RSS Feed
Israel - Update: At Conference Orthodox Women Choose Title for Female Rabbi |
|
| |
Text Size
|
The title chosen by a majority of conference participants is "rabba."
A few months ago, a woman was ordained by the Orthodox rabbinate in the United States and was given the title "maharat" – an acronym for the Hebrew words spiritual, Halacha, and Torah teacher.
The decision to create a name for the controversy-loaded position in Israel grew out of a desire to encourage women to strive to reach such a level in their Torah learning.
"The women's learning revolution has existed for quite some time," said Rachel Keren, chairwoman of Kolech's Board of Directors. "Women are advancing in Torah study, but there is a glass ceiling hindering their advancement. The glass ceiling was already shattered in the course for female halachic advisors and on the issue of female legal counselors, but still hasn't been shattered in the field of rabbis and religious judges. This issue is of prime importance.
"There is a threefold interest that this ceiling is shattered – the interest of the woman who wants to advance and gain recognition, a societal interest, and the interest of the Torah world that there be as many Torah studiers as possible. By choosing a title, we wanted to raise public awareness to this need. We believed that the public discourse (on the subject) would encourage women to continue learning."
Now that a decision was made on the title, the women of Kolech intend to discuss making the word official with the Academy of the Hebrew Language.
During deliberations at the conference, other names that came as options were "maharat," "rav," and "hachama" or wise.
"Cooperation with the Hebrew Language Academy is very important," explained Keren. "There is a need for this word, and the roll of the Academy is to fill this need. We just now approached them, and they are very pleased by the initiative."
More of today's headlines
“Brooklyn, NY - It is not an uncommon sight in Brooklyn to see a new luxury condominium building empty, except for the security guard. There are currently hundreds on the...”
Brooklyn, NY - Overdevelopment Leaves Hundreds Of Apartments Vacant
Jerusalem - Israeli Police: Rioting Foreign bochurim May be Expelled
Total107
Read Comments (107) — Post Yours »
1
Jul 19, 2009 at 07:52 PM Anonymous Says:
Is there a female term for someone who is "ingantzen meshigeh"?
2
Jul 19, 2009 at 07:50 PM Jewish Woman Says:
Though these women appear quite sincere, many of them do not cover their hair, or cover it improperly. Many wear short sleeves and pants.
Before becoming a rabba, a rabbi, a maharaba or a maharashi, let them first begin by properly following the mitzvot that have - time immemorial- been the hallmark of true Jewish femininity.
Yes, there are issues that have to be addressed, such as agunah, women having more of a voice in a beth din, etc, but I am turned off by seeing women in short sleeves and pants, not even covering their hair properly lobbying to become leaders when they can't even follow the Halacha.
3
Jul 19, 2009 at 07:50 PM Anonymous Says:
How low will kllal yisroel sink how many tragedies will happen till we will wake up to see that a womens job is not to be a man rather to stay home take care of the kids and the man has to go to the Rav to ask the sheilos
4
Jul 19, 2009 at 07:46 PM Anonymous Says:
פרה ורבה -- the cow and the Rabba
זעקת סדם ועמרה כי רבה - A scream of Sedom and Amorra because of Rabba
רבת בני עמון - Rabba the Ammonite
Etc. etc .etc.
Plus, if I remember correctly, this word means a "slavewoman" in Russian. So much for שפחה
5
Jul 19, 2009 at 07:46 PM ...........the checkbook Says:
these are important issues that must be addressed now....we can no longer delay or our heritage will be at stake...history will judge us..so we must be jusded right...
6
Jul 19, 2009 at 07:44 PM Anonymous Says:
give me a break
7
Jul 19, 2009 at 07:36 PM jew from jerusalem Says:
God help us
8
Jul 19, 2009 at 08:03 PM sea gate zaidy Says:
What do you call a Husband of a Rabba---a Rabbatzyn.....
9
Jul 19, 2009 at 08:01 PM Anonymous Says:
I wonder if this will fizzle out or become mainstream in 20 years..I personally hope the former, and women focus on being better wives
10
Jul 19, 2009 at 08:17 PM Anonymous Says:
REBELech, feh.
but enough with the sexism, though this is a strange thing, its not that women must "be in the kitchen". contrary. usually the women won the bread so men stay in kollel etc. the oldest daughters took care of the kids, then the boys went to cheder. but the wife worked.
dont let 1950's non-jewish america (i.e. womens domestic duties) dictate your mind.
11
Jul 19, 2009 at 08:42 PM Jewish Woman Says:
“ REBELech, feh.
but enough with the sexism, though this is a strange thing, its not that women must "be in the kitchen". contrary. usually the women won the bread so men stay in kollel etc. the oldest daughters took care of the kids, then the boys went to cheder. but the wife worked.
dont let 1950's non-jewish america (i.e. womens domestic duties) dictate your mind. ”
True enough. But a Jewish woman should never see preparing food for her family as beneath her dignity or as 1950's america. On the contrary, preparing food for her family, for guests, having a home where the mesorah is transmitted is no less noble, and I would argue as noble, as the work that the Kohanim and indeed the Kohain Godel did in the Beis Hamikdosh.
The problem with this group is less with WHAT they are doing and more WHY they are doing it. Is it Lshem Shomayim, or Shem Ego and Yesh?
Many of them do not cover their hair or follow the basic halachos of tznius. How, can they argue for anything, when they dont keep the basic Halachos for Jewish women?
12
Jul 19, 2009 at 08:40 PM Anonymous Says:
what do u call the husband of a reform rabbi? shlepper, if she made it in life@
so what do we call the husband of a rabba? loser?
13
Jul 19, 2009 at 08:38 PM Avraham Says:
They're on the way to reform...
14
Jul 19, 2009 at 08:28 PM Anonymous Says:
What a bunch of miserable fuddy dudy misanthropes. I'm betting Hashem is smiling as he gets ready to welcome the first Rabba and frustrated and annoyed at the fossilization and over legalistic childishness that has befallen his great gift.
15
Jul 19, 2009 at 08:25 PM Anonymous Says:
This is terrible!!! Nashim Daatin Kalos!
16
Jul 19, 2009 at 09:31 PM Anonymous Says:
im waiting for the days we will have a feemale rebbe. then it will be a real rebbetzin..
17
Jul 19, 2009 at 09:27 PM Anonymous Says:
I don't know why everyone is getting so excited. These women want to get involved in their yidishkeit. They are the sarah schnerer of todays generation.
18
Jul 19, 2009 at 09:27 PM Anonymous Says:
I don't know why everyone is getting so excited. These women want to get involved in their yidishkeit. They are the sarah schnerer of todays generation.
19
Jul 19, 2009 at 09:26 PM Anonymous Says:
“ How low will kllal yisroel sink how many tragedies will happen till we will wake up to see that a womens job is not to be a man rather to stay home take care of the kids and the man has to go to the Rav to ask the sheilos ”
you are right but she is the kitchen master and alot of shailos she handles for example the man would be the owner she would be the manager but yes just because a woman is hands on doesnt mean that she should mistake it for public leadership and a sense of lack of self worth
i fault all the womans organizations sewing groups mikvah clubs gemach funds who love hashem love taharas mishpacha and chinuch they not the men have the true ability as women independently to unite as shomrei habayis to pose a united front of against this and rehashing renewing the beauty and status as a bas yisroel im takling litvish poilish russish bukhari ungarish yerushalmi as it was historically and how it develops today
20
Jul 19, 2009 at 09:12 PM Anonymous Says:
An earlier post by Jewish woman in 100% correct. Let these women do easy mitzvot such as covering their hair and dressing properly before they seek to take on mitzvot that they are not obligated to do.
21
Jul 19, 2009 at 09:08 PM berel Says:
#15 what are you worried about , the crowd they are from, MO and down, are datom kalos anyway...the ones who are ehrliche yidden, shomrei torah, dont recognize them anyway just like teilung was made bet. reform and down...and mesorah yidden
22
Jul 19, 2009 at 09:34 PM me Says:
I'm really disappointed. I had my heart set on the title "Rabbette".
23
Jul 19, 2009 at 08:58 PM Anonymous Says:
And you think it won't happen in the Bais Yaakovs? In Baltimore, the principals (wannabee Roshei Yeshiva) think that they are running a yeshiva. They already have declared zemanim for the school year and focus on the highest level of Torah learning for the girls to achieve. They forget that BY was started to keep the girls from being devoid of halacha, not leaders of the community. And of course not to such 25% of a person's salary.
24
Jul 19, 2009 at 09:38 PM Charlie Hall Says:
“ I don't know why everyone is getting so excited. These women want to get involved in their yidishkeit. They are the sarah schnerer of todays generation. ”
“ I don't know why everyone is getting so excited. These women want to get involved in their yidishkeit. They are the sarah schnerer of todays generation. ”
True. We should salute women for wanting to learn torah at an advanced level, and it is appropriate to provide some title to acknowledge when a certain level of learning and yirat shemayim has been reached.
25
Jul 19, 2009 at 08:51 PM Anonymous Says:
I think "Rabbette" sounds better.
26
Jul 19, 2009 at 09:41 PM Charlie Hall Says:
“ An earlier post by Jewish woman in 100% correct. Let these women do easy mitzvot such as covering their hair and dressing properly before they seek to take on mitzvot that they are not obligated to do. ”
Women are obligated to learn about all mitzvot that they *are* obligated to do, which includes most of the shulchan aruch. Women learning about these at an advanced level was instituted by the unquestioned American gedol, Rov Soloveitchik. I am sure he would be pleased to see how what he started has been embraced so enthuiastically by so many.
27
Jul 19, 2009 at 08:43 PM Anonymous Says:
“ פרה ורבה -- the cow and the Rabba
זעקת סדם ועמרה כי רבה - A scream of Sedom and Amorra because of Rabba
רבת בני עמון - Rabba the Ammonite
Etc. etc .etc.
Plus, if I remember correctly, this word means a "slavewoman" in Russian. So much for שפחה ”
"רבת בני עמון - Rabba the Ammonite"
And you, my dear friend, are an am'haroetz for insulting these yiddeshe women. The term eshet chayil comes to mind. I have great rachmonis and pity for any woman who calls you a son, husband or father.
28
Jul 19, 2009 at 09:41 PM Green Says:
The name they chose sounds perfect. Yashar Koach to them for their hard work in making this possible....finally.
29
Jul 19, 2009 at 08:05 PM Anonymous Says:
We learn from the word קולך that קול באשה ערווה, how ironic.
30
Jul 19, 2009 at 10:30 PM Anonymous Says:
“ "רבת בני עמון - Rabba the Ammonite"
And you, my dear friend, are an am'haroetz for insulting these yiddeshe women. The term eshet chayil comes to mind. I have great rachmonis and pity for any woman who calls you a son, husband or father. ”
I agree No. 4 is a jerk but I suspect the majority of men reading this article will agree with him It will be many years before many rabbonin and roshei yeshivot realize that women have become their equals and in some cases, their superiors, in matter of torah knowledge.
31
Jul 19, 2009 at 10:18 PM Anonymous Says:
In a hundred years it will be the norm
32
Jul 19, 2009 at 10:51 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Though these women appear quite sincere, many of them do not cover their hair, or cover it improperly. Many wear short sleeves and pants.
Before becoming a rabba, a rabbi, a maharaba or a maharashi, let them first begin by properly following the mitzvot that have - time immemorial- been the hallmark of true Jewish femininity.
Yes, there are issues that have to be addressed, such as agunah, women having more of a voice in a beth din, etc, but I am turned off by seeing women in short sleeves and pants, not even covering their hair properly lobbying to become leaders when they can't even follow the Halacha.
”
Well said-I concur completly
33
Jul 19, 2009 at 10:12 PM Anonymous Says:
I remember that even the very conservative Millhouse (who used to post on VIN)presented a very detailed and elegant argument as to why women would make excellent poskim and dayanim. I'm not sure how they would function in a shul or bes medrash but I'm sure we can find some accomodation. This is wonderful that frumme yiddeshe women are seeking to expand their role in leading shomrei torah and mitzvot to the next generation.
34
Jul 19, 2009 at 10:03 PM Anonymous Says:
These women are to be applauded and respected for their mesiras nefesh on behalf of yiddeshkiet. They will be among the leaders of Klal Yisroel in our generation. I suspect they will also achieve a level of torah and halachic knowledge equal to any of the gadolim and talmeidei chachamim within the next few decades.
35
Jul 19, 2009 at 09:58 PM Bubby Says:
Wrong name. It should be Rabbit. Let them chew on lettuce (which presumably they know how to check.)
Stupid, stupid, stupid! As a real feminist influenced by my feminist (but FRUM!!) mother who was a feminist long before it was even mooted let alone fashionable, this is insane! I am quite happy to have my exalted role in raising fine Jewish children & I don't feel the need to be equal to my husband (I actually surpass him in many areas anyway! LOL!!) Point is, true liberation & equality comes from knowing your place in society & being comfortable with yourself. I am, so I have no need to prove anything or to compete with men.
I leave that to little boys & insecure women.
36
Jul 19, 2009 at 09:51 PM Anonymous Says:
“ I don't know why everyone is getting so excited. These women want to get involved in their yidishkeit. They are the sarah schnerer of todays generation. ”
“ I don't know why everyone is getting so excited. These women want to get involved in their yidishkeit. They are the sarah schnerer of todays generation. ”
Don't be to quick. If you read their "Shitas", you would see it is all based on what makes them feel good and "spiritual". They do NOT seek to see what Halacha or Hashem has to say about it.
37
Jul 19, 2009 at 09:47 PM Anonymous Says:
I find it quite interesting that alot of women in this group point to women in history who had great importance in Halacha. Isn't it interesting that these very women who are their roll models chose not to create a title for female Rav?
38
Jul 19, 2009 at 09:47 PM Anonymous Says:
“ The name they chose sounds perfect. Yashar Koach to them for their hard work in making this possible....finally. ”
Its not even good for purim
39
Jul 19, 2009 at 09:46 PM Charlie Hall Says:
“ REBELech, feh.
but enough with the sexism, though this is a strange thing, its not that women must "be in the kitchen". contrary. usually the women won the bread so men stay in kollel etc. the oldest daughters took care of the kids, then the boys went to cheder. but the wife worked.
dont let 1950's non-jewish america (i.e. womens domestic duties) dictate your mind. ”
The fact that so many women are now working and running businesses makes Torah learning even more important for them. There are *so* may halachot regarding treatment of employees, suppliers, customers, and government regulators, and it is *so* easy to commit an aveirah.
40
Jul 19, 2009 at 09:44 PM Anonymous Says:
Whenever there is a change....even good change - there are always those who appose.....Throughout the generations - even some of our greatest Chachomim and Gedolim had many people who did not agree with them...in time we see their truth. About time the learned woman get the title that they deserve, this is long overdo.......soon we will all realize its importance.
41
Jul 19, 2009 at 09:43 PM Charlie Hall Says:
“ Though these women appear quite sincere, many of them do not cover their hair, or cover it improperly. Many wear short sleeves and pants.
Before becoming a rabba, a rabbi, a maharaba or a maharashi, let them first begin by properly following the mitzvot that have - time immemorial- been the hallmark of true Jewish femininity.
Yes, there are issues that have to be addressed, such as agunah, women having more of a voice in a beth din, etc, but I am turned off by seeing women in short sleeves and pants, not even covering their hair properly lobbying to become leaders when they can't even follow the Halacha.
”
There are a variety of opinions as to the required standard for hair covering and sleeve length, and in at least one large important segment of the Orthodox world pants are considred absolutely mutar. We must be very hesitant to accuse a shomer Shabat Jew of violating halachah when he/she may be relying on legitimate halachic opinions just because your rabbi may hold a different opinion.
42
Jul 19, 2009 at 09:42 PM Anonymous Says:
I am hoping that this will continue on to the chassidish world as well -there are to many topics within halacha that NEED and SHOULD be addressed by a woman Rabbi.
43
Jul 19, 2009 at 11:20 PM gregaaron Says:
“ There are a variety of opinions as to the required standard for hair covering and sleeve length, and in at least one large important segment of the Orthodox world pants are considred absolutely mutar. We must be very hesitant to accuse a shomer Shabat Jew of violating halachah when he/she may be relying on legitimate halachic opinions just because your rabbi may hold a different opinion. ”
Once you start being poreitz geder, what comes next? Would you say someone who authorizes chillul shabbos as a "legitimate halachic opinion"? Where do you draw the line? Nowhere in Halacha does it say that tznius is negotiable.
44
Jul 19, 2009 at 11:14 PM gregaaron Says:
“ What a bunch of miserable fuddy dudy misanthropes. I'm betting Hashem is smiling as he gets ready to welcome the first Rabba and frustrated and annoyed at the fossilization and over legalistic childishness that has befallen his great gift. ”
Don't bet too much. The only place Hashem is getting ready to welcome these people is hopefully somewhere the rest of us who follow Mesorah will never have to experience.
45
Jul 19, 2009 at 11:11 PM Anonymous Says:
“ I remember that even the very conservative Millhouse (who used to post on VIN)presented a very detailed and elegant argument as to why women would make excellent poskim and dayanim. I'm not sure how they would function in a shul or bes medrash but I'm sure we can find some accomodation. This is wonderful that frumme yiddeshe women are seeking to expand their role in leading shomrei torah and mitzvot to the next generation. ”
Your comments remind me that Millhouse's postings were a great source of knowledge on just about any subject, religious or secular (as well as humor and frequent controversy). We will miss him and his contributions to VIN.
46
Jul 20, 2009 at 12:23 AM Anonymous Says:
“ How low will kllal yisroel sink how many tragedies will happen till we will wake up to see that a womens job is not to be a man rather to stay home take care of the kids and the man has to go to the Rav to ask the sheilos ”
it's said that before moshaich comes many "smart" people will act like idiots and dumb people will be smart. What is going on is proof that moshiach is right around the corner.
47
Jul 20, 2009 at 12:33 AM Rochel Says:
When a woman studies many years in seminary, she has the knowledgements and can teach and guide other women, why can't she be equal in denomination and status than a man who studied and is called a rabbi ?
her work isn't that important ?
does she have to marry a rabbi to be recognized like a rebbetzin and known, appreciated and respected ? Can 't she be the same without a man ?
If they graduate and are called "rabba" or else, it's not because they are going to take men's place (don't worry guys), they are going to have a name on their fonctions, why just being called rabbi's wife ?
48
Jul 20, 2009 at 06:02 AM Anonymous Says:
A bunch of miserable women who will never be happy.It would have been fun watching Reb Avigdor Miller dealing with this psycosis.
49
Jul 20, 2009 at 06:39 AM photographer Says:
I can't wait to see what their Kol Huoilum Kuloi will look like
50
Jul 20, 2009 at 06:38 AM KH Says:
“ פרה ורבה -- the cow and the Rabba
זעקת סדם ועמרה כי רבה - A scream of Sedom and Amorra because of Rabba
רבת בני עמון - Rabba the Ammonite
Etc. etc .etc.
Plus, if I remember correctly, this word means a "slavewoman" in Russian. So much for שפחה ”
#4 Thank you for starting my day with a good laugh.
If she was ordained as a “Maharat”, she can be a Torah teacher but I doubt there are truly Orthodox Rabbanim that would actually allow her to give psak halachot. Do these women feel qualified for Dinei Mamanot, for sheilot on Niddah, to rule as a judge in Beit Din (behind curtains for men, of course, since Orthodox men may not look at her) and are ready to be Mesader Kidushin? Obviously not! And if their yiddishkeit and tzniut is against halachah, how can they even consider to pasken sheilot? Since this article does not mention the “Orthodox” institution that ordains them as Rabbis, we can easily surmise that they are Modern Orthodox at best or just Traditional Jews.
51
Jul 20, 2009 at 06:28 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Your comments remind me that Millhouse's postings were a great source of knowledge on just about any subject, religious or secular (as well as humor and frequent controversy). We will miss him and his contributions to VIN. ”
What happened to millhouse?
52
Jul 20, 2009 at 06:25 AM Anonymous Says:
“ The fact that so many women are now working and running businesses makes Torah learning even more important for them. There are *so* may halachot regarding treatment of employees, suppliers, customers, and government regulators, and it is *so* easy to commit an aveirah. ”
Such as walking around with an uncovered head in public or sleeveless clothing as a number of the attendes do.they clearly are not in it to learn halachos that apply to them. They are looking to change halacha, unwed motherhoodn more leniencies for birth control is what they are looking for. If they cannot find heterim for this in established halacha, they wish to change that by calling thenselves arbiters of halacha to change it to suit their wants. This called being megaleh ponim batorah shelo k'halacha. This group does has no interest in learning halachas l'shmah or even to keep halacha. Rather to try create heterim that follow their agenda, out of thinly based sevara. It is well known that psak needs shimush for mesorah. Mesorah has not placed duch titles on women. So it is an oxymoron. The proof is that they identify them selves as a feminist group not as a grpup interested in learning *and* *following* established halacha.
Everyone should learn halacha for daily life, learning halcha does not make one a rav (or in this case, rabble). Your basis, that there are halachos that apply to women and that they should know then does not make them eligible for rabbonus.
Rabble is a much more appropriate term.
A vote, hah. We do not find that these terms historically decided by a vote. They were self understood terms that were conveyed as signs of respect. The fact that they had to decide by vote proves its illigitimacy.
53
Jul 20, 2009 at 06:25 AM Charlie Hall Says:
“ Once you start being poreitz geder, what comes next? Would you say someone who authorizes chillul shabbos as a "legitimate halachic opinion"? Where do you draw the line? Nowhere in Halacha does it say that tznius is negotiable. ”
There are legitimate overrides to Shabat laws including pikuach nefesh and (according to some opinions, such as the one described here: http://www.vosizneias.com/34971/2009/07/14/jerusalem-rabbi-phones-may-be-used-on-shabbas-to-stop-idf-evacuations/) settling the Land of Israel. Those who follow their rabbis on these issues should not be condemned. Similarly, one who follows his/her rabbis and the customs of their community on tzniut standards must not be condemned.
54
Jul 20, 2009 at 05:43 AM Chazon Ish Says:
2 girls came to the Chazon Ish with a question on the Ramban of the week, he called his wife to please bring him the cake she baked this morning, he then asked the girls if they would know how to bake this same cake, which they said no, he told them to first go learn how to bake then come back to him...
I guess he was also old fashion... well I'm looking for and old fashioned girl that will bake me cakes and cookies and will bring her the money to buy the ingredients....
55
Jul 20, 2009 at 05:39 AM Other Bubby Says:
“ Wrong name. It should be Rabbit. Let them chew on lettuce (which presumably they know how to check.)
Stupid, stupid, stupid! As a real feminist influenced by my feminist (but FRUM!!) mother who was a feminist long before it was even mooted let alone fashionable, this is insane! I am quite happy to have my exalted role in raising fine Jewish children & I don't feel the need to be equal to my husband (I actually surpass him in many areas anyway! LOL!!) Point is, true liberation & equality comes from knowing your place in society & being comfortable with yourself. I am, so I have no need to prove anything or to compete with men.
I leave that to little boys & insecure women. ”
No-one is asking you to be a Rabba. If there is a halachic possibility, and a communal need, why not let those women who want to study intensively learn Torah and get recognition? It's not for every woman, or for every community. It expands Torah life and I am glad to see it.
Why insult people who are taking a different path than you.
56
Jul 20, 2009 at 04:16 AM Anonymous Says:
“ When a woman studies many years in seminary, she has the knowledgements and can teach and guide other women, why can't she be equal in denomination and status than a man who studied and is called a rabbi ?
her work isn't that important ?
does she have to marry a rabbi to be recognized like a rebbetzin and known, appreciated and respected ? Can 't she be the same without a man ?
If they graduate and are called "rabba" or else, it's not because they are going to take men's place (don't worry guys), they are going to have a name on their fonctions, why just being called rabbi's wife ? ”
There is no such word as knowledgements. You could say knowledge, knowledgeable, knowledgeability
57
Jul 20, 2009 at 03:37 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Is there a female term for someone who is "ingantzen meshigeh"? ”
Female for meshigeh is meshigeneh..............
58
Jul 20, 2009 at 03:19 AM Anonymous Says:
what do the rabbas say about the chazal that says kol kvuda bas melech pnima, or was that written by a man?
59
Jul 20, 2009 at 02:03 AM Ariella Marcus Says:
Personally, I see this as a fad, but one that may encourage a trend, then a movement - and ultimately, a shift in Orthopraxy. If Devorah could be a shofetes, women can surely take greater leadership roles in/with/for Klal Yisroel.
I don't believe we would see the kinds of sexual abuse of students, of financial games, and of street violence among chareidi youth if women had more influence.
What is it that men are so afraid of?
60
Jul 20, 2009 at 01:39 AM aron Says:
“ This is terrible!!! Nashim Daatin Kalos! ”
Its great! It just proves it they seem very angry there at kolech they are mad at the way g-d made the world and set it up they think he messed it up because they cant pasken a shayleh
61
Jul 20, 2009 at 01:34 AM Rabba Says:
It is more than time for Women to have a voice in Halachah and jewish viewpoints. Why have women taken the sexism against them for so long?
We have seen (especially on this VIN site) daily, how men and 'rabbis' are involved in scandal after scandal... Stealing money, kashrut scandals... and abuse cover ups.
We have seen how 'men' are blatantly ignoring Halacha, as well as Civil Law in Upstate NY, as well as Israel.
We have seen the unfounded public ridicule of 'concert ban rabbis'.. It is time to rip out this cancer, and allow Women who are the Voice of Reason to be prominently involved in Halacha and other important decisions!
62
Jul 20, 2009 at 12:40 AM obamanation Says:
I can't wait to go to tish, just emagin the rabba and her gabu'im walking in to tish on high heels. and the best will be when to sisters get in to a fight over there mothers chasiddus!!!
63
Jul 20, 2009 at 07:23 AM Anonymous Says:
“ What happened to millhouse? ”
Talk to the mishpacha...he is no longer posting. he was a great talmid chacham and I enjoyed reading his views event though I rarely agreed.
64
Jul 20, 2009 at 07:21 AM Anonymous Says:
“ 2 girls came to the Chazon Ish with a question on the Ramban of the week, he called his wife to please bring him the cake she baked this morning, he then asked the girls if they would know how to bake this same cake, which they said no, he told them to first go learn how to bake then come back to him...
I guess he was also old fashion... well I'm looking for and old fashioned girl that will bake me cakes and cookies and will bring her the money to buy the ingredients.... ”
I'm not sure the Chazon Ish would have made such a statmement as you attribute to him, but even Gadolim have made statements they would regret later on. The CI, Z'tl would not want such a naresh remark associated with his memory.
65
Jul 20, 2009 at 07:19 AM Anonymous Says:
“ A bunch of miserable women who will never be happy.It would have been fun watching Reb Avigdor Miller dealing with this psycosis. ”
Actually, these are among the most happy and loviing goup of yiddeshe women you will find anywhere. Certainly , a lot happier and healthier than the ;women in the oppressed women in the ultra-orthodox families whose husbands treat them like dreche, are given no respect for their daas torah and told to keep quiet, take care of the children and go to the mikvah on time. Does it sound like the woman in your life, given your contempt for jewish women??
66
Jul 20, 2009 at 07:13 AM za003 Says:
thge torah clearly states that a woman can *not* be equal to the man so even if she wanted to "advance" her torah knowledge let her in he proper jewish way frum way
67
Jul 20, 2009 at 07:34 AM Rochel Says:
“ 2 girls came to the Chazon Ish with a question on the Ramban of the week, he called his wife to please bring him the cake she baked this morning, he then asked the girls if they would know how to bake this same cake, which they said no, he told them to first go learn how to bake then come back to him...
I guess he was also old fashion... well I'm looking for and old fashioned girl that will bake me cakes and cookies and will bring her the money to buy the ingredients.... ”
But look Rashi with his daughters I guess after trying many years to send them to the kitchen he thought it was a waste of time and teaching them would be better !
68
Jul 20, 2009 at 07:42 AM congregant Says:
.......seems clear to me that if the rabba stands up there and says "I appeal to you"...I might just agree.....gevaldig
69
Jul 20, 2009 at 07:35 AM Anonymous Says:
I understand that women want to have a title but the fact that the article states, "The decision to create a name for the controversy-loaded position in Israel grew out of a desire to encourage women to strive to reach such a level in their Torah learning." If the women were really serious about their Torah learning they wouldn't just do it for a title.
70
Jul 20, 2009 at 07:55 AM photographer Says:
I can't wait to see what their Kol Huoilum Kuloi will look like
71
Jul 20, 2009 at 08:02 AM Anonymous Says:
Even if these women learn torah they don't get the same schar as a man.The schar is just like any other mitzvah. A man gets "kneged kulam". The only way they can get the same schar as a man is if they send their husbands off to learn. This is the way its supposed to be. These women should send their husbands to learn and work on their job of running a household.
72
Jul 20, 2009 at 08:01 AM KH Says:
“ But look Rashi with his daughters I guess after trying many years to send them to the kitchen he thought it was a waste of time and teaching them would be better ! ”
#67 Rashi’s daughters might have put on tefillin every day but were never ordained as Rabbis to pasken halachot.
#64 I too heard this story regarding the Chazon Ish.
73
Jul 20, 2009 at 08:19 AM Moshe Says:
“ How low will kllal yisroel sink how many tragedies will happen till we will wake up to see that a womens job is not to be a man rather to stay home take care of the kids and the man has to go to the Rav to ask the sheilos ”
Are you from Saudi Arabia? You wouyld fit right in there in the 19th century.
74
Jul 20, 2009 at 08:18 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Once you start being poreitz geder, what comes next? Would you say someone who authorizes chillul shabbos as a "legitimate halachic opinion"? Where do you draw the line? Nowhere in Halacha does it say that tznius is negotiable. ”
Tznius might not be negotiable, but your definition of the length of a sleeve or the choice of pants vs. a skirt certainly is.
As one community - which all Jews one day may consider themselves part of THE Jewish community - we must remember that the substitution of dogma for acceptable difference of opinion is simply fanaticism. Until recently Jewish fanatacism didn't cause the the loss of life and limb and, as such, didn't get the proper worry and attention it deserves - the recent protests in EY display a fanaticism which should make all reasonable people nauseous, and honestly, terrified.
75
Jul 20, 2009 at 08:21 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Don't bet too much. The only place Hashem is getting ready to welcome these people is hopefully somewhere the rest of us who follow Mesorah will never have to experience. ”
Tznius might not be negotiable, but your definition of the length of a sleeve or the choice of pants vs. a skirt certainly is.
As one community - which all Jews one day may consider themselves part of THE Jewish community - we must remember that the substitution of dogma for acceptable difference of opinion is simply fanaticism. Until recently Jewish fanatacism didn't cause the the loss of life and limb and, as such, didn't get the proper worry and attention it deserves - the recent protests in EY display a fanaticism which should make all reasonable people nauseous, and honestly, terrified.
Number 44 "The only place Hashem is getting ready to welcome these people"?!?! Do you consider the words coming from your keyboard before you type them - these are clearly Jews for whom achieving the highest levels of Torah knowledge is of paramount importance - yet the best thing you can say is that you know that Hashem will be welcoming them in... (I do wonder your source for that too)
76
Jul 20, 2009 at 08:36 AM Anonymous Says:
I guess they do not listen to (or understand) kaddish.
In Kaddish it says yehay shemay (male) rabba, not shmoh (female).
Just shows the ignorance of those selecting the title. (I know it is not loshon hakodesh, but if they were aware, they would have considered what is said every day.)
77
Jul 20, 2009 at 08:53 AM Chazon Ish Says:
“ But look Rashi with his daughters I guess after trying many years to send them to the kitchen he thought it was a waste of time and teaching them would be better ! ”
Rochel,
Teaching them is one thing becoming a teacher for others is something else
what this organization is trying to do is by far very different then what Rashi did and in fact may be well associated with the reform movement which by the way started with good intention and with fine women but the outcome of it as you can see today is that the reform movement has lady rabbis that also don’t keep Shabbos.
I always find that us Yidden survived all this year only with Mesora (and that means doing all that your bobby and zeidy did) and Emuna Pshuta, and once this get taken away from us we are lost forever....
Hatzlocha
78
Jul 20, 2009 at 08:52 AM YEAH RIGHT! Says:
“ I don't know why everyone is getting so excited. These women want to get involved in their yidishkeit. They are the sarah schnerer of todays generation. ”
“ I don't know why everyone is getting so excited. These women want to get involved in their yidishkeit. They are the sarah schnerer of todays generation. ”
Sara Schenirer my foot! She didn't claim to be a female rabbi, she wanted to educate Jewish girls so they would stay on the proper derech not be taken in by the haskala. These so called "Orthodox" "rabba" are closer to reform.
79
Jul 20, 2009 at 09:10 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Actually, these are among the most happy and loviing goup of yiddeshe women you will find anywhere. Certainly , a lot happier and healthier than the ;women in the oppressed women in the ultra-orthodox families whose husbands treat them like dreche, are given no respect for their daas torah and told to keep quiet, take care of the children and go to the mikvah on time. Does it sound like the woman in your life, given your contempt for jewish women?? ”
I don't know who you are married to, but I am an ultra-otrhodox woman, and my husband treats me with the greatest respect. I don't need to be a rabba to get respect. Women who marry true bnei-torah are treated like queens at home. The men you describe here, are not bnei-torah. Not everyone who wears the garb qualifies. You need to differentiate between the real ones and the fakers.
80
Jul 20, 2009 at 09:09 AM Anonymous Says:
“ I guess they do not listen to (or understand) kaddish.
In Kaddish it says yehay shemay (male) rabba, not shmoh (female).
Just shows the ignorance of those selecting the title. (I know it is not loshon hakodesh, but if they were aware, they would have considered what is said every day.) ”
Shemay refers to Hashe,'s names - "May His great (rabbah) name be blessed..." ther term rabbah there ends with an "aleph" - of course since its aramaic - while the rabbah being referred to here is the female form of the term Rav which would likely be spelled with a "hey"
The only ignorance shown seems like yours
81
Jul 20, 2009 at 09:14 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Talk to the mishpacha...he is no longer posting. he was a great talmid chacham and I enjoyed reading his views event though I rarely agreed. ”
How are we supposed to know who his mishpacha is? Did his family object to his posting? How do you know it's a final decision? It could be revoked, couldn't it?
82
Jul 20, 2009 at 09:36 AM Tam Says:
“ #4 Thank you for starting my day with a good laugh.
If she was ordained as a “Maharat”, she can be a Torah teacher but I doubt there are truly Orthodox Rabbanim that would actually allow her to give psak halachot. Do these women feel qualified for Dinei Mamanot, for sheilot on Niddah, to rule as a judge in Beit Din (behind curtains for men, of course, since Orthodox men may not look at her) and are ready to be Mesader Kidushin? Obviously not! And if their yiddishkeit and tzniut is against halachah, how can they even consider to pasken sheilot? Since this article does not mention the “Orthodox” institution that ordains them as Rabbis, we can easily surmise that they are Modern Orthodox at best or just Traditional Jews. ”
Would you accept a Rav being Mesader Kidushin by video conference? i.e. Rabbanim are only required for purpose of making sure Kidushin is OK and to certify it, but does not Execute the Kidushin, so I think a Rabah (pl. Rabahnot?) being Mesader Kidushin should be OK. In my opinion, a Rabah can learn how to be fill-in a kesuva and choose Kosher witness. Reading Kesuvah correctly is a task most Rabanim do incorrectly anyway, and a Rabbah can come close. If you want, get a Kesuvah with Nekudos (where? anybody) and follow the one reading loud the kesuvah, you are sure to get a good laugh.
Question for Rabanim and/or Rabahnot: Can a Rabah make the Berachos Borei Peri haGofen and Mekadesh Yisrael?
83
Jul 20, 2009 at 09:33 AM Sammy Sosa Says:
Yesterday at 09:41 PM
Charlie Hall Says:Reply to #20 Show Quote
Anonymous Says:
“An earlier post by Jewish woman in 100% correct. Let these women do easy mitzvot such as covering their hair and dressing properly before they seek to take on mitzvot that they are not obligated to do.”
Women are obligated to learn about all mitzvot that they *are* obligated to do, which includes most of the shulchan aruch. Women learning about these at an advanced level was instituted by the unquestioned American gedol, Rov Soloveitchik. I am sure he would be pleased to see how what he started has been embraced so enthuiastically by so many.
Charlie,
I am curious as to your 'undisputed American Godol's' view on women covering their hair?
84
Jul 20, 2009 at 09:21 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Sara Schenirer my foot! She didn't claim to be a female rabbi, she wanted to educate Jewish girls so they would stay on the proper derech not be taken in by the haskala. These so called "Orthodox" "rabba" are closer to reform. ”
The plural of rabba would be rabbas, any other suggestions anyone??
85
Jul 20, 2009 at 11:34 AM berel Says:
#82 among other problems, a major one is of tznious...would rabba(it) sit or come into kabboles ponim sit there discuss with rabbonom, rebbes the procedure( of course its only hypothetical question, as those advocating these reforms, yes 'REFORM', are usually mix , mix everything, mix seating, mix dancing, mixed swimming, mixed marrigages {some of them for sure}).
86
Jul 20, 2009 at 11:44 AM berel Says:
#26 with all due respect to, he was unquestioned gadol by the MO, he was far from accepted poisek in our circles
87
Jul 20, 2009 at 12:16 PM scohen Says:
i thought that women had no obligation to get married. why is everyone saying that a womans job is to take care of her husband. what if she doesnt get married?
88
Jul 20, 2009 at 12:49 PM Charlie Hall Says:
“ #26 with all due respect to, he was unquestioned gadol by the MO, he was far from accepted poisek in our circles ”
No argument there. One can accept someone as a gedol yet follow other poskim.
89
Jul 20, 2009 at 12:33 PM esther Says:
at first these woman wanted women's prayer groups,now this.avairah gaoreres avairah takeh.
90
Jul 20, 2009 at 01:09 PM Rochel Says:
“ Rochel,
Teaching them is one thing becoming a teacher for others is something else
what this organization is trying to do is by far very different then what Rashi did and in fact may be well associated with the reform movement which by the way started with good intention and with fine women but the outcome of it as you can see today is that the reform movement has lady rabbis that also don’t keep Shabbos.
I always find that us Yidden survived all this year only with Mesora (and that means doing all that your bobby and zeidy did) and Emuna Pshuta, and once this get taken away from us we are lost forever....
Hatzlocha
”
To # 72 as well :
I believe, but maybe I'm wrong, that all the rebbetzins I study with, if they weren't married to Rabbonim they wouldn't be as respected as they are and known in the community for their lessons. It is not about having the same role as a rabbi and being ordered to pasken anything. But I would largely see that they could be as important in the community for their role to others regarding to women mitzvot, musar, faith, chinuch etc... What if I wanna hold this position in my community and I'm not married (okay for chinuch it wouldn't work in my case !) or married to the butcher's ? Would people take me seriously ?
besides, I can't bake any cake or challah so for that I'd be more helpful being a Rabba ;)
91
Jul 20, 2009 at 02:12 PM Graybeard Says:
“ A bunch of miserable women who will never be happy.It would have been fun watching Reb Avigdor Miller dealing with this psycosis. ”
There are NO "legitimate" halachic opinions that say it is OK for a married woman to go with her hair uncovered! none, nada.
92
Jul 20, 2009 at 02:19 PM Graybeard Says:
“ A bunch of miserable women who will never be happy.It would have been fun watching Reb Avigdor Miller dealing with this psycosis. ”
Rabbi Miller zt"l DID comment once on a similar issue. Let me quote the question in the way he said it. "What is the Rovs opinion about the fact that the Consevative have decided to ordain female "shmatis"? And he answered , "they are sliding down to 7734 (spelled backwards and upside down) anyway, this just helps grease the pole"?
93
Jul 20, 2009 at 02:06 PM shmuel Says:
“ at first these woman wanted women's prayer groups,now this.avairah gaoreres avairah takeh. ”
davening and learning torah...this you call a sin?
there are some who might say your being online is a sin ms esther....
94
Jul 20, 2009 at 03:34 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Sara Schenirer my foot! She didn't claim to be a female rabbi, she wanted to educate Jewish girls so they would stay on the proper derech not be taken in by the haskala. These so called "Orthodox" "rabba" are closer to reform. ”
Let us not forget the extreme opposition with which Sara Schenirer had to contend. Her concept was possibly just as foreign for her times as the above referenced concept is for ours. Had not select Rabbis had the backbone to support her very controversial idea, she could never have accomplished that which she did.
Rewind to the time of Sara Schenirer and imagine that she placed her idea on this very site. I would venture to say that many of the above comments would have been placed here (women belong at home, they are not equal to men....) Yet where would we be without Bais Yaakov?
95
Jul 20, 2009 at 03:23 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Though these women appear quite sincere, many of them do not cover their hair, or cover it improperly. Many wear short sleeves and pants.
Before becoming a rabba, a rabbi, a maharaba or a maharashi, let them first begin by properly following the mitzvot that have - time immemorial- been the hallmark of true Jewish femininity.
Yes, there are issues that have to be addressed, such as agunah, women having more of a voice in a beth din, etc, but I am turned off by seeing women in short sleeves and pants, not even covering their hair properly lobbying to become leaders when they can't even follow the Halacha.
”
itz like pepole screeming at children in shul be quiet wile talking a gatza davenen
96
Jul 20, 2009 at 03:16 PM esther Says:
“ davening and learning torah...this you call a sin?
there are some who might say your being online is a sin ms esther.... ”
shmuel you know this is not about davening and learning;it's about the fundamental differences in yiddishkait between a women's role and duties and a man's.will these rabas where a talis and kippah?i already have a conservative synagogue around the corner from me like that.i have no doubt that these women also have the best intentions but it's NOT what Hashen wants;it's what THEY want.
97
Jul 20, 2009 at 04:10 PM Tam Says:
“ Let us not forget the extreme opposition with which Sara Schenirer had to contend. Her concept was possibly just as foreign for her times as the above referenced concept is for ours. Had not select Rabbis had the backbone to support her very controversial idea, she could never have accomplished that which she did.
Rewind to the time of Sara Schenirer and imagine that she placed her idea on this very site. I would venture to say that many of the above comments would have been placed here (women belong at home, they are not equal to men....) Yet where would we be without Bais Yaakov? ”
Sara Schenirer acted due to series issues resulting from girls not having a Jewish education, and acted with strong rabbinical backing, although most Rabbonim and the Frum community were very concerned of her new idea and were against her LeShem Shomayim. When they saw the results of sending girls to observant schools, the Rabbonim and the frum community embraced her idea.
I do not see the what problem Kolech is addressing, how they are going to benefit Yiddishkait and which Rabbonim are saying that they are doing something positive, not just saying what they are doing is OK.
98
Jul 20, 2009 at 09:50 PM Anonymous Says:
“ you are right but she is the kitchen master and alot of shailos she handles for example the man would be the owner she would be the manager but yes just because a woman is hands on doesnt mean that she should mistake it for public leadership and a sense of lack of self worth
i fault all the womans organizations sewing groups mikvah clubs gemach funds who love hashem love taharas mishpacha and chinuch they not the men have the true ability as women independently to unite as shomrei habayis to pose a united front of against this and rehashing renewing the beauty and status as a bas yisroel im takling litvish poilish russish bukhari ungarish yerushalmi as it was historically and how it develops today ”
too bad I couldn't understand your point, your comment is so convoluted
99
Jul 20, 2009 at 10:23 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Yesterday at 09:41 PM
Charlie Hall Says:Reply to #20 Show Quote
Anonymous Says:
“An earlier post by Jewish woman in 100% correct. Let these women do easy mitzvot such as covering their hair and dressing properly before they seek to take on mitzvot that they are not obligated to do.”
Women are obligated to learn about all mitzvot that they *are* obligated to do, which includes most of the shulchan aruch. Women learning about these at an advanced level was instituted by the unquestioned American gedol, Rov Soloveitchik. I am sure he would be pleased to see how what he started has been embraced so enthuiastically by so many.
Charlie,
I am curious as to your 'undisputed American Godol's' view on women covering their hair?
”
I know this is going to be lambasted by many if not most people who are reading this, but I think the whole thing with covering hair is overrated. The sheitals are absolutely beautiful,and make the women look much better than when they go out with just their
"regular" hair. Why was it that 30-40 years ago, covering one's hair was not such a big deal, and now it is? What changed? My second comment is that the dress code of the yeshivish women in Flatbush is disgusting. I am modern orthodox, live in New Jersey, and I am shocked when I come into Brooklyn and see the girls in their tight shirts and skirts. The sleeves are long, the necklines are high, and you can see every single part of these girls in the clothes that they are wearing. The women in my "modern orthodox" neighborhood dress in a more thoughtful and tzniusdik way than these girls do! And when they dance at weddings, they don't look any different than the people you see on TV dancing. Who taught them to move like that? It's really shameful.
100
Jul 20, 2009 at 11:35 PM ACTUALLY Says:
these women should be called marah (bitter) like mar for a rebbe marah for a rebbet
101
Jul 20, 2009 at 11:33 PM berel Says:
#99... first, you mean about 80 years ago, second you can say that about chillil shabbos that was rampant and of course other avairous so are you going to say it wasnt a big deal. what you say about provocative dressing in flatbush your 100% right. tznious means not short or long dress but modest, not raisig eyebrows etc and holy children are products of tznious. many samples mentioned in shas. and when they have children on the border they will always blame the yeshivah, rebbe principal etc but not this factor,or bringing into home tomene magazines even slut. you can hideit from human but noy from the one above. 'velo yiyah becho ervas dovor veshov meachraycha'. but in anycase 2 wrongs dont make you right to go with uncovered hair is a issur deoiraise. and even with shaitel holy tzaddikum assured it .
102
Jul 21, 2009 at 01:47 PM moish Says:
“ I can't wait to go to tish, just emagin the rabba and her gabu'im walking in to tish on high heels. and the best will be when to sisters get in to a fight over there mothers chasiddus!!! ”
don't forget you'll be on the other side of the machitza
103
Jul 21, 2009 at 04:53 PM l quote Says:
if your wering a hat you on the wrong side of the mechitza
104
Jul 21, 2009 at 06:09 PM anon uk Says:
is the world not enough crazy? are these new type rabbas not happy with they way life is until now? i am a woman am proud to be a woman and wanna stay a woman! leave the shailos and paskening for the men and enjoy your gift of being a woman. or maybe you wanna be a monkey next?!
105
Jul 24, 2009 at 12:38 AM Milhouse Says:
“ Would you accept a Rav being Mesader Kidushin by video conference? i.e. Rabbanim are only required for purpose of making sure Kidushin is OK and to certify it, but does not Execute the Kidushin, so I think a Rabah (pl. Rabahnot?) being Mesader Kidushin should be OK. In my opinion, a Rabah can learn how to be fill-in a kesuva and choose Kosher witness. Reading Kesuvah correctly is a task most Rabanim do incorrectly anyway, and a Rabbah can come close. If you want, get a Kesuvah with Nekudos (where? anybody) and follow the one reading loud the kesuvah, you are sure to get a good laugh.
Question for Rabanim and/or Rabahnot: Can a Rabah make the Berachos Borei Peri haGofen and Mekadesh Yisrael? ”
There's no requirement to read the kesuba at all. So there's no reason a woman shouldn't read it.
As for the brochos, I don't know a clear answer, but it seems to me that it depends on the nature of these brochos. If they are birchas hamitzvah, and the rov is being motzi the choson, then a woman can't say them, because she is not chayav in kiddushin. Ho'ish mekadesh, and ho'isho miskadeshes; not the other way around. But if they're merely birchas hodo'oh, then why shouldn't a woman say them? She is just as happy as a man about the fact that Hashem sanctified us by giving us the system of married life.
A similar question can be asked about the sheva brochos, and again it depends on whether someone is being yotze an obligation. They seem to be birchos hodo'oh, but it can be argued that there is a chiyuv on the minyan of men who are present to say all seven brochos, and one person says them on behalf of all the men. If so, perhaps the women are not chayav, and therefore a woman can't say them. But it needs careful analysis.
Bottom line: sofek brochos lehokel. If a woman wants to participate in the saying of the brochos, let her read an English translation (without shem umalchus) in between the Hebrew brochos.
106
Jul 24, 2009 at 12:26 AM Milhouse Says:
“ #67 Rashi’s daughters might have put on tefillin every day but were never ordained as Rabbis to pasken halachot.
#64 I too heard this story regarding the Chazon Ish. ”
There is no evidence that they put on tefilin. But if they learned halacha they could pasken.
107
Jul 24, 2009 at 12:22 AM Milhouse Says:
“ #4 Thank you for starting my day with a good laugh.
If she was ordained as a “Maharat”, she can be a Torah teacher but I doubt there are truly Orthodox Rabbanim that would actually allow her to give psak halachot. Do these women feel qualified for Dinei Mamanot, for sheilot on Niddah, to rule as a judge in Beit Din (behind curtains for men, of course, since Orthodox men may not look at her) and are ready to be Mesader Kidushin? Obviously not! And if their yiddishkeit and tzniut is against halachah, how can they even consider to pasken sheilot? Since this article does not mention the “Orthodox” institution that ordains them as Rabbis, we can easily surmise that they are Modern Orthodox at best or just Traditional Jews. ”
Why shouldn't she give piskei halochos, in those areas that she knows, just like any newly-minted yoreh yoreh? Is she qualified for dinei momonos? Probably not; nor are most rabbonim. But there are many toanot in the Israeli beis din system who ARE qualified to pasken in dinei momonos. Shaylos in niddah, absolutely; why on earth shouldn't a woman pasken, if she knows the material properly? To be a dayan on a beis din? No (unless, in a financial case, the parties agree to accept her). Siddur kiddushin? You don't even have to be a rov to do that. So why not a woman?
108
Jul 24, 2009 at 12:15 AM Milhouse Says:
“ I remember that even the very conservative Millhouse (who used to post on VIN)presented a very detailed and elegant argument as to why women would make excellent poskim and dayanim. I'm not sure how they would function in a shul or bes medrash but I'm sure we can find some accomodation. This is wonderful that frumme yiddeshe women are seeking to expand their role in leading shomrei torah and mitzvot to the next generation. ”
Dayonim?!! Definitely not. Someone who can't be an eid can't be a dayan. (Of course in a financial case the parties can agree to accept anyone as a judge, including a woman.)