Elisa Klapheck

Elisa Klapheck is a trailblazing figure in the Jewish community, notable for being the first female rabbi to serve in the Netherlands. Born in Germany, she has made significant contributions to the advancement of women in Jewish leadership. Her journey as a rabbi began with her ordination in 2004 by the Aleph Rabbinic Program, marking an important milestone in her career. Prior to her ordination, she was involved in organizing the Bet Debora Berlin conference in 1999, a gathering of European women rabbis, cantors, scholars, and rabbinically-educated Jews in Berlin.

Klapheck's rabbinic career has spanned across multiple countries, with appointments in both the Netherlands and Germany. In 2005, she became the rabbi of Beit Ha'Chidush in Amsterdam, a position she held until her return to Germany in 2009. Since then, she has served as the rabbi of the Egalitarian Minyan in the Jewish Community of Frankfurt am Main. Her professional affiliations include membership in the General Conference of Rabbis of Germany and associate membership in the Rabbinic Board of Liberal Judaism in London. Through her work and leadership, Elisa Klapheck continues to make a lasting impact on the Jewish community, paving the way for future generations of women in rabbinic roles.