Leslie Ginsparg Klein is the Academic Dean of the Women’s Institute of Torah Seminary & College, an accomplished scholar, author, and speaker on Jewish history, Tanach, leadership, and communication skills. She passionately discusses the role of women in leadership and education within the Orthodox Jewish community, highlighting the importance of recognizing and supporting female leaders and mentors. Focusing on the transformative impact of figures like Sarah Schneirer and the Bais Yaakov movement, which provided Jewish girls with education and a sense of spiritual identity, Leslie emphasizes the need for women to uplift one another and foster inclusivity and acceptance within the community. In addressing today’s challenges in Jewish education, including school rejections, inclusivity, and balancing home and school in teaching Jewish values, Leslie advocates for moving beyond performative education. She calls for internalized spiritual growth rather than surface-level conformity. Sensitive topics such as dress codes, hair covering, and the devaluation of teachers are tackled, with a strong appeal to prioritize respect and fair pay for educators. Leslie and Matana underscore the importance of ensuring meaningful, inclusive education for all children and strengthening the role of women in shaping the community. Dr. Klein earned her Ph.D. from New York University, where she researched the history of Orthodox girls’ education in America and the Bais Yaakov movement. She is an alumna of Michlalah, Stern College for Women, and the Wexner Graduate Fellowship, and a recipient of the New York Jewish Week’s “36 Under 36” award (2009). Dr. Klein lives in Baltimore with her husband and children. Connect with Leslie: Website: lesliegklein.com Email: lmgklein@gmail.com Instagram:@leslie_g_klein Leslie's Book: Sarah Builds a School Join us on Whatsapp: Click here to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Click here to listen to us on iTunes Comments or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at: listeningtounderstandshow@gmail.com Sponsored by: SwagMyGear.com Get your custom printed & promotional logo swag, t-shirts, hoodies, hats, bottles and other gear, perfect for business & corporate branding & events, family gatherings, Bar & Bat Mitzvas, parties and weddings all printed with your logo or message. Click here & Get $55.00 off your order today with coupon code MATANA
