Dear H-Town

Dear H-Town-

A friend sent me this video below about elderly Jewish women being “Bat Mitzved” by an Orthodox Rabbi (Rabbi Howard Kutner) for the first time. It sparked some thought about how the roles of women have changed in Orthodoxy and how far we still have to go. The steps forward are touched upon in this video and by the fact that a Bat Mitzvah celebration is relatively mainstream in the Orthodox community. Most people don’t even realize that there was a time when it was considered inappropriate for a girl to have such a celebration. On the flip side, the distance we still have to travel was made clear when it was suggested that a certain Orthodox organization use this video on its website and they refused over concern it might offend people. Why would it offend anyone? Women have Bat Mitzvah celebrations today in the Orthodox community.

Well, it seems, talk of changes in women’s roles in Judaism still ruffles feathers, which is a shame. For the record, I am not an advocate of gender equality in the practice of Judaism. I believe that some practices are for men, some are for women and some are for both. However, I am an advocate of correcting ignorance and allowing women to rightfully engage in rituals and practices that are halachically (Jewish law) permissible according to Orthodox beliefs and laws (If one is not Orthodox, I would advocate the same among whatever laws and beliefs guide their lives). It is ridiculous that we still allow personal prejudice and sexism to alter truths about Jewish law. Anyway, enjoy the video.

Dear H-Town,

‘Tell me, I’ll forget. Show me, I’ll remember. Involve me, I’ll learn.’ – Anonymous

more about "Beren Seniors 2009 Graduation Video", posted with vodpod