Study at New York's Drisha Institute and a subsequent move to Jerusalem gave Haviva Ner-David a thorough education in Jewish law and the conviction that new roles and opportunities for women could be found within tradition.  Her book Life on the Fringes: A Feminist Journey Toward Traditional Rabbinic Ordination explores both her personal journey and many of the specific halakhic issues that have been taken on by feminist Jews. Throughout the book, Ner-David also reflects on what she will teach her sons and daughters about Judaism, feminism, and the roles of men and women. On the eve of Passover 2006, Ner-David was ordained as a rabbi in Jerusalem.

See also: "Life on the Fringes explores Orthodox feminism", This Week in History; "Breaking Barriers: Orthodox Woman Rabbi", Jewesses With Attitude; "Drisha Institute for Jewish Education", Jewish Women: A Comprehensive Historical Encyclopedia.