my sister is in israel right now in a very intensive learning program for girls that results in a masters degree in talmud, basically the female equivalent to becoming a rabbi. she is really smart and i think its amazing that otrhodox jews are beginning to recognize that women can do this job as well. of course progress is all relative and we still have a ways to go
Mazel tov! A female friend was conflicted about pursuing a career in the clergy as an Orthadox Jew. The Reform and Reconstructionist movements have been ordaining women for years, but since spiritual beliefs like political opinions don't always fall within the clear party lines this is a step forward for Orthodox ladies.
@MyrtleWilloughby: As a Reform Jew, I always get a little frustrated with my Orthodox sisters because I think they should just say "fuck it" and move over to one of the denominations that DOES give full equity to women. But you're right, women who have Orthodox beliefs shouldn't be force to choose if they don't have to.
This is great. History has proven that once women get their foot in the door, they kick it wide open pretty quickly.
All that's required for a woman to become a rabbi is for a rabbi within the Orthodox movement to ordain her. I've been told by several Orthodox leaders that this is likely to happen within the next 5-10 years. Once it does, there will be no going back.
...If it's part of the religion that women can't be rabbis, then why would a woman want to became a rabbi? I don't know anything about the Jewish religion, but in general isn't that simply contradictory?
@lilad: I more generally don't get why someone would want to be part of a tradition that discriminates against them (particularly a tradition as static as Orthodox Judaism) - witness my confusion over the documentary "Trembling before G-d" on gay and lesbian Orthodox. But obviously, for some, being a part of that particular sect is part of their self-understanding, as is their sexual orientation or a commitment to female equality.
@Laulau: Not everything in the Jewish religion is as depicted in the film, "Trembling Before God". That movie was sad, and when it came out, nearly the entire orthodox jewish community went to go see it. And all were affected by it, and I really think it's changed opinions and the way we deal with homosexuality. And that's a good thing.
And while orthodoxy is more "static" or traditional than other sects ofJudaism, it evolves as well. And until the last couple of decades, Orthodoxy was actually very progressive toward women and their rights. Women were always schooled, given marital contracts that guaranteed their rights in marriage (or the husband was called into court), and women were encouraged to work outside the home.
Lately, there's this weird movement that seems to be fearful of sexuality, and it's caused some problems in the field. Separation between the sexes, curtailing of public photos, etc. Really weird stuff that most people don't subscribe to. Of course, the only ones that get attention are the fanatics, so that's mostly what everyone knows.
@deeemer: I was actually with a man from an Orthodox family for five years, so I've seen a fair amount of a couple of communities up close and personal. Almost every person I met was totally lovely, polite to all, and thoughtful, but you can't change the fact that there are certain religious laws. I definitely get the sense that there's a weird tension with homosexuality for the modern Orthodox, just as there is with respect to women's roles: we're talking about educated, loving people, but who nonetheless accept the moral authority of ancient texts and Rabbinical interpretation.
And I'll totally admit that Judaism is more woman-friendly than a lot of other religions, but that doesn't mean there aren't weird bits of misogyny codified into the laws.
And this isn't the only steps. In Israel, there's been this wave of women who are trained in the laws of niddah, so that women can ask personal questions of women, and not rabbis.
@deeemer: If anyone's interested, the link to that program is www.yoatzot.org.
Although to be honest, as a woman who keeps the laws of niddah (Jewish family purity), the women trained in this program can be a pain in the ass, because they're much more stringent in interpreting Jewish law than some of their male counterparts, as if they have something to prove.
I'm not even sure why the term "Rabbi" is so revered. Half the people are know are called that, and it means nothing. They don't get any additional respect.
A woman who's the principal of elementary school gets more respect than just some Joe Shmoe who earns his rabbinate.
@OhKermie: Oh, I hate those! I sent my mom one with a talking Office quote for Mother's Day, but I didn't even listen to it first because those cards embarrass me.
At least once a year I contemplate a leather trenchcoat hoping I'll look like Shaft, but I don't because I know I'll just wind up looking like some geek who wants to be Shaft.
@Macloserboy: Are you tall? You kind of have to be tall to work the leather trench. Plus it doesn't hurt to be a black private dick who's a sex machine with all the chicks.
@AthertonMerriweather: I have wondered that as well.....I wonder what the family dynamics are given Russell and Kimora's divorce. On Run's House, there has almost never been a mention of Kimora or the girls....but Russell has made many apperances...
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All that's required for a woman to become a rabbi is for a rabbi within the Orthodox movement to ordain her. I've been told by several Orthodox leaders that this is likely to happen within the next 5-10 years. Once it does, there will be no going back.
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And while orthodoxy is more "static" or traditional than other sects ofJudaism, it evolves as well. And until the last couple of decades, Orthodoxy was actually very progressive toward women and their rights. Women were always schooled, given marital contracts that guaranteed their rights in marriage (or the husband was called into court), and women were encouraged to work outside the home.
Lately, there's this weird movement that seems to be fearful of sexuality, and it's caused some problems in the field. Separation between the sexes, curtailing of public photos, etc. Really weird stuff that most people don't subscribe to. Of course, the only ones that get attention are the fanatics, so that's mostly what everyone knows.
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And I'll totally admit that Judaism is more woman-friendly than a lot of other religions, but that doesn't mean there aren't weird bits of misogyny codified into the laws.
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So exciting! Hooray for progress!
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Although to be honest, as a woman who keeps the laws of niddah (Jewish family purity), the women trained in this program can be a pain in the ass, because they're much more stringent in interpreting Jewish law than some of their male counterparts, as if they have something to prove.
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A woman who's the principal of elementary school gets more respect than just some Joe Shmoe who earns his rabbinate.
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Whitney is giving pretty good face in that picture. Neck down, not so hawt.
And daughter on the left looks EXACTLY like a mini Russell Simmons with pigtails.
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2 - Adorable bebehs
3 - Hot mens
10 - Diverse models
10 - Cuckoo crazyhot pantsuit
25 - white coat
Points deducted:
1 - Uninspired use of lace
5 - Flapper/Biker chick undergarment
5 - Stop with the necklaces already
15 - Hideously tacky use of faux fur
100 - SHOOTIES?!!
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you're the kind of cat that won't cop out when there's danger all about.
Right on.
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