Orthodox Woman to Head Rabbinical School

A "transdenominational" rabbinical school in California has named an Orthodox Jewish woman as its president, making her the first Orthodox woman to lead a Jewish seminary. Tamar Frankiel, who holds a Ph.D. in the history of religions, will lead the Academy for Jewish Religion, California. Since Orthodox Jews do not ordain women, Frankiel is not a rabbi herself. The rabbinical school, part of the interdenominational Claremont Lincoln University, ordains rabbis for Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, Renewal and nondenominational synagogues, but Orthodox Jews do not accept its ordination. (The university does include Orthodox students and professors.)