The Progressive Side of Orthodoxy
The confrontation of Judaism with modernity is often frustrated by a gigantic paradox. On the onehand, Judaism has survived because it has steadfastly maintained its traditions and way of life. On the other hand, Judaism has survived because its tradition has adapted to meet the evolving needs of each generation, withinside the framework of a system called halacha.
There are many areas within which halacha, quite legitimately, discriminate. There are many areas of discrimination within halacha where the changing nature of society requires Judaism to maintain its principles yet adapt its mode of observance.
Put me into cherem right now, before you read the rest of this article, if you do not agree that the role of Torah learning, teaching and leadership for women should be further enhanced and developed.
Judaism correctly defines different roles and a different spiritual relationship through its halachic system for men and women. However, the educative role has never been beyond the scope of the Jewish mother. Our generation is witnessing a resurgence in women’s Torah learning, within a women’s only environment. The infrastructure to support this has only been developed in recent times, and it must be maintained and enhanced for the sake of keeping our mesorah accessible and relevant to the needs of young Jewish women today. Excluding women from an intellectual engagement with Judaism is without question a way of ensuring that Judaism has no relevance to the next generation, for both male and female.
The role of the Rabbi, has, is and will always be one of a teacher. Sadly, for a generation or two the Rabbinic role has become a “pastoral role” in the form of a paid professional cleric and public figurehead. However more and more the Rabbinic role is returning back to its educative purpose.
Modern Orthodox Judaism has been experimenting for decades with quasi-Rabbinic roles for women. One of the most notable is the yoatzat halacha – a group of women trained to provide halachic counsel on issues concerning taharat hamishpacha and other female related mitzvot and observance. There is currently a Rebbitzen in Perth who is qualified to this extent. There have been other shules around the world that have engaged teaching and community staff to perform functions that may have been traditionally those of a male Orthodox Rabbi. Experiments such as women’s tefillah groups, delivering drashot, and other levels of public involvement in community activity that are within the bounds of halacha (for example, taking into account Kol Isha, and other matters of Tzniut).
While it would seem that most of the orthodox world is far from ready for the type of change that would allow a female Rabbinic role to be defined in mainstream terms, there is movement towards this. I am entirely comfortable with it, and would welcome the day when female Rabbinic leaders guide Jewish learning within Torah observant communities, fully compliant with time tested halachic values.
Here is a wonderful article about a current example of the evolvement of female Orthodox Rabbis. I have had the fortune to visit the HIR and to hear Rabbi Weiss talk on this topic, and I can only say Kol Hakavod on their achievement.
RABBI AVI WEISS: CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM FOR ORTHODOX JEWS
February 4, 2010
After years of beating around the bush, Rabbi Avi Weiss came right out this past week and said what everyone assumed he’s been thinking all along: Sara Hurwitz, the woman he has mentored and trained to function as an Orthodox cleric is, in his view, an Orthodox rabbi.
Rabbi Weiss of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, who founded both Yeshivat Chovevei Torah (for men) and Yeshivat Mahara”t (for women), announced that after a year-long trial run for Hurwitz with the title “Mahara”t” – an acronym for Manhiga Hilchatit Ruchanit Toranit – she will henceforth be known by a more familiar-sounding title: “Rabbah.”
“This will make it clear to everyone that Sara Hurwitz is a full member of our rabbinic staff, a rabbi with the additional quality of a distinct woman’s voice,” Rabbi Weiss explained.
While deploring Rabbi Weiss’ new low, Rabbi Avi Shafran, a spokesman for Agudath Israel of America breaths a sigh of relief that the veil was finally removed from Weiss’s long-suspected agenda. “It is laudable that the disingenuous title has been abandoned, the new one better reflects the intention of its conferrers. Now it would be good for them to come clean, too, about what the entire venture really is: an essential break with the mesorah of Klal Yisrael,” Rabbi Shafran said.
“I’m pretty traditional,” Hurwitz admitted drolly with a faint South African accent. “I know halacha. I keep halacha very carefully. I have tremendous emunah. I can’t convince somebody else that I really am Orthodox and that Rabbi Weiss is really Orthodox. The only way is for somebody to realize it themselves. And they’ll realize it.”
“In four more years we’ll have four more women out there, acting as rabbis. And the community that’s to the right of us will see that having women who are talented, sensitive clergy will be a boon to the community. But that takes time,” Hurwitz said.
I have always been a big fan of this website, however of late there are two articles which concern me. The first being the “promotion” of a concert on Shabbat (yes I did read the “disclaimer” which does not alter the fact that the site is promoting a concert to take place on Shabbat), and the second is this article which deals with women acting as rabbis
February 9th, 2010 at 11:14 amI strongly urge all involved to revisit the original reason for setting up this site
I don’t know about anyone else, but I set this website up to provide a place for open discussion, for the Orthodox community, in a forum that is open, free (where not offensive, racist or otherwise) and not stymied by commercial or political interests which, of necessity, interfere with open discussion in other community forums.
You can disagree with some of the articles – you in fact probably should disagree with some of them – but as long as you and others like you continue to voice your opinion here in a reasonable and frank manner, then I remain satisfied that this site is doing its job.
February 15th, 2010 at 1:31 pmpoint taken
February 16th, 2010 at 10:22 amAvi Weiss is a “back-door” Conservative jew
It is not acceptable to make such huge changes to Masoret Yisrael without consulting major Torah authorities of the generation.
Does he really regard himself so highly that he can change 3000 of tradition and halacha?
Let’s not get exited here, the EXACT same thing happened with Conservative judaism 20 years ago.
He is simply paving the way for yet another schism, yet another break-away, and unfortunately, yet another alternative religion (such as the “Conservative Judaism” religion, the “Reform Judaism” religion, The “Jews for Jesus” religion, the “Reconstructionist Judaism” religion itner alia).
February 21st, 2010 at 9:16 amWhere has gone and changed 3000 years of tradition?
February 21st, 2010 at 10:44 amIn the last 3000 years, when was there ever a time that women were given a smicha and a nearly rabbi title.
Even those who support this abomination and atrocity admit one thing: this is a HUGE step; a step far away into shady teritory where no one (orthodox) has gone before in 3000 years.
Don’t be a fool.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:14 amShlomtzion
I have moderated your comment to remove a personally directed insult. Please focus on the issues. We need to maintain respect, middot and refrain from lashon hara.
I am interested in an informed debate on this issue. Understanding the distinction between halacha and Mesorot, and more to the point when the two become indistinguishable is an important tenet of Judaism. We are dealing with a product of Rabbinic dissertation.
There are a number of interesting articles on the Shira Chadasha site that deal with approaches to this and related matters. Lets look at the sources and understand what we are dealing with before we dismiss it as a matter of Mesorah.
http://www.shira.org.au/explore/literature/
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:40 amFor one don’t call me stupid!
Also the statement for the last 3000 years is wrong. Our form of Judaism has only been practised since the destruction of the temple and the writing of the babylonian talumd.
Also can you please show where in the Torah or Halachah it says a woman can’t be a Rabbi.
I’ll tell it doesn’t anywhere. By ordaining woman it doesn’t create a new sect of Judaism it just modernises our religion. Throughout the ages woman didn’t have equal writes to men, and men were always considered community leaders. Today, times have changed woman have been emancipated, they have entered the work force and now its time for woman to enter our Religious clergy.
Its not saying woman will start taking on rolls that are specific to men in juidism, like putting on taffilin or making up numbers in a minyun. It is saying they are ordaining female rabbi’s who can become community leaders that will be experts in female related topics.
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:44 amI have tried my best to refrain from commenting but cant help myself…. KEYboy your comments are those held by reform and conservative movements and NOT Orthodox Jewery….period.
Judism is clear – women can’t be Rabbi’s…no if’s, and’s or but’s
Your statement : “Today, times have changed woman have been emancipated, they have entered the work force and now its time for woman to enter our Religious clergy” – is WRONG…..there is no point debating it further as there is NOTHING to debate…time plays no part in it, emancipation plays no part in it, women in the work place plays no part in it…
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:32 pmGedalia notes that that he is interested in an informed debate on this issue
KEYboy’s post above is clearly that of the reform and conservative movements, and has no part in Orthodox Jewery……
Conclusion : nothing to debate
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:09 pmPlease don’t call me uniformed it is very insulting.
And the views I am presenting are not reform or conservative, they are very mainstream and they are debates going on all over the progressive modern Orthodox community.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:22 pmmodernizatio of religion is important.
why live like we did during shtetl times?
its also an important thing to realise if teh religion is not modernised how do we continue? segregation is not the key.
One nation is where it is at trying to unite jews.
we are the jewish people. come on peeps.
February 24th, 2010 at 12:33 amI think the opinions expressed by Mordechai and Shlomzion are both confrontational and dangerous and the efforts by Rabbi Avi Weiss should be applauded and not feared. Unless my persoanl judgement is incorrect the current trend in our religion particularly amongst the youth is a move away from religion or orthodoxy to in some cases complete abandonment and we can all agree that is a shameful reality. Ultimatley the main catalyst for such action is the inability to connect with the religion. As a young member of the community I find it almost archaic that a woman does not have the ability to uphold a (quote)”pastoral role in the form of a paid professional cleric and public figurehead.” I have just as much faith in my female lecturers, teachers, doctors and professionals as I do for their male counterparts so why can i not hold the same respect for a female rabbi. There are many active and educated female members of Jewish communities around the world who would be perfect candidates for the leadership role of a “rabbi” and in some cases would bring an aura of sensitivty that lacks amongst many men.
I see the importance of maintaning tradition and like was stated in the opening comment, this is one of the major reasons why our religion has existed for so long and i agree that there are aspects of our religion that should never be altered. However our religion also has an element of adaptability and i would be interested to here comments as to why ordaining women into the clergy would be so astronomically devastating
In my personal opinion if i were a woman i would be offended by the uber conservative remarks on this website and these attitudes should instigate alarm bells particularly if the trend in our youth is a move astray from religion.
February 24th, 2010 at 12:45 amKeyboy:
If you want to see women clergy, join your local temple or Presbyterian church.
If you want “Netzach Yisrael Lo YeShaker” then you;ve got the wrong idea.
Not sure if I’m right? Please, ask any Gadol of our generation (never mind any generation hitherto) if we should ordain women– find one Gadol from YU, Agudah, Young Israel, anywhere, anyone.
You wont find one. THere’s a reason for it.It’s not part of our religion. You want it– join another religion that has it (Reform Judaism religion or the conservativ judaism religion for example). Don’t destroy and change my yerusha from Sinai.
February 24th, 2010 at 3:03 amAvi Weis’s “Open Orthodoxy” with women clergy is no different from Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist or Jews for Jesus. They are all false break aways from the one and only Torat Emet.
February 24th, 2010 at 3:05 amand Keyboy my friend:
“Our form of Judaism has only been practised since the destruction of the temple and the writing of the babylonian talumd.”
1. Please don’t use the word “our”. Evidently we have a very different concept of what Judaism is and I want no part of what is you “our”.
2. You say that “our Judaism” is from the destruction of the temple and the writing of the Talmud”. I’m not quite sure what you mean since the 2nd temple (presumably you didn’t mean the first temple) was destroyed in the year 70 and the Talmud was only completed somewhere between 400-500. So what is “our judaism”; the stuff that was practiced from 70 for 4, 5 centuries or what cam next??
Please, do not take this personally, but you must have the facts straight if you want to have an intellectual discussion.
Next you say:
“Also can you please show where in the Torah or Halachah it says a woman can’t be a Rabbi.”
Don’t try pulling that card… because if you start like that you won’t have anything left in your Judaism: For example, just a few basics:
Show me where it says in the Torah that chicken is considered meat?
Show me where it says in the Torah that men and women don’t sit together in the synagogue
Show me where it says in the Torah that letters written in a Torah scroll need to be Mukaf Gvil and mezuzot need to written kesidran to be kosher
Show me where it says in the Torah that wasting of seed (masturbation) is one of the worst sins?
Show me where it says in the Torah that men and women should refrain from touching one another even casually.
Show me where it says in the Torah that you can’t eat fish and meat together.
YOu see, the list goes on and on and on. The ”
February 24th, 2010 at 3:17 amShow me where it says in the Torah” is not an argument that has any merit in true intelectual and consistent with true Torah Judaism discussion. The issues at hand are far deeper, more complex than a simple fundamentalist textual approach.
My facts aren’t wrong, Before the destruction of the 2nd temple the way we practices Judaism was completely different, eg. all activities that went on in the temple.
Then we were exiled and need to find new way to practice our faith, so they wrote the Talumd and put the oral law to paper. One version writen was in Yavna, the Jerusalem Talumd and then another one in Babylon. This is the one that is studied and used more today, the Babylonian Talumd.
During the time of the second temple there were actually 4 Jewish sects all with different ways of practising Judaism. The 2 main groups were the Sadducee, Pharisees.
The Pharisees were the only one who survived the Roman Exile (after the destruction of the second temple) and we are descendants of them.
So The word “our” can be used, We, meaning me and you are descendants of the Pharisees. And as Orthodox Jews, that are descendants of the Pharisees we follow the Hallacha written in the Babylonian Talmud.
February 24th, 2010 at 4:49 pmKEYboy isn’t wrong, entirely, shlomozion and I think your attack on him is a little over the top.
What he says about female’s having strong halachic knowledge, in areas relating to “female issues”, is very relevant and true – one of the Rebetzin’s in this very community is halachicly competent on such matters and this is common in Israel, today, in orthodox communities.
No one is saying Rabbi’s should be female, that women will lead services, including KEYboy. What is being said is that there is a place for women to study Talmud and Torah, and to even become experts on certain issues. This is vastly different from “women clergy” as you state.
You’ve built up a strawman, to easily knock down, to support your argument, however you’re basically arguing with yourself, as no one is suggesting the things you claim KEYboy is.
Let me quote him verbatim, instead of trying to put words in his mouth:
“…Its not saying woman will start taking on rolls that are specific to men in juidism, like putting on taffilin or making up numbers in a minyun. It is saying they are ordaining female rabbi’s who can become community leaders that will be experts in female related topics….”
If you have a problem with that the I suggest you speak to Orah or Rabbi Krausz.
Here’s a quote from the BMWA website, regarding Orah Krausz:
“…Mrs Orah Krausz was born and grew up in the Old City of Jerusalem. She completed the Nishmat “Yoatzot Halacha”. (Women advisors of Jewish Law) Program and manned the Nishmat hotline for Six years. She has learnt in Midreshet Bruria (Lindenbaum) and on the Halacha program of Beit Morasha in Jerusalem. Orah has attained her B.A. degree from Bar Ilan University in Talmud and Jewish History and her M.A. in Jewish History from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. She has also worked in “Yad Vashem” guiding workshops on the Shoah for Teenager and Soldier groups, and has taught and educated in various high schools. Mrs Krausz is currently responsible for the Beit Midrash Library and Womens educational learning programmes…”
Are you seriously suggesting that Dianella Shule and both Rebetzin and Rabbi Krausz, are members of the reform movement?
Pull your head in!
February 24th, 2010 at 5:50 pmYisro:
You are mixing apples and oranges.
This post on the blog was not about the phenomena of Yoatzot Halachah, rather about the “Rabbah” scandal executed at the hand of the scoundrel Avi Weiss.
The Yoatzot prgoram is fully accepted and endorsed by gdolei yisrael. This is not the case with the Rabbah. Also, a yoetzet, by definition has a very specific, restricted,–whilst robust, complex and respected–area of operation. Avi Weiss’ invention is extremely different. He has simply made a woman rabbi , as he puts it a complete member of our clergy.
So to answer your question, I am not suggesting anything in the slightest againt the yoatzot or dianella shul.
However, the day Dianella hires a “Rabbah”– then you are correct, you have destroyed the Dianella empire and opened a new reform/conservative/messianic temple
February 24th, 2010 at 7:27 pmDianella has an empire, now? Awesome!
February 24th, 2010 at 8:16 pmShlomtzion you are very quick to attack KEYboy’s interpretation on the matter as ignorant and almost insultingly “non-jewish” and more presbytarian, however who are you to govern what is the only and correct practice/interpretation of halacha. It is time you remove yourself from your pedastool and take note of what is being argued here and to understand that there are numerous viable and healthy forms of practice that although differ from your own deserve the respect we uphold for yours. We or i should say I so as not to group others into an opinion that may differ from my own are arguing that the archaic notion of women being segragated and prohibited from the study of talmud, halacha and the ability to hold positions of community leadership should be overturned.
I am not a regular shule goer however if Dianella shule ever had a female rabbi I would probably go out of my way to attend (no offense to Rabbi Solomon)and the “empire” of dianella shule will prosper
February 24th, 2010 at 8:36 pmRe post 14: “ask any Gadol of our generation if we should ordain women– find one Gadol from YU, Agudah, Young Israel, anywhere, anyone.”
Try Rabbi Shlomo Riskin for a start. A Gadol from YU.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:49 pmGedalia:
Rabbi Riskin… Charismatic – Yes; knowledgable, yes; a first class accademic – yes; an extremely controversial figure in Modern Orthodoxy – yes; a Gadol from YU – absolutely not!
No disrespect, I am a talmid of Rav Riskin and appreciate his Torah, he is not one of the Gedolim.
Who even said that Rabbi Riskin agrees with this latest abomination? I am not talking about Yoatzot prgram which is not in dispute. I am talking about the calamity of Avi Weiss’ single handed irresponsible reckless departure from Masoret Yisrael with establishing his “Maharat” or now “Rabbah.
Stop being a Kool aid drinker because you think it is “cool” to be modern and against stereotypes or stigmas of Orthodoxy.
For Gedolim Try: Rav Elyashiv, Rav Shteinman, Rav Schaechter, Rav David Feinstein, Rav Gedaliya Schwartz, Rav Heineman, Rav Weinreb, Rav Reuven Feinstein, Rav Mordechia Eliyahu, Rav Ovadiya Yossef, Rav Moshe Landa, Rav Menashe Klein, Rav She’ar Yashuv Hakohen, Rav Warhafftig —- to name a few “gedolim”. If you want a longer list, I sure can provide it
February 25th, 2010 at 3:49 amBSL:
Everything that I have said against KEYboy’s ludicrous statements I have substantiated and proved.
I am the first to say that there are numerous ways to interpret Orthodoxy, that is why we have so many sub-groups such as: Chabad, Bnei Akiva, Yeshivish, Litvish, Brisker, Haredi, Chazon Ishnik, Modern Orthodox etc etc
all of the above and plenty more and undisputedly a part of Orthodoxy, despite the fact that they argue about certain points of interpretation. A Religious Zionist doesn’t claim that a Netura Karta radical is not part of Netzach Yisrael, rather, he has some radical opinions that are contrary to his belief–and vice versa.
However, a move such as the one Avi Weiss has done, has removed himself from normative Sinaitic Judaism. THis is the undisputed consensus of Gedolei Yisrael. DOn’t believe me– ask them.
Your mention of “archaic notion of women being segragated and prohibited from the study of talmud, halacha and the ability to hold positions of community leadership should be overturned” is absurd!
1. NO one here is arguing that women shouldn’t learn talmud and halacha, which is a mainstream practice in all orthodox circles (ever heard of Beis Yaakov?).
2. Everything in Judaism is archaic–according to you– Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l explicitly forbade a woman to become PRESIDENT of a synagogue– that means it is assur according to Halacha– you want to make a a woman rabbi–go to the Jews for Jesus and do what you want. There isn’t one Posek ever in the history of Judaism that has permitted female ordination
. I want my archaic Judaism, tefilin (”aren’t those quaint boxes archaic”), Kashrut (”whats wrong with eating marshmellows anyway, that’s so archaic and superstitious”) Shabbat (”I like to listen to my iPod on Shabbos to relax.. the whole melacha thing is so archaic.. whats wrong with driving or having a key in my pocket when I walk outside… thats so archaic”)and all uncontaminated from heretic impurities. Have some decency and respect.
February 25th, 2010 at 4:04 amre KEyboy #17:
The sages of the Talmud did not write down the Oral Law, that was already done by Rabbi Yehuda Hanassi in the Mishna. The Talmud is merely an extrapolation and explanation of the Mishna – Oral Law.
The Perushim (Pharisees in Christian literature) were the only sect of true Torah Judaism, that is why they survived, it is not a mere coincidence. The Tzedokim (Sadducees) Baytusim etc were all heretical groups who disputed the divinity of some part of our HOly Torah, be it written or oral.
February 25th, 2010 at 4:10 amHow ironic that it was Queen Shlomtzion, almost 2000 years ago whose legacy was to strengthen the Jewish nation by working with her brother to revolutionise Torah institutions and learning and change the entrenched cultural attitudes of the Jewish people during her time in order to deliver a future.
I am also a talmid of Rav Riskin. I once heard him speak on this issue, more than 20 years ago, when he suggested that in our lifetime we would live to see women Rabbis within Orthodox Judaism.
I’m not sure why so many people feel threatened by this, provided that the halachic framework is upheld. Mesorat Yisrael is an extremely important part of Jewish tradition, but in so many areas the mesorah develops and shifts. It is an absolute paradox that Judaism both clings to the past and adapts to the needs and societal influences of each generation, both at the same time.
I firmly believe that from within the boundaries of halacha there is room for greater “clergical” (teaching/mentoring/leading/counselling) role for Women. Whether it is called Rabbah or anything else is a matter of semantics only. It is more about what happens and how this caters for the spiritual needs of Orthodox women than it is about how it is structured and named.
February 25th, 2010 at 9:30 amShlomtzion,
Which teshuva of R feinstein are you referring to? when was it written? Do you know the reasons he gave and the sugyot he brought to support his view? What are the circumstances?
I’m beginning to think that some people in this forum can’t appreciate the complexity of halachic decisions and instead regurgitate positions they’ve heard from other Rabbanim without appreciation of reasoning and context – historical, political and otherwise.
February 25th, 2010 at 8:30 pmEzra:
It is a famous teshuva; I do not have the mareh makom here nor do I have access at the moment to the set.
It is very well known on account of the fact the the Young Israel Movement, will not allow any of their member synagogues to have female presidents since this is against halacha. youngisrael.org
February 26th, 2010 at 8:05 amPRESS RELEASE BY AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA:
New York – Rabbi Avi Weiss has conferred “semikha” upon a woman, has made her an Assistant Rabbi at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale where she carries out certain traditional rabbinical functions, and has now given her the title of “Rabbah” (formerly “Maharat”). He has stated that the change in title is designed to “make it clear that Sara Hurwitz is a full member of our rabbinic staff, a rabbi with the additional quality of a distinct woman’s voice.”
These developments represent a radical and dangerous departure from Jewish tradition and the mesoras haTorah, and must be condemned in the strongest terms. Any congregation with a woman in a rabbinical position of any sort cannot be considered Orthodox.
Rabbi Simcha Bunim Ehrenfeld
Rabbi Yitzchok Feigelstock
Rabbi Dovid Feinstein
Rabbi Aharon Feldman
Advertisement:
Rabbi Yosef Harari-Raful
Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky
Rabbi Aryeh Malkiel Kotler
Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Levin
Rabbi Yaakov Perlow
Rabbi Aaron Schechter
February 26th, 2010 at 8:36 amI guess the more rabbis agree with something the truer it is. Well done shlomtzion……im convinced
February 27th, 2010 at 12:11 amI think that the question needs to be : does RABBI AVI WEISS want to have women Rabbi’s ?
if the answer is yes, then the only follow up question is – is this allowed in main stream Orthodox Jewery.
There can surely only be one answer – Yes or No
I would be interested in receiving an Orthodox Rabbi’s ruling
February 28th, 2010 at 6:48 pmBSL:
Though you mock it, this is a Torah true principle: Acharei Rabim Lehatot”. Even more so when it comes to Rabbinic Authority– I merely showed you a consensus among esteemed members of the (orthodox) rabbinate. You are yet to provide 1 rabbi to support Weiss assimilative moves.
Mordechai:
Well said! In answer to your questions:
Does Avi Weiss want to have woman rabbis – the answer is clearly yes, by his own admission (see his speech at the abominordation of Ms. Hurwitz).
Is this allowed in Orthodox Judaism? The answer is absolutely NO. That is why Avi weiss is a lone ranger with any rabbinical backing or any rabbinical association (RCA, RAA, UORAC etc). What is the mystery?? Call up any well known rabbinal authority and ask them? The answer is obvious to anyone the slightest bit familiar with the Orthodox world..
March 2nd, 2010 at 5:17 amWhile I am a reasonable novice on these issues It is clear that Orthodox Jewery does not allow woman Rabbi’s – I am therefore not sure why there has been such debate on this issue.
I therefore strongly recommend to those bloggers who want woman rabbi’s as part of their religion to look at the conservative or reform movements as both these movements are “big” on women rabbi’s – I am sure they will welcome you with open arms
March 2nd, 2010 at 1:59 pmSadly, I agree with the comments of Blu Greenberg in the article below. The article is from the UK Jewish Chronicle:
Rabbis say no to women rabbas By Paul Berger, April 29, 2010
American Orthodox rabbis voted against ‘rabbas’ such as Sara Hurwitz
The world’s largest Orthodox rabbinical group has officially said that women cannot be ordained as rabbis.
The Rabbinical Council of America unanimously adopted a resolution during its annual convention clarifying its position on female rabbis, a subject that has roiled Orthodox Judaism in America for months.
Noting the RCA’s commitment to “sacred continuity”, the resolution said the RCA “cannot accept either the ordination of women or the recognition of women as members of the Orthodox rabbinate, regardless of the title.”
The issue of Orthodox female rabbis came to a head in January when Rabbi Avi Weiss conferred the title “rabba” on Sara Hurwitz, a former congregational intern at his New York synagogue, the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale.
But the battle had been brewing for some time. Last year, Rabbi Weiss founded Yeshivat Maharat, a school to train female spiritual leaders and halachic authorities. Ms Hurwitz, the school’s first graduate, was initially given the title “maharat”. But Rabbi Weiss recast her as rabba this year, claiming the term was more recognisable to people.
The title was a step too far for large sections of the Orthodox community, including some RCA members who called for Rabbi Weiss to be thrown out of the organisation. Instead, Rabbi Weiss was forced to back down. He issued a public letter last month promising not to confer the rabba title on future graduates of Yeshivat Maharat.
But where the RCA resolution leaves Sara Hurwitz and future maharats is unclear. While the document prohibits female rabbis, it does encourage “a diversity of halachically and communally appropriate professional opportunities for learned, committed women.”
RCA leaders say such roles are up to individual rabbis to decide; they refused to comment on individual cases.
Instead, in a press conference on Tuesday, RCA leaders sought to emphasise a sense of unity. Rabbi Leonard Matanky, who led the resolution committee, said the document took two months to draft and was designed to allow rabbis to provide opportunities for women within the Orthodox community.
Rabbi Moshe Kletenik, the RCA’s president, emphasised that the resolution was adopted without any opposition. One rabbi present at the meeting, which was closed to the press, however, said there were several abstentions.
Rabbi Weiss could not be reached for comment. However, Blu Greenberg, co-founder of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, welcomed the RCA’s recognition of the significant contribution women’s learning had made to the Orthodox movement.
But she said that the RCA’s conclusion, that women could not serve in a rabbinic capacity, whatever their title, represented “a large step backwards.”
“For two decades Orthodox women, carrying a variety of titles, have filled religious leadership roles equivalent to those of male orthodox rabbis. Several women currently fill congregational positions parallel to those of Assistant Rabbi, a fact that ought to be acknowledged by the RCA in fairness.”
May 1st, 2010 at 8:31 pmGedalia, you write:
“Sadly, I agree with the comments of Blu Greenberg in the article below.”
I agree. I agree that it is indeed sad. It is indeed sad that you would subscribe to the nonsensical heretical moan from Ms. (note the “feminist title) greenberg.
Thank g-d the RCA stood up to its obligations as a leading rabbinical authority in the US and the World.
TO anyone with a drop of seichel, there was no doubt as to what the RCA would do, it was just a matter of time for them to formulate it appropriately, and I note UNANIMOUSLY. the advocates for woman orthodox rabbis still do not have a single source upon who to rely.
May 7th, 2010 at 2:26 am