Today’s Required Reading featured a recent story about the Rabbinical Assembly (Conservative Judaism), with controversy brewing over whether or not the RA was sponsoring a fair and equal number of female voices in an upcoming annual conference. While Conservative Judaism is by definition non-Orthodox, and seen as generally more open to the leadership of women (seeing as how they can be ordained as rabbis and all), the debate seemed to stem from the perception that women’s voices in the movement are still struggling to be heard alongside that of their male counterparts. To its credit, the RA has pointed out that the event’s announced presentations have yet to be finalized, nor indeed have all been announced. In other words, “Don’t let’s be too hasty.”
So… much ado about nothing? Maybe. Either way there’s a lesson to be learned. And those who’ve expressed displeasure at what they’ve seen so far should continue to speak out.
Ordaining women as rabbis or cantors doesn’t “fix” a masculine bias at the heart of traditional Jewish religion. In many ways, it only emphasizes the contrast between the old school and the new. Someone might say, “If women can be leaders now, can speak and pray and bless, what more do they want?”
Ordaining women is praiseworthy. But doing so is more radical than simply having a woman take on the role of a “replacement man.” This shift in how women practice, teach and express Judaism will have long-felt effects on the faith for centuries to come. They’re not only part of the minyan now; they’re reciting the prayers, riffing the texts, and leading diverse communities in ways only women can. They are bringing their distinctiveness, which has always been a part of Jewish religion, to the forefront in stunning ways. Simply put, ordination is only the beginning.
That said, do members of movements, whether the Rabbinical Assembly, or the Reform movement, or whomever, have the right to express that distinctiveness alongside their male colleagues? Sure they do. Better yet, we need them too. And denominations, too, have the right to defend their choices if they feel they weren’t stinting that process to begin with. In short? There’s no clear hero or villain in this RA story. Which means the healthiest way through these times is by dialogue.
This is something I look forward to seeing more of in the years to come: with many voices, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation or other cultural categories, expressing themselves freely, safely, and with respect. The discussion over our ever-evolving faith may be complex, messy, even frustrating at times. Inevitably, there are those who will feel underrepresented. And there will be those who feel as if no injustices have been perpetrated at all. Either way, this willingness to talk it out (rather than jump to conclusions or condemn entirely) will be the saving grace for the Jewish people. It always has been.
To talk. And, ideally, to listen.
