About WIT

The Rebbetzin Frieda K. Hirmes Women’s Institute of Torah (WIT) was founded by Rabbi Shlomo Porter and Mrs. Ettie Rosenbaum in 1986 in response to a need for continuing Torah education for women of the Baltimore Jewish community. Mrs. Hannah Storch, a"h, chose to honor the memory of her beloved mother, Rebbetzin Frieda K. Hirmes, through supporting WIT. The programs and organization have grown tremendously, and now include women of all ages, diverse backgrounds and in all stages of life. WIT offers classes on Tanach, Parsha, Tefilla and Halachos. The courses are designed to elevate a woman’s appreciation for Jewish learning and growth, and inspire action in all areas of life guided by Torah wisdom.

WIT is currently under the leadership of our Program Director, Andrea Schulman who has daily contact with our President, Linda S. Elman. Our Board of Directors and lay leaders are quite active in the day to day operations of the organization.

With this in mind, WIT provides continuing education courses and programs to the women of the Baltimore Jewish community. Since its inception, women have been drawn to the stimulating and inspirational high-quality classes and programs that WIT offers. Classes are presented at various learning levels. There is a broad range of Jewish learning, including but not limited to text base courses, philosophical courses and a course presented in Hebrew. WIT has become a national model for other communities committed to providing quality women’s Jewish education.