Feminism and modern Jewish theological method

Methodology is not commonly the center of theological debate, and within Judaism this has been especially true. Nevertheless, increasing respect for the holistic question mandates an examination of broad intellectual structures or patterns of thinking.These intellectual structures can help or hinder the business of change, though they are customarily ignored in this regard. Modern Judaism frequently makes changes on an ad hoc basis, without endeavoring to ground them in a more fundamental vision that should help to ensure the development of an integrated religion, rather than one that attempts to address current problems atomistically and without conscious regard for the larger picture. Hence we tend to make changes and adopt new practices and beliefs in spite of the underlying methodology we employ, rather than in accordance with it, thus sacrificing in overall clarity and stability what we gain in fairness. But an agenda alone is inadequate.For feminist Jews, attention to method in addition to agenda is necessary so that we will be able to feel some sense of security in the places we carve out for ourselves. What is needed is a careful examination of the methodological options, that is, an assessment of the major formulas for prioritizing God, Torah, and Israel. Each must be appraised from the standpoint of this goal: the free and full participation of women in a Judaism that fully includes our experiences and contributions.Toward that end, this dissertation examines four methodological strategies. The first is that in which God is primary: this method is employed by H. Cohen and L. Baeck. The second method makes Torah primary, and is represented by A. Heschel and J. Soloveitchik. The third method attempts to hold God and Israel together as primary, and is utilized by M. Buber and E. Borowitz. The last option is that in which Israel, the Jewish community, is primary: this method finds its clearest expression in the work of M. Kaplan. Of the four, only the last can consistently and coherently support the quest of Jewish women to affirm both aspects of our dual identity as Jews and as women.Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Claremont Graduate University, 1989.School code: 0047