The Woman's Institute for Continuing Jewish Education was founded in 1977 and existed until 2004. Its mission was to bring women together to study with Jewish female scholars and artists who were doing cutting edge research and work. The Institute pioneered the teaching of Torah, Talmud and midrash by women and established the Shabbat lecture series. The Institute has had an impact far beyond Southern California. Its eight books have served as a resource for Jewish women nationwide and have empowered lay women to reflect on Jewish sources and to create midrash and liturgy. The San Diego Women's Haggadah (1980) was the first women's text available for those seeking to hold a feminist seder. Similarly, Taking the Fruit: Modern Women's Tales of the Bible (1981) was the first collection of women's midrashim. A Ceremonies Sampler: New Rites, Celebrations, and Observances of Jewish Women (1991) brought together the new ritual and liturgy created by Jewish feminists.