Torah-True and Feminist Too: A Psychotherapist's View of the Conflict Between Orthodox Judaism and the Women's Movement*

... Historically, religions have been interpreted by men in ways that are detrimental to women, that justify their lower socio-economic status and protect men from accountability. Misused and misapplied religion has traditionally kept women in the yoke of second-class citizenship in the name of God and faith. "May she sew, spin, weave, and be brought up to a life of good deeds. " Such is the prayer which a pious father inscribed, on the birth of a baby girl, in an old Hebrew book which was used as the family register. This prayer sums up the ideal of womanhood as cherished by the Orthodox Jewish parents of a new-born daughter. The end-all of her education was to make the girl into a competent housewife and, at the same time, to build within her a character that would fit her for a life of "good deeds." Today, while secular society has opened up a new range of roles and psychological expectations to women, the status and life of Orthodox Jewish women remain circumscribed by Jewish religious law. Orthodox women face inequality in four areas: ( 1) the synagogue and in participation in prayer; (2) religious education; (3) legal areas such as status in the religious courts and divorce proceedings; and ( 4) communal leadership. When confronted with criticism, Orthodox religious spokes persons often resort to apologetics and defensiveness. The result is resistance by some Orthodox Jewish women, anger, and con fusion in the minds of many. The Women's Movement, the most pro found, bloodless revolution in modern history, has challenged traditions, mores and vested interests with a depth and intensity never before felt. Its major impact has been to rais