FW: Kol Isha - Advice for Affirmative Action

[Mel Korn <mkorn...>]

Affirmative action is a great idea. However when this is done with contempt
for the other point of view (the Orthodox in this case) it is inappropriate,
disrespectful, and counterproductive. Most importantly such attitudes, from
BOTH sides are unworthy of this list. I am replying to this post on Saturday
morning so please do not make any assumptions about me, my religious
practice, nor my position on Kol Isha. While I am not particularly observant
I belong to an Orthodox shul and study Judaism from an Orthodox perspective
(which I might add is far more diverse than many seem to understand). Having
said that I tend to have rather liberal opinions when religion affects our
modern lives.

To be rather blunt, I find the tone of this advice harsh, rude, and
contemptuous. The key to resolving an issue such as this is to foster an
attitude of understanding and respect. As someone else posted here, agree to
disagree. Work to a common middle ground and small steps forward. Over time,
great strides will be made. This round of KI debate has been informative: we
have learned about the Halachic underpinnings of the Orthodox position of
KI; we have learned about how Halacha came to be established; we have also
learned about the negative effects of KI on the Jewish Music community
(specifically the women); we have also been introduced to Orthodox listers
who understand that there may be a different way when it comes to KI, as
well as women who have demonstrated an understanding of why it may be so
difficult for some people to move forward from their view. Unfortunately we
also continue to see harsh and strident attitudes from both sides.
Disrespect to the other does not perpetuate useful debate. This list is a
wonderful online community. The only times that I have seen this harshness
is when the KI debate arises.

I have stayed quiet this round, however this posting is a clear example of
what can happen when we take our good intentions and infuse them with
negativity.
1. Forget about Orthodox institutions.  They have odd ideas, and their
right to be retrograde and discriminatory is protected by law.  - Please
show some respect. The ideas may be odd to you, and you are entitled to that
opinion, but they are valid ideas born of a deep faith and belief.
2. Dec 5, 1998: X band cancelled at Alberta JCC after JCC was approached by
Rabbi Zalman Kishke of Congregation Or leGoyim. - This is childish
name-calling. Perhaps I am over reacting but I find your choice of names for
the Rabbi and the Congregation in this example childish and aggressive. They
reveal more about your attitudes than they do about the problem you intended
to highlight. You will never come to the slightest compromise when you
demonstrate contempt for the other side.
3.  Focus on secular Jewish institutions - JCCs, wedding halls that refuse
to employ female vocalists, even for nonreligious weddings, and so on. - I
do not understand how you will ever resolve this when you choose to deal
with everyone involved except for the people with whom you have a
disagreement. This will only perpetuate harsh positions.

Eliminate the attitude, respect the other side, and set a series of small
short-term objectives and progress can be made. Let's start fostering that
attitude right here on this list the next time KI comes up for discussion. I
apologize for the personal nature of this posting.

Mel.

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-jewish-music (at) shamash(dot)org
[mailto:owner-jewish-music (at) shamash(dot)org]On Behalf Of Yoel Epstein
Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2004 2:44 AM
To: World music from a Jewish slant
Subject: Kol Isha - Advice for Affirmative Action

I'm not very good at doing anything, but I give good advice.  And here is my
advice on this issue:

1.  Forget about Orthodox institutions.  They have odd ideas, and their
right to be retrograde and discriminatory is protected by law.  E.g., in the
United States religious institutions are specifically exempted from clauses
in the Civil Rights act that outlaw discrimination based on sex.

2.  Focus on secular Jewish institutions - JCCs, wedding halls that refuse
to employ female vocalists, even for nonreligious weddings, and so on.
Whether these institutions are legally obligated by the Civil Rights Act
(are they religious institutions or not) is an interesting question, one
that no doubt some legal eagle reading this list can answer.  But, whatever
their legal obligations, they are subject to political pressures from both
sides - not just the Orthodox.

3.  Make a list - specific, with names dates, places.  Not just blanket
allegations ("Additionally, I have had
calls to book a band for weddings, bar mitsves, that I could not work
because they didn't want a female vocalist, so I called other friends to
play the job.")  Make a list that looks like this:

Dec 5, 1998: X band cancelled at Alberta JCC after JCC was approached by
Rabbi Zalman Kishke of Congregation Or leGoyim

March 4. 1999: Orthodox demonstrators picket the San Francisco Fish Market
because of bla bla bla

If you all say there are so many cases of this, to make a list of 40 or 50
of them shouldn't be that much of a problem.  One of you should volunteer to
compile the list, and collect the data offlist (no, not me! I only give
advice.)

4. Prepare a brief, stating the halakhic, human rights and social issues
involved.  Present this brief to the Reform, Conservative and
Reconstructionist rabbinical authorities, and ask for a psak halakha, or the
equivalent.

5.  Do a mailing of the brief to secular Jewish institutions which have
discriminated in the past.  Follow up. Campaign.  Don't just kvetch.


____________________________________________
joel epstein
moshav magshimim 56910
israel
972-3-9333316
972-52-333316
972-3-7255889 (fax)
yoel (at) netvision(dot)net(dot)il
____________________________________________



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