Open Orthodox Judaism is a Jewish religious movement with a commitment to following halacha, increased emphasis on intellectual openness, and a more expansive role for women. The term was coined in 1997 by Avi Weiss,[1] who views halacha (Jewish law) as permitting more flexibility than the normal practices of Orthodox Judaism.
Weiss opened Yeshivat Chovevei Torah (a rabbinical school for men) in 1999 and later also Maharat for training women clergy.[2] In 2007, Weiss co-founded the International Rabbinic Fellowship for Open Orthodox rabbis, and in 2015 he and Asher Lopatin, YCT's president, resigned from the Rabbinical Council of America (RCA).[3] The movement's ordination of women, which is not considered halachically permissible, is a source of friction within Orthodox Judaism.[4]
ordination of women Rabbis ... semikha to women ... spiritual leadership .. full member of our rabbinic team