Comments on: Maharat Yeshiva: Step forward or backward for women? http://blog.elanasztokman.com/2009/05/25/maharat-yeshiva-step-forward-or-backward-for-women/ For Serious Jewish Women Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:15:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: maggie anton http://blog.elanasztokman.com/2009/05/25/maharat-yeshiva-step-forward-or-backward-for-women/#comment-5889 maggie anton Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:36:06 +0000 http://blog.elanasztokman.com/?p=299#comment-5889 Since it's possible [according to the Talmud] for two different legal opinions to be correct, I have to respond that Maharat is both a step forward and a step backward. A step forward in that women are studying and learning the same as men, and that they are being acknowledged for this. Knowledge is power, especially in Judaism. However, 'separate but equal' is not equal, and it's clear that the Maharat does not command the same respect and authority as a rabbi does. I think the important thing is how this affects the future - does it open the yeshiva doors wider to women, will the Orthodox world really accept that a woman can know as much Torah as a man and treat her with the respect that knowledge deserves, or will this be a second-class niche where learned women are shunted and silenced? Since it’s possible [according to the Talmud] for two different legal opinions to be correct, I have to respond that Maharat is both a step forward and a step backward. A step forward in that women are studying and learning the same as men, and that they are being acknowledged for this. Knowledge is power, especially in Judaism.

However, ’separate but equal’ is not equal, and it’s clear that the Maharat does not command the same respect and authority as a rabbi does. I think the important thing is how this affects the future - does it open the yeshiva doors wider to women, will the Orthodox world really accept that a woman can know as much Torah as a man and treat her with the respect that knowledge deserves, or will this be a second-class niche where learned women are shunted and silenced?

]]> By: admin http://blog.elanasztokman.com/2009/05/25/maharat-yeshiva-step-forward-or-backward-for-women/#comment-5242 admin Mon, 25 May 2009 04:02:38 +0000 http://blog.elanasztokman.com/?p=299#comment-5242 Avigayil You're beautiful.... :-) Misinterpretation? What do you mean? love ima Avigayil
You’re beautiful…. :-)
Misinterpretation? What do you mean?
love ima

]]> By: daughter http://blog.elanasztokman.com/2009/05/25/maharat-yeshiva-step-forward-or-backward-for-women/#comment-5238 daughter Mon, 25 May 2009 03:30:17 +0000 http://blog.elanasztokman.com/?p=299#comment-5238 yo could this all simply be a misinterpretation? just a thought... i love your work by the way... u write really well and if anything were to happen to this blog i will be devastated. i think this blog of yours is a step forward in itself for woman and for the whole world to start seeing the light. yo
could this all simply be a misinterpretation?
just a thought… i love your work by the way… u write really well and if anything were to happen to this blog i will be devastated. i think this blog of yours is a step forward in itself for woman and for the whole world to start seeing the light.

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