Re: Fw: Kol Isha

[TROMBAEDU <TROMBAEDU...>]

In a message dated 2/19/01 12:28:43 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
lubet001 (at) umn(dot)edu writes:


> .  Being fiercely critical of a code which one regards as demeaning is 
> hardly disrespect. 
> 
> 
> One often hears the complaint of having one's remarks taken out of context. 
>  However, there are many positions that cannot possibly be improved 
> regardless of context.  Obvious, for many on this list, Kol Isha is one, 
> and not a trifling matter.  When a position is taken that is so obviously 
> going to offend, one should anticipate a strong response and not infer from 
> that response that disagreement equals disrespect.
> 
> 
> 

You are right in principle. But I will say, (again), when it comes to tenet's 
of Jewish belief, such as that Halacha is part of a tradition developed over 
thousands of years, those who adhere to it are entitled to the benefit of the 
doubt that it should not be condemned before being investigated. That is why 
I support Shirona's questions, but not her a priori rejection. And the same 
goes for you. "Being fiercely critical of a code one regards as demeaning is 
hardly disrespect" is only true insofar as one knows what is in that code. 
If a person reacts in a precipitate manner, insulting in the process those 
who think that the code has great validity, in part because we have taken the 
time to find out what's in it, that cannot be considered fierce criticism of 
a known evil, but blind condemnation of an unknown quantity. I will not use 
the cheap rhetorical trick of calling that bigotry, but I could.
The fact that I have invited any and all to contact me about this means that 
I obviously consider these questions, and objections, important. 

Jordan