Jen Taylor Friedman

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Jen Taylor Friedman is a soferet (Jewish ritual scribe). On September 9th, 2007, she became the first woman known to have completed a Torah scroll. Taylor Friedman's sefer Torah was commissioned by United Hebrew Congregation, a Reform temple in St. Louis, Missouri.[1]

Taylor Friedman was born in Southampton, England, and educated at Oxford.[2] While studying at Oxford, she became interested in halakha (Jewish law) and calligraphy, and by a "chance combination of happy circumstances" she met a sofer (a male scribe) who helped her realize that becoming a soferet would allow her to pursue both interests.[3] Taylor Friedman continued her scribal studies in Jerusalem and New York City, where she now resides.[2][4]

Taylor Friedman's first project as a soferet was Megillat Esther, a scroll of the Biblical Book of Esther that is traditionally read in synagogue on the holiday of Purim. She completed the project on Purim 2004 (March 6).[5] Since that time she has prepared six more megillot,[5] including one for Congregation Ansche Chesed, a synagogue on Manhattan's Upper West Side.[6]

Taylor Friedman is one of five known contemporary soferot (female scribes).[7]

Taylor Friedman is also known for her Tefillin Barbie, which has been featured in a number of prominent Jewish publications.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Jill Kassander (November 2006). Torah Alive! is celebrated at United Hebrew. St. Louis Jewish Light. Retrieved on 2007-07-24. “Those associated with the project said they are not aware of any other Torah completely written by one woman.”
  2. ^ a b Leslie Bunder (2006-11-03). Women writing Torah. SomethingJewish. Retrieved on 2007-07-24.
  3. ^ Jen Taylor Friedman. FAQ, in detail. Retrieved on 2007-07-24.
  4. ^ Randi Sherman (2007-02-23). Barbie On The Bima?. The Jewish Week. Retrieved on 2007-07-24.
  5. ^ a b Jen Taylor Friedman (2007-02-27). a purim story - my first megillah. Retrieved on 2007-07-24.
  6. ^ Ansche Chesed March 2006 Bulletin. Retrieved on 2007-07-24.
  7. ^ Associated Press (2006-09-05). Female Torah scribes begin work in St. Louis. Columbia Daily Tribune. Retrieved on 2007-07-24.

[edit] External links