Leslie
Ginsparg
Klein
Author
Speaker
Educator
BIOGRAPHY
Leslie Ginsparg Klein is the Academic Dean of Women’s Institute of Torah Seminary & College, an Orthodox Jewish college for women. An accomplished scholar and author, Dr. Klein speaks on Jewish history, Tanach, leadership and communication skills across the United States and internationally. Dr. Klein received her Ph.D. from New York University, where she researched the history of Orthodox girls’ education in America and the Bais Yaakov movement. She is an alumna of Michlalah, Stern College for Women and the Wexner Graduate Fellowship, and a recipient of the New York Jewish Week’s “36 Under 36” award (2009). Dr. Klein lives in Baltimore with her husband and children.
Selected Articles, Blogs, Lectures & Interviews
RESEARCH INTERESTS
I am interested in American Jewish history, gender history, girl culture, and Jewish education. I am currently writing a book on the history of Bais Yaakov, the movement for Orthodox girls education, in America. It looks at the development of Bais Yaakov from its founding until today and investigates the changes over time. I am most interested in how Bais Yaakov developed into much more than a school; it developed into a social movement and setting where girls created culture.
NEW: CHILDREN'S BOOK
My first children's book, SARAH BUILDS A SCHOOL, was recently released by Menucha Publishers. Co-authored with Ann Koffsky, SARAH BUILDS A SCHOOL tells the story of Sarah Schenirer, founder of the Bais Yaakov educational movement. This leveled reader, geared for elementary school-aged children, has been featured by Baltimore Jewish Life, Jew in the City, the Five Towns Jewish Times, the Jewish Link of New Jersey, Mishpacha Jr., and other local and national publications.
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE
I am available for individual lectures, conferences, weekends or trips. Sample topics and past engagements are available on this site. Contact me for more information or scheduling.