Founder and Dean of Nishmat

Rabbanit Chana Henkin, founder and Dean of Nishmat, is one of today’s most acclaimed Jewish educators and a leader in re-drawing the landscape of Torah leadership and scholarship for women. She has headed Nishmat’s beit midrash for thirty years, where her legendary, infectious love of Torah inspires generation after generation of students. Together with her husband, noted halachic authority Rav Yehuda Henkin ztz”l, Rabbanit Henkin created the unique role of Yoatzot Halacha, experts in women’s health and Jewish law, to address women’s questions in taharat hamishpacha and women’s health. Rabbanit Henkin is a graduate of Yeshiva University’s Stern College and YU’s Bernard Revel Graduate School. She received Honorary Doctorates from both Bar Ilan University and Yeshiva University, and was awarded Israel’s prestigious Agrest Prize for innovative religious education. The Henkins made aliyah in 1972 and Rabbanit Henkin lives in Jerusalem, where her life is devoted to advancing Torah and serving Klal Yisrael.

Program directors

Originally from Teaneck, N.J. and currently a resident of Jerusalem, Sara Schatz is an experienced and knowledgeable educator who is passionate about expanding high-level Torah learning opportunities for women. Working in diverse forums, she has taught Gemara, Halacha, Tanach, and Holocaust education, in her positions as adjunct professor at Stern College for Women, educator and coordinator for OU-JLIC Summer Programs, NCSY Chapter Director for Rochester, NY, and tutor for Jewish conversion candidates with the Beth Din of America. She has lectured in numerous communities across the U.S. and Canada and is particularly enthusiastic about teaching Torah in small Jewish communities. Sara is a proud alumnus of Stern College for Women, where she received her B.A. in Judaic Studies and Education, and of Yeshiva University's Graduate Program in Advanced Talmudic Studies, where she received her M.A. in Biblical and Talmudic Interpretation. In addition to her work at Drisha, Sara serves as a faculty member and program coordinator at Midreshet Torah v'Avoda in Jerusalem, is the Program Director for the Drisha online Summer Kollel, and is in the process of completing her M.A. in Holocaust Studies at the University of Haifa. Kobi Greenfield, originally from Chicago, moved to Israel during his gap year at Yeshivat HaKotel and later served in the Givati Brigade of the IDF. He holds a master’s degree in Jewish education and has extensive experience in both formal and informal educational roles. Currently, Kobi is on Shlichut in Chicago, where he teaches at ICJA and is the director of NCSY. This summer, he and his wife are excited to serve as program directors of SIJW.