Feb 5, 2007 -- Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future has developed what is believed to be the first formal program at any rabbinical school in America designed to give rabbis’ wives the opportunity to meet with professionals to discuss issues of self, family, and community in a safe and supportive environment. The 2nd Annual “Rebbetzins Yarchei Kallah” program will take place from February 12-14 at Congregation Keter Torah in Teaneck, NJ. Rabbis’ wives face an increasingly complex series of opportunities and challenges in the 21st century. Many seek their own identities while striving to assist their husbands and fill the traditional role of a rabbi’s wife. Until recently, there wasn’t a “road map” that addresses their evolving role and provides them with guidance on how to navigate family and professional responsibilities. “Contemporary Orthodox Jews, from rabbis and rabbis’ wives to lay leaders and community members, are sophisticated, intelligent and rooted professionally and culturally in the secular world while living traditional Jewish lives,” said Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter, the internationally prominent rabbi who serves as Senior Scholar of the Center for the Jewish Future and is directing this initiative. “We must ensure that they have the tools and guidance necessary to lead these lives creatively and intellectually, now and in the future.” The multi-disciplinary Center for the Jewish Future, established in 2005 by Yeshiva University, harnesses the educational resources, commitment to service, and intellectual capital of the university and its undergraduate, graduate and professional schools to articulate a vision for the future while transforming that vision into reality. The center maintains departments focusing on rabbinic, professional, and lay leadership training and education, national youth learning programs, community development, scholarship, research, web-based activities and more. Founded in 1886, Yeshiva University brings together the heritage of Western civilization and the ancient traditions of Jewish law and life. More than 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students study at YU's four New York City campuses: the Wilf Campus, Israel Henry Beren Campus, Brookdale Center, and Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus. YU’s three undergraduate schools –– Yeshiva College, Stern College for Women, and Sy Syms School of Business ––– offer a unique dual program comprised of Jewish studies and liberal arts courses. Its graduate and affiliate schools include Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, and Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. YU is ranked among the nation’s leading academic research institutions.