OWLS

October 17 and 24

Women have played significant roles in major world religions throughout history, often encountering empowerment and restrictions. By exploring historical female figures, the impact of women in Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Hindu faiths will be highlighted. Learn about their leadership, their roles in the family and the worship communities as well as their contribution to gender equality. We will see how the experiences of women can vary within each faith based on cultural, historical, artistic and regional contexts.

Rabbi Tali Zelcowicz completed her undergraduate work in Sociology (Dean’s List) at the University of British

Columbia. Thereafter, she received her rabbinical ordination and an MA in Jewish Education at Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles (where she later taught graduate students); and received her doctorate at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development (as a Wexner Graduate Fellow).

Rabbi Yoni Nadiv has over a decade of experience working with Jewish camps, synagogues, day schools and

universities. As an educator, he teaches classes for all ages, serves as scholar-in-residence and speaks at retreats. He studied

at Columbia University, the Jewish Theological Seminary and then at Yale University where he researched digital humanities

applications to the Babylonian Talmud.  He is the senior director of Leadership Development at Jewish Columbus.

Nicol Ghazi, executive director of Muslim Family Services of Ohio (since 2013), serves on the board of the Human

Services Chamber of Franklin County. She is an advocate on issues impacting women and families, both within our community and on behalf of our community in the public sector. She also served 2 terms on the Columbus Women’s Commission.  

Susan Warrener Smith, an ordained Presbyterian minister, is a retired associate pastor (Indianola Presbyterian Church). She studied History of Art (B.A., M.A.) and Theological & Religious Studies (Ph.D.) at Boston, Michigan and Drew universities, respectively. Her interests include the intersection of faith and art, medieval spirituality and Cistercian aesthetics. She uses art as the inspiration for reflecting on the scriptures in her sermons.

Preeti Manchanda, a practicing Hindu, is a Meditation & Wellness Coach and certified Marma Practitioner with a back- ground in business analysis and a passion for Indian spiritual traditions. Living in Japan for 7 years deepened her understanding of mindfulness and cultural harmony. Her work blends ancient wisdom with modern insight, creating reflective spaces to explore the evolving role of women in Hindu religion. She highlights the spiritual and societal contributions of women across time.