Rabbanit Shira Marili Mirvis made history this week by becoming the first woman in Israel to serve as an Orthodox synagogue’s sole spiritual leader.
The Shirat Tamar Synagogue in Efrat has appointed Mirvis as its spiritual leader and authority on Jewish law. While in the past Orthodox women have been appointed as spiritual leaders in Orthodox synagogues, they have always served alongside a male rabbi, according to The Jerusalem Post.
Mirvis said in a statement to the press, “I am deeply grateful to the Shirat Tamar community for giving me this opportunity which I see as a natural continuation of my role as a teacher and communal leader. My sincere prayer is that Hashem [God] will guide and strengthen me in this important role, enabling me to spread the word of Torah.”