Mesorah Baltimore is an educational organization for women providing quality classes and programming guided by Torah wisdom to enhance spiritual and intellectual growth.
Mesorah Baltimore: The Center for Women’s Torah Studies was originally founded as the Women’s Institute of Torah (WIT) in 1984 in response to the burgeoning need for quality Torah education for women. Rabbi Shlomo Porter and Rebbitzen Ettie Rosenbaum launched this endeavor.
Rebbetzin Frieda K. Hirmes was added to the WIT name in 1987, in appreciation to her daughter, Mrs. Hannah Storch a”h, who provided seed funding for the organization. In 1996, Rebbitzen Ettie Rosenbaum was appointed menaheles of Maalot/WITS, a post high school seminary. WIT existed side-by-side with Maalot/WITS until WIT, under the leadership of Mrs. Rivka Segal, became an independent organization specifically designed to offer continuing education classes and programming for women.
Along with semester classes, programs such as the annual Women’s Day of Learning and the Jewish holiday-based Yemei Iyun, were added to the roster. Membership options were introduced as well.
Mrs. Andrea Schulman, who currently serves as Executive Director, joined WIT in 2004 and further professionalized the organization. Monthly Rosh Chodesh lectures, an annual Scholar in Residence program featuring world-renown speakers, a theme-based Summer Series, a winter Melave Malka gathering, and virtual tours of Israel are now staples of the wide variety of programs offered.
For close to four decades, WIT has been the central address for women’s Torah learning in Baltimore. Energized by its diverse membership, and an engaged Board of Directors, it has continued to expand its offerings. In 2023, building upon the powerful foundation of WIT, the organization undertook a comprehensive strategic visioning process. This resulted in the formation of Mesorah Baltimore: The Center for Women’s Torah Studies. Mesorah Baltimore will continue its rich legacy of providing stimulating classes in a variety of forums to enrich the lives of the women of our community.
"I'm deeply inspired by the women who participate in our programs.
Their unwavering commitment to Torah study and practice empowers not only themselves but also enriches their families and homes."
Board of Directors
Mrs. Sharon Zuckerbrod
President
Mrs. Varda Birnbaum
Mrs. Meira Horowitz
Mrs. Elaine Mael
Mrs. Judy Weiss
Executive Committee
Mrs. Leah Berry
Immediate Past President
Mrs. Dassie Barr
Mrs. Esther Boehm
Mrs. Jody Crane
Dr. Marlene Daniel*
Mrs. Linda S. Elman*
Mrs. Shoshana Krupp
Dr. Rena K. Langermann
Mrs. Sarah Leipnik
Mrs. Julie Meister
Mrs. Eve Messing
Mrs. Risa Miller
Mrs. Bracha Poliakoff
Mrs. Suri Reiner
Mrs. Rochel Rochkind
Mrs. Chava Schwartz
Mrs. Lois Volosov
Mrs. Esther Weiner
Mrs. Pearl Zoimen
*Past President
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Rebbetzin Ettie Rosenbaum
Founding Director
Mrs. Hannah Storch, a"h
Honorary President
Mesorah Baltimore was founded as the Women’s Institute of Torah through a generous grant from Mrs. Hannah Storch, ע’’ה in memory of her dear mother Rebbetzin Frieda K. Hirmes, ע’’ה.
Faculty
Mrs. Sara Brejt
Rebbetzin Bracha Goldberger
Rabbi Menachem Goldberger
Mrs. Mindi Hauer
Rebbetzin Ettie Rosenbaum
Mrs. Rivka Segal
Rabbi Yonah Sklare
Mrs. Ruhama Welcher
Guest Speakers
Mrs. Ruchama Alter
Mrs. Shalvie Friedman
Rebbetzi Esti Hamilton
Mrs. Shira Hochheimer
Mrs. Michal Horowitz
Mrs. Yael Kaisman
Mrs. Amian Kelemer
Mrs. Esti Kimche
Mrs. Rivka Maron
Rabbi Yisrael Motzen
Mrs. Rachel Neuberger
Mrs. Aviva Orlian
Mrs. Shifra Rabenstein
Mrs. Rickie Rabinowitz
Mrs. Rachelle Reingold
Rabbi Duvi Rubin
Rabbi Shmuel Silber
Mrs. Chana Slavaticki
Mrs. Shira Smiles
Mrs. Jaclyn Sova
Rebbetzin Reena Tarshish
Mrs. Sara Malka Winter
