Victor Helfand Women of the Bimah

Historically, Jewish women were restricted in their participation of religious services. A new paradigm of synagogue ritual has emerged, ranging from women in limited roles to full gender-equal participation. Women speak of their awakening to the power of prayer and to their deepest longings to serve their community as emissaries and conduits of prayer. These photos capture this sense of enormous pride and great joy in their accomplishments, and their love of Jewish ritual practice.