A feminist activist has said that Orthodox Judaism is damaging itself by not inviting women to play an equal role in its synagogues.

Speaking at session entitled Who’s Afraid of Orthodox Feminism?, Dina Brawer, UK ambassador for the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, said: “We have to allow women to get involved in Orthodox feminism to improve orthodoxy. We’re missing a trick by not inviting women.

“It’s not about whether it’s authentic or traditional. Think about the big picture: how do we create a Judaism that is engaging, relevant, inclusive and will continue to thrive? How do we engage 50 per cent of the population, which has equal opportunities in every area of life apart from their religious space, where there are very limited opportunities?

“We should be looking out and inviting women, not saying: ‘They don’t cover their hair, so they can’t be part of our community.’ Women have to ask to say Kaddish; they’re not invited. We must move beyond allowing, and think about courting women’s participation.”

Ms Brawer added that synagogues were not “making the most of this talent and passion. We must harness that, not push women into being spectators, into being marginalised.”