Open Orthodox Leader Discusses Feminist Quest For Power

Описание: Rabbanit Devorah Zlochower, Rosh Yeshiva and Academic Dean of Yeshiva Maharat discusses Feminist Quest of Power. She describes how learning is a means to power. Unfortunately, it seems that Open Orthodoxy's feminist innovations are motivated by a desire for power and control as opposed to a yearning to be a more faithful servant of God.

In 1963, Betty Friedan, published The Feminine Mystique and launched the modern Feminist movement. In the book, she said that women did not feel fulfilled in their traditional roles of wife and mother. These roles, she argued, were encouraged by men. She advocated that women seek fulfillment by pursuing goals and careers outside the home.

Friedans’s thesis is based on the underlying ideology of secular society that the individual has the right to do as he pleases. His goals in life are to seek money, power and the fulfillment of his desires. Only his personal autonomy is sacred. While men were pursuing these selfish goals, women were relegated to positions of housewife and mother. Feminism preaches that women should be given equal opportunity to pursue the same status and power as men and thereby gain fulfillment. While this movement is to be praised for its crusade for workplace protection, equal pay and an end of the exploitation of women, its intrinsic message is an extension of secularistic selfishness.

Unfortunately, secular feminist attitudes have penetrated Orthodoxy. Some in Orthodox circles believe that women will not feel spiritually fulfilled unless they perform the same spiritual roles as men. One can hardly blame these women for feeling this way, as the problem is rooted in some men’s perverted view of Judaism. Many men view Judaism as an opportunity for self-aggrandizement. They do not view leading the prayer service as a chance to get close to God, but rather as an opportunity to display their singing talents. Speaking in front of the synagogue is not a chance to inspire, but rather an opportunity to impress the audience with their amazing oratory skills. The rabbi is special not because he teaches Torah and guides the congregation, but because he sits next to the Aron HaKodesh and everyone stands up for him. Since men view Judaism as an opportunity for achieving honor, why should women be denied these same opportunities?

However, Judaism teaches that the purpose of life is not to gain power and honor, but rather to serve and come close to God by heeding His will.