained as a rabbi in Israel, she has shaped Jewish life through her commitment to pluralism, social justice, and interfaith collaboration. A visionary educator and leader, she expanded the Israeli Rabbinical Program, strengthened the Year-in-Israel experience, and launched initiatives that bridged communities and deepened spiritual engagement. Under her leadership, the Jerusalem campus flourished, both programmatically and physically, ensuring its place as a hub of progressive Jewish thought and leadership. Her legacy extends beyond HUC through her work with organizations like Rabbis for Human Rights and the Tali Education Fund, she has empowered generations of clergy, educators, and activists. Rabbi Kelman’s lifelong dedication to advancing women in the rabbinate and fostering a vibrant, inclusive Jewish future cements her place as a true trailblazer.
Rabbi Andrea L. Weiss ’93, Ph.D.
Rabbi Andrea L. Weiss ’93, Ph.D.First Woman Provost of Hebrew Union College
Rabbi Andrea L. Weiss ’93, Ph.D., became the first female provost of Hebrew Union College, shaping the future of Jewish education and leadership. A scholar of Bible and a dedicated educator, she has played a key role in reshaping the rabbinical curriculum and strengthening the HUC community. She was the associate editor of The Torah: A Women’s Commentary, which won the 2008 Jewish Book of the Year Award, and co-editor of American Values, Religious Voices: 100 Days, 100 Letters. Through her scholarship, leadership, and commitment to visionary education, Rabbi Weiss continues to expand the role of women in shaping Jewish thought and practice.
Rabbi Rebecca L. Dubowe ’93
Rabbi Rebecca L. Dubowe ’93First Ordained Reform Deaf Rabbi in the World
Rabbi Rebecca L. Dubowe ’03 became the first female Deaf rabbi in the world, paving the way for greater accessibility and inclusion within the Jewish community. Ordained by Hebrew Union College in 2003, she has dedicated her career to ensuring that Jews who are Deaf can fully participate in Jewish life, officiating life cycle events and launching the first-ever Introduction to Judaism course in ASL in partnership with the Union for Reform Judaism. She has served congregations across the country and currently leads Moses Montefiore Congregation in Bloomington, IL, where she is an active advocate for interfaith dialogue and inclusion. Rabbi Dubowe also co-founded the McLean County Interfaith Alliance and serves as co-chair of the Faith and Outreach Committee of Not In Our Town, a grassroots movement combatting hate and promoting safe, inclusive communities. Recognized for her leadership, she has received honorary doctorates from Delaware Valley University and Hebrew Union College. A sought-after speaker and teacher, Rabbi Dubowe continues to expand opportunities for Deaf Jews and champions inclusion across the broader Jewish world.
Rabbi Cantor Angela Buchdahl ’99, ’01
Rabbi Cantor Angela Buchdahl ’99, ’01First Asian American Rabbi and Cantor in the World
Rabbi Cantor Angela Buchdahl ’99, ’01 paved the way as the first Asian American to be ordained as both a rabbi and a cantor, reshaping the landscape of Jewish leadership. She was raised Jewish by her Korean mother and Jewish American father, but after facing challenges to her Jewish identity during a trip to Israel, she reaffirmed her commitment through conversion at age 21. Ordained as a cantor in 1999 and a rabbi in 2001 at Hebrew Union College, she has since become a transformative leader in the Jewish world. In 2014, she was named Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue in New York City, becoming both the first woman and the first Asian American to lead the historic congregation. Rabbi Cantor Buchdahl is widely recognized for her leadership in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and innovation within American Judaism.
Cantor Jill Abramson ’02
Cantor Jill Abramson ’02First Woman Director of Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music
Cantor Jill Abramson ’02 has shattered barriers and redefined leadership in the world of Jewish music and clergy. As the first woman to direct the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music (DFSSM) at Hebrew Union College, she stands at the forefront of a new era; one where music and justice are inextricably linked. A gifted cantor, educator, and mentor, Cantor Abramson has spent her career harnessing the power of sacred music to inspire, heal, and drive change. Her leadership is shaped by years of service in congregations across the country, a deep commitment to social justice, and a vision for a cantorate that is both rooted in tradition and responsive to the needs of today. Whether strengthening the DFSSM curriculum, guiding the next generation of cantors, or using her voice—both literally and figuratively—to uplift communities, Cantor Abramson embodies a legacy of excellence, compassion, and transformation.
Rabbi Alysa Stanton ’09
Rabbi Alysa Stanton ’09First African American Woman Rabbi in North America
Rabbi Alysa Stanton ’09 made history on June 6, 2009, when she became the world’s first African American female rabbi, ordained at Hebrew Union College. Her journey to the rabbinate was shaped by a deep commitment to spiritual leadership and healing, beginning as a psychotherapist specializing in grief counseling. Inspired by seeing a female cantor after being told Jewish leadership roles weren’t open to women, she pursued rabbinic studies at our Jerusalem and Cincinnati campuses, where she studied, engaged in clinical pastoral care, and championed interfaith dialogue. In 2009, she became the rabbi of Congregation Bayt Shalom in Greenville, North Carolina, making history once again as the first African American rabbi to lead a majority-white congregation. Rabbi Stanton’s groundbreaking path continues to inspire generations of Jewish leaders and communities.
Rabbi Cantor Shani Ben Or ’21
Rabbi Cantor Shani Ben Or ’21First Dual-Ordained Leader in Progressive Israel
Rabbi Cantor Shani Ben-Or ’21 achieved a historic milestone as the first person ordained simultaneously as a rabbi and a cantor in the progressive community of modern Israel, and as the first cantor whose HUC ordination took place in Jerusalem. A Jerusalem native and lifelong member of Congregation Kol HaNeshama, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the Israeli Reform Movement, founding T’lamim, a community for young Reform Jewish adults, and co-founding the Nigunim Ensemble, which creates and performs sacred music for religious services across Israel. With an M.A. in Jewish Pluralistic Studies from Ono Academic College, she has taught in various batei midrash and served as a cantor in Israel and internationally, including in Hong Kong and New York. Committed to fostering a thriving liberal cantorate in Israel, she integrates Ashkenazi and Mizrachi musical traditions to create meaningful prayer experiences. Her leadership exemplifies the evolution of Israeli Reform Judaism, bridging diverse cultural influences and inspiring spiritual growth within her communities.