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[HANASHIR:8244] A Woman's Place (Kol Isha)
- From: shirona <shirona...>
- Subject: [HANASHIR:8244] A Woman's Place (Kol Isha)
- Date: Mon 19 Feb 2001 17.15 (GMT)
This topic really hit a nerve... and I suspect that when there is SO much
"energy" surrounding a topic - it means that it's an "Idea Who's Time Has
Come". Without a doubt - there is a deeper underlying problem that needs to be
examined here.
The way I see it - * * * Total Equality between Men and Women * * *
Jewishly, every way, everywhere.
I HOLD THIS TRUTH TO BE SELF EVIDENT.
No amount of scholarly arguments, 2000 years of Halachic whatever, or any
opinion that was formulated and codified into "law" by MEN ALONE - will change
that for me. This is my bottom line, I hope other women feel the same.
If for thousands of years laws were defined by MEN ONLY - then I maintain the
right to challenge these laws, on that basis alone. Much like "No taxation
without representation". Don't you men realize that we had NO SAY in these
laws? If BOTH men and women agreed that people should be separated during
prayer, for example - ( perhaps that IS a good idea, BTW ) we would find a way
to accomplish that in a fair, equitable way. Etc... Then my attitude towards
laws like "Kol Isha" would be different, knowing that women participated in the
creation of the Law. And if that were the case, guys, our Halachic laws would
be quite different. Ask any "Aguna" out there...
The sad truth is that men held all the power, and acted accordingly. Plain
and simple. You don't have to be a Talmudic scholar to know that. It's no
surprise that they made sure to get the *much better deal* for themselves. I
also see, just from reading everything on the lists concerning this topic -
that men are in no hurry to give up their superior position, their "power".
Why should they??? Women had to fight SO HARD for what we now take for
granted - like the right to vote! Let's face it - men will not "give it away"
without a fight. That's what it comes down to, in this Darwinian world of
ours...
There were some wonderful comments from guys on the lists - (without naming
names - you know who you are!) who revealed some truths on this matter.
"Deeply held personal truths". A conscience. Free thinking. Refreshing
Honesty!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! For me that takes so much more
courage - than hiding behind piles and piles of "scholarly" notes, footnotes,
quoting other people... Flaunting your knowledge - as if to say "my knowledge
is bigger than yours". Guys do that sort of thing. What I want to know is -
what do you really think??? What does your personal conscience have to say
about these issues?
Truth is simple. The more profound it is - the simpler it is.
Men. Women. Equal. That is a "Woman's Place".
All I can say right now is that I'm grateful to be living in a time and place
where we can even HAVE these discussions. This is an idea who's time has come
in Jewish life... the time is now, and the place is here. Sorry for being
corny - but - G-d bless America!
Shirona
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* * * Singer / Songwriter and Teacher of Jewish Music * * *
www.shirona.com
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- [HANASHIR:8244] A Woman's Place (Kol Isha),
shirona