A rabbi who makes a good argument in favor of women's roles in the IDF
Israel Hayom interviewed Haredi rabbi Eliezer Melamed, who has some favorable views regarding women serving in the IDF, is against religious coercion, and even has at least one more view that should be considered:
Q: Could it be that the current halachic discussion over modesty laws is exaggerated?This is something on which I can definitely agree. The whole notion that singing and song practice that aren't even done within a synagogue is somehow the worst thing that could happen is also ludicrous, so I'm glad he opposes censoring a female student over something so petty. Similarly, he's doing the right thing by opposing the belief that a woman should dress "modestly", as though her body by and large is a whole abomination. That kind of mentality, now that I think of it, reeks of the kind of thinking Vashti must've gone by in Biblical times in ancient Persia. The bizarre irony is that those who believe in this "modesty" mishmash are the same kind of people who're against a woman dressing in trousers, as though it literally isn't feminine, even though there's plenty of jeanswear and other fashionable pants these days that perfectly express a woman's femininity, not to mention trousers specially tailored for women, lest we forget.
"Modesty laws were meant to strengthen the bond between husband and wife. Furthermore, clothes are a statement, a flag of loyalty to the Torah. Over time, too much weight was given to this. It should be given its true weight: it is a tradition and custom based on wise men, not an edict."
"Clothing modesty laws should not be given the same weight as great and important mitzvahs – it must not exclude a woman from the Torah– and mitzvah–observant public. Twetry-five years ago I wrote that there is an opinion in the halacha that the definition for modest is social norms. This is not how halacha is ruled, but it was important for me to emphasize that this opinion exists. I believe, for example, that conversion should not be delayed due to the modesty of dressing.
"Modesty of dress is not such a serious 'crime' worthy of ostracizing a girl from a school. Even participation in a public secular singing contest is not cause for suspension."
Melamed may still have some views that I'd have to dissent with, but the above, for example, are very good ones that set an excellent example for future rabbinical generations.
Labels: Israel, Judaism, military, misogyny, Moonbattery
