Re: Fw: Kol Isha

[Alex Lubet <lubet001...>]

>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.
>
Please!  If you want to let us in on your position, you can do it 
on-list.  You've extended this invitation to enough of us to go 
public.  I would submit that you don't know how much anyone who 
disagrees with you does or doesn't know about Halacha, and that you 
assume that a disagreement with your position could only stem from 
ignorance.
or, as you say, give it the benefit of the doubt because of its 
endurance, I respectfully disagree.  That is not to say that I don't 
respect Halacha or you personally.  As for cheap rhetorical tricks, 
saying you have every right to call me a bigot but won't is a 
rhetorical trick in the same price range as calling me a bigot. 
Please note that I haven't called you or anyone on this list a bigot, 
a misogynist, or anything else.  And I couldn't, because I don't 
resort even to very expensive rhetorical tricks.

I had an exchange with Ari that we decided should remain off-list, 
although it was entirely civil and please, but I hope he'll permit my 
synopsis of it here.  No one is going to change anyone's mind here. 
Unless someone wants to inform us of the full Halachic take as they 
see it, which would be new information that I'd love to learn, 
disagree or not, then maybe it's time to close up shop on this 
thread.  Sprited debate is definitely Jewish and in-your-face 
feminism, many of whose greatest sheroes were/are wonderful Jewish 
women who learned their rhetorical skills in Jewish familial and 
communal contexts, has accomplished much for which we should all be 
grateful and of which we can be justly proud.  Of course, one could 
say much the same for Orthodoxy.

Look for my review of Mark Slobin's Fiddler on the Move in the 
December 2001 issue of MLA (Music Library Association) Notes and my 
article on Wolf Krakowski's Transmigrations in the 2003 Polin.  In 
the latter, I discuss the role of the female chorus that has kept 
(much of) this priceless cultural treasure off certain playlists. 
Wolf likes the article a lot, so it must be definitive.

   
-- 
Alex Lubet, Ph. D.
Morse Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor of Music
Adjunct Professor of American Studies
University of Minnesota
100 Ferguson Hall
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612 624-7840 (o)
612 699-1097 (h)
612 624-8001  ATTN:  Alex Lubet (FAX)