Page 17 - Perspective 2022 - 11.9.22

Professor Hochberg addressing the graduates at the Machon Tal graduation in March

“I am also very proud of the tremendous growth in the account for 58% of students who pursue a bachelor’s

numbers of our Haredi students, as we have created degree in Israel, but only 29% of Israeli college students

the largest and most successful Haredi program in the who study computer science. Yet at JCT, 53% of the

country,” he said. “We have managed to do what other institution’s computer-science students are women, and

institutions have been unable to accomplish — provide a they account for 20% of female computer-science first-

strong academic program but also create a comfortable degree students in all of Israel.

environment for Haredi men and women. Hochberg also emphasizes the College’s accomplishments

An academic education,” he continued, “helps make the in the realm of expanding faculty-level opportunities for

Haredi community self-sufficient. They will be able to raise women.

a family without having to worry about financial challenges. “I am very proud of how we have promoted the advancement

They will now be able to work, live comfortably, enjoy life of women in academia —

in general, and improve their lifestyle. not only in regard to the
tremendous growth of
It’s about having financial security “AS I END MY TENURE AT JCT,

and simultaneously maintaining the I AM PROUD OF THE ACADEMIC female students at JCT, but

Haredi religious lifestyle. We are AND FINANCIAL STANDING OF also of women as instructors
extremely careful with this balance. and lecturers. We have a large

The idea is not to change them; OUR INSTITUTION” number of female faculty members

integrating Haredim into society does with master’s and doctoral degrees,

not mean changing them, rather, we are who also have large families. This is notable

enabling them to live with greater financial security and because it is very difficult to have a large family and

self-satisfaction.” conduct the research needed for advanced degrees — but

The College’s empowerment of religious women gives JCT provides the environment for religious women to thrive

Hochberg a particularly strong sense of pride. Seventy as faculty members and researchers,” he said.

percent of JCT’s Haredi students are women, who usually “I instituted changes at our college,” he added, “to make
enroll when they are around 18-20 years old which is it easier for women to come back to their research after
younger than most male students. Hochberg praised the their children leave home. Women on our faculty who raise
nurturing environment that the school provides for the families, or have recently given birth, now have an easier
women. time returning to their work at JCT — and they can continue

“We put a lot of effort into this priority and work hard to their pursuit of academic tenure. We help get them back

make these students feel comfortable. Other campuses to the teaching and research that they were doing before

are far less effective in accommodating the lifestyle of starting a family.”

their religious students,” he said. Professor Hochberg, we thank you for your years of service

According to the Council of Higher Education, women and hope to continue your legacy in the years to come.

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