Letters to the editor

Rabba represents potential schism

To the Editor:

This past week in the article, “Past the edge of Orthodoxy?” (March 5, 2010), I was misquoted about Rabba Sara Hurwitz. My intention was not to imply that this is an “important step,” as quoted, but precisely the reverse ­— that this is an important moment for Jewish life, and the issue of Rabba is potentially schismatic. The rationale for Rabba is unclear to me, as its proponents have not, to my mind, adequately clarified the need. I, for one, am pleased that Rabbi Weiss has cancelled the title.

Yoatzot Halacha, of whom I am one, grew not out of a reach for status or change within the synagogue hierarchy, but in order to meet a pressing need of women who were not asking their rabbis questions in Jewish Family Law — leading both to personal suffering and to incorrect observance of Jewish Law. It seems to me that real change comes not from sensationalist titles or debate regarding women’s leadership roles, but rather from working closely with community rabbis, helping people, and promoting Torah observance.

Too many issues are today dividing the Orthodox community, a small community. Why do we need more?

Bracha Rutner

West Hempstead

‘Stature’ isn’t all that

To the Editor:

It is not my intention to take sides in the Rabba question. It obviously is a break from traditional Orthodoxy and Rabbi Weiss, along with those who oppose his opinion, are far greater than me in everything it takes to make these kinds of decisions.

In Michael Orbach’s article “Past the edge of Orthodoxy?” (March 5, 2010), Rabbi Shafran is quoted as saying “[If] Weiss had the backing of a world-class posek (halachic decisor) he would have a claim that he’s not departing [from the mesorah]... He’s changing the face of the mesorah without anyone of stature behind him.”

The connotation from Rabbi Shafran’s comment is that if Rabbi Weiss did have someone of stature behind him, while the Agudah may not agree with his derech, perhaps there would be no talk of removing him from the RCA or censoring him. Whatever the case may be, if he had some backing with stature, the Agudah or the RCA may be singing a different song.

In my humble and lay opinion, I do not believe that to be true. Look at what has been referred to as “The Slifkin Affair” as one example. Not only does Rabbi Slifkin have rabbonim of stature behind him that are alive today, but his sources for his views on science and Torah are from the Rishonim. Rabbi Slifkin has stature of past and present backing him and yet he has been attacked by the Charedi community relentlessly.

On the other hand, look at Leib Tropper and the backing of stature he had. Yet, when he showed his true colors there was hardly a peep from the chareidi rabbonim.

Let’s be clear: to have “stature” you have to think along the party lines and not out of the box. I am not defending or condoning Rabbi Weiss’s appointment of a Rabba. That is for those of stature to argue out.

Rabbi Shafran’s comments can lead one to believe that there may be some wiggle room in the opinion and thought department if there is someone of stature in your corner. That stature cannot be “Charedi or central” as he is quoted as saying (is “central” his way of saying Modern Orthodox?). In truth it’s Charedi or nothing.

Moshe Horowitz

Cedarhurst

The Dark Ages

To the Editor:

How sad it is that the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah has shown itself to be petty and irrelevant to the broader Jewish community. Rather than dealing as mature leaders and delve into an issue that they need to be sensitive to, they have resorted to childish name-calling. But, then again, that is how they deal with everything.

Whether or not one agrees with how Rabbi Weiss responded to this area of growing concern, at least he sought to solve the issue of women’s roles within Torah leadership in a manner that is eloquent, respectful and uplifting. However the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah sought to beat him down, all in the name of “My Rabbi’s Bigger Than Yours,” or a perception of Tzniut (modesty) that does not reflect the reality of the western world. If a woman can be a judge, a doctor, an attorney, a CEO or a principal, are you telling me she is not capable of being a leader within the Torah community?

Shame on them, that they are so irrelevant that they cannot even open discussion into this matter. Shoot the one who bears the message, and some form of solution, rather than deal with the problem. Maybe it will go away.

When Rav Soloveichik opened Maimonides [in Boston] and began to have Gemorah taught to girls in the 1930s and 40s, he was asked, ‘How can you teach Torah (sheb’al peh) to girls, it’s teaching them Tifflut?’ His response was that in an era when young women go to college and are learning science, philosophy and law, not teaching them Torah is teaching them Tifflut.

If you are building your society based upon an environment that keeps women in the dark, and in the dark ages, maybe they should move to a Moslem society where Shariah is the rule of law.

Sheldon Kupferman

Bronx

Shushan Purim

To the Editor:

I cannot tell you why schools should have off on Shushan Purim any more so then Chanukah or mid-winter vacation (Editorial; March 5, 2010). I don’t see parents complaining about those days except for the boys’ and girls’ schools not having the same days off. Having a day off on Shushan Purim that is listed in the school calendar at the beginning of the school year gives parents plenty of time for making alternate arrangements. What happened last year when Purim was on a Tuesday? Did anyone complain that schools gave off on Purim when both parents have to work?

Yehuda Scheff

Brooklyn