[Avodah] Tzeni'us and gender roles

[rabbirichwolpoe at gmail.com]

> The other slightly odd thing about this discussion - leaving aside the
> issues that I have been objecting to, is that RBB's thesis, to my mind,
> opens the door to precisely what he is objecting to.

I cannot speak for Micha
I guess he might agree.

Judaism has faced off with many isms during the last several centuries
    Enlightenment
    Socialism
    Marxism
    Zionism
    Capitalism
    Feminism
    Egalitarianism
    Etc.

Almost each one threatens to compromise Torah values

As I understand Micha, the rush to Maharat is not fueled by internal
Torah standards But rather by the desire to "accomodate" ourselves to
the lates ism-fad.

Hula hoops and Nehru Jackets do not quite present the same challenge.

Reductio ad absurdum:
Imagine if Ortho Rabbis declared "Michael Jackson Memorial Day" in a
rush to remain "relevant".
While it might indeed produce a THRILLER - what's Jewish about it?

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As far as more women learning Torah that is fine. Rachel Friedman has a
masters in Tanach and lectures at Drisha. I consult her at times regarding
tricky passages in Tanach. Maybe she would like to be a Maharat, too,
but in the meantime she makes a communal contribution without it

And most men learn torah w/o expectation of titles anyway

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Now if Maharats make Jewish communal life better, I personally have no
objections even if the motivation is external.

Now, Micha might still protest that we should not innovate based upon
external isms. And I would agree, but I am a bit more pragmatic.
If it helps torah Judaism go for it.

And for the record I think WTG's would lead to separate women
"congregations" and I would see Maharats being very valuable in a venue
for women

My 2 cents
RRW
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