Re: Jewish music performance series

[Kame'a Media <media...>]

Marvin wrote:

> I see it as a remnant of the past that will change in time.  In America,
> most affiliated Jews are in Conservative and Reform congregations that
> accept women in all roles, including rabbis and cantors.  It is natural that
> the Orthodox will change more slowly, but it will happen.  Meanwhile,
> patience is called for and gentle persuasion.

I appreciate your optimism,  although I do not share it,
as far as the Orthodox are concerned.


If I may be permitted to draw a parallel  that comes to mind:
In several Islamic countries, where women are made to wear the <chador>
(a head-to-toe heavy cloth covering) whenever they appear in public --
progress for women is measured in the enlargement of the mesh that covers the
face,
moving from just one eye "exposed", to both.
This and the new contemporary and fashionably-cut <chadors>.
In Afghanistan, poor women without <chadors>, cannot leave their homes.
For any reason.

I don't see the orthodox just throwing out the rules of <kol isha>.
They might "amend" them in time -- although I can't help but wonder what
Byzantine regulations will be instituted in their place.

I remember the journalist Oriana Falacci, who,
wearing a head and face-covering, -- once cameras were in place--
told the subject of her interview,  the Ayatollah Khomeini:
"I'm taking this (the chador) off right now", much to his aghast.

I don't know if the sight Ms. Falacci's face and hair compelled the Ayatollah
go out and commit an indecent act or not, although he did appear to me to be
grinding his teeth, if that means anything.

For me, the late Ayatollah and <l'havdil> the orthodox men who are guided
by issues of <kol isha> inhabit similar mental landscapes.

I can't  think of a historical situation (perhaps excepting Vaclav Havel's
Velvet Revolution)  where patience and gentle persuasion ever accomplished
anything.
Unfortunately.


> One response is to see it as an admission that some men aren't able to
> control their emotions.  I feel sorry for them.

Well and good, but leaving it at that is no solution and does nothing
for those who are routinely and uncomfortably subjected to these rules.
The self-loathing and  loss of self-esteem experienced by girls in these
communities must be monumental.  Not to mention the acquired collective
neuroses  of the menfolk.  You have only to ponder the subtext beneath it all.
 As the man said to Pee-Wee Herman:"Whatsa matter; you don't have a VCR at
home?"

No disrespect intended to anyone;
Moslems, orthodox Jews, Pee Wee Herman,
-- their employees, families and fans included.

Wolf


---------------------- jewish-music (at) shamash(dot)org ---------------------+