As part of their on going exploration into the depths of Israeli society, fellows of the Mandel School for Educational leadership, joined by MLI staff and faculty, examined a sector of society whose doors are usually closed to outsiders; the world of Haredi women. The morning of lectures and discussion kicked off with the screening of a documentary film, “Be Fruitful and Multiply”, written and directed by Shosh Shlam. This film addressed some of the challenges women face within the ultra-orthodox  community.

Following the screening of the film and discussion, a lecture was given by Dr. Tzvia Greenfeld, director of Mifne Institute for Democracy and Cultural Identity, an educational think tank concentrating on issues of Jewish identity and civic culture. Referring to the film, she spoke about the status of women in Israeli society and within the haredi community, cliaming the need for greater discourse within the community on this subject matter.