Comments on: Welcome to the conversation! http://blog.jofa.org/2009/12/welcome-to-the-conversation/ Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:07:27 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Mimi http://blog.jofa.org/2009/12/welcome-to-the-conversation/comment-page-1/#comment-26 Mimi Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:02:17 +0000 http://blog.jofa.org/?p=39#comment-26 I'm looking forward to renewing my commitment to feminism and Orthodoxy. I've fallen out of my passion about these issues, defaulting to the status quo. I was more vocal several years ago, and now I've become less engaged in this dialogue. I love reading the Journal, and I'm excited to plant my feet at the conference together with all of you. I’m looking forward to renewing my commitment to feminism and Orthodoxy. I’ve fallen out of my passion about these issues, defaulting to the status quo. I was more vocal several years ago, and now I’ve become less engaged in this dialogue. I love reading the Journal, and I’m excited to plant my feet at the conference together with all of you.

]]> By: Adam http://blog.jofa.org/2009/12/welcome-to-the-conversation/comment-page-1/#comment-25 Adam Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:38:35 +0000 http://blog.jofa.org/?p=39#comment-25 Jenny - Because we're Jews, eternally filled with verve and vim, and it's in our nature to be compassionate and care about all forms of suffering. The rest of the world "can" focus on human trafficking, but do they? You may be right; we may not have sufficient resources to adequately affect events, but it's still something we can talk about to determine if that's actually the case. As far as partnership minyanim, it would be wonderful if a plan could be formulated for interested attendants to begin to introduce the concept back in their home communities. What steps need to be taken to gain a wider acceptance? I envision a gradual multi-step process beginning with involved, community-wide halachik discussions on each of the key points (aliyot, touching the Torah, leading parts of davening, etc.,) and the introduction of a minyan that slowly increases women's participation in each of these areas. People need time to become acclimated to new ideas - especially when said ideas change long held views or traditions - no matter right or beautiful the vision is. Jenny – Because we’re Jews, eternally filled with verve and vim, and it’s in our nature to be compassionate and care about all forms of suffering. The rest of the world “can” focus on human trafficking, but do they? You may be right; we may not have sufficient resources to adequately affect events, but it’s still something we can talk about to determine if that’s actually the case.

As far as partnership minyanim, it would be wonderful if a plan could be formulated for interested attendants to begin to introduce the concept back in their home communities. What steps need to be taken to gain a wider acceptance? I envision a gradual multi-step process beginning with involved, community-wide halachik discussions on each of the key points (aliyot, touching the Torah, leading parts of davening, etc.,) and the introduction of a minyan that slowly increases women’s participation in each of these areas. People need time to become acclimated to new ideas – especially when said ideas change long held views or traditions – no matter right or beautiful the vision is.

]]> By: jenny http://blog.jofa.org/2009/12/welcome-to-the-conversation/comment-page-1/#comment-24 jenny Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:47:52 +0000 http://blog.jofa.org/?p=39#comment-24 In highlighting social justice as an Orthodox issue are you making a distinction between issues that affect jews and non-jews? it seems to me in this limited resource world, that we have to allocate resources (both time and money) to those issues that impact us the most and that we can have the biggest impact on. If the whole rest of the world can focus on human trafficking, why should we jews spend our small resources on it ? In highlighting social justice as an Orthodox issue are you making a distinction between issues that affect jews and non-jews? it seems to me in this limited resource world, that we have to allocate resources (both time and money) to those issues that impact us the most and that we can have the biggest impact on. If the whole rest of the world can focus on human trafficking, why should we jews spend our small resources on it ?

]]> By: Chaya http://blog.jofa.org/2009/12/welcome-to-the-conversation/comment-page-1/#comment-23 Chaya Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:28:24 +0000 http://blog.jofa.org/?p=39#comment-23 So many thought-provoking questions. I look forward to continuing the conversation on March 13th & 14th! So many thought-provoking questions. I look forward to continuing the conversation on March 13th & 14th!

]]> By: Hannah http://blog.jofa.org/2009/12/welcome-to-the-conversation/comment-page-1/#comment-22 Hannah Thu, 07 Jan 2010 23:01:58 +0000 http://blog.jofa.org/?p=39#comment-22 I am so excited about the conference too and am delighted to see the expanded focus of the programming! In terms of partnership minyanim (love the minyanim; hate the name, but that's for another time), what I struggle with is how hard it is to daven at a "regular" Orthodox shul now that I have become used to the participation by women. It's a real challenge because I otherwise feel very much part of the Orthodox community and want to raise my children as part of (a hopefully) progressive Orthodoxy. No doubt that's a fairly "high-class" sort of problem to have, but it is something I struggle with. I am so excited about the conference too and am delighted to see the expanded focus of the programming!

In terms of partnership minyanim (love the minyanim; hate the name, but that’s for another time), what I struggle with is how hard it is to daven at a “regular” Orthodox shul now that I have become used to the participation by women. It’s a real challenge because I otherwise feel very much part of the Orthodox community and want to raise my children as part of (a hopefully) progressive Orthodoxy. No doubt that’s a fairly “high-class” sort of problem to have, but it is something I struggle with.

]]> By: Goldie http://blog.jofa.org/2009/12/welcome-to-the-conversation/comment-page-1/#comment-21 Goldie Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:52:55 +0000 http://blog.jofa.org/?p=39#comment-21 So excited for the JOFA Conference! Eavesdropping is definitely one of my favorite parts as well! In the spirit of online blogs and starting a conversation, I'd like to respond to Andy R. While I think it is obviously important for men and boys to feel included in all of this, I think that you may not be realizing the full picture here. Taking a regular minyan as an example, men are full participants, and able to actively be involved in all parts of prayer. Women, in contrast, are not allowed to participate in any active or meaningful way. In partnership minyanim, both women and men are welcomed to participate and be involved in various aspects of the services. No one is taking anything away from men; rather, people are making steps to include everyone. Men should be encouraged to embrace this idea of inclusion, and enjoy the fact that everyone can be involved. In a modern society, won't that inclusion ultimately benefit and engage everyone? So excited for the JOFA Conference! Eavesdropping is definitely one of my favorite parts as well!
In the spirit of online blogs and starting a conversation, I’d like to respond to Andy R. While I think it is obviously important for men and boys to feel included in all of this, I think that you may not be realizing the full picture here. Taking a regular minyan as an example, men are full participants, and able to actively be involved in all parts of prayer. Women, in contrast, are not allowed to participate in any active or meaningful way. In partnership minyanim, both women and men are welcomed to participate and be involved in various aspects of the services. No one is taking anything away from men; rather, people are making steps to include everyone. Men should be encouraged to embrace this idea of inclusion, and enjoy the fact that everyone can be involved. In a modern society, won’t that inclusion ultimately benefit and engage everyone?

]]> By: Esme http://blog.jofa.org/2009/12/welcome-to-the-conversation/comment-page-1/#comment-20 Esme Thu, 07 Jan 2010 02:18:59 +0000 http://blog.jofa.org/?p=39#comment-20 I feel increasingly alienated from the orthodox community because the leadership seems determined to relegate women to the periphery. There are many great women scholars and thought leaders who should be heard from. I am eager to attend the conference so I can join with like-minded people who will work together to make sure women's voices are heard. I feel increasingly alienated from the orthodox community because the leadership seems determined to relegate women to the periphery. There are many great women scholars and thought leaders who should be heard from. I am eager to attend the conference so I can join with like-minded people who will work together to make sure women’s voices are heard.

]]> By: andy r. http://blog.jofa.org/2009/12/welcome-to-the-conversation/comment-page-1/#comment-19 andy r. Thu, 07 Jan 2010 01:49:16 +0000 http://blog.jofa.org/?p=39#comment-19 I'm wondering how JOFA can foster new rituals that will engage boys and men in the context of partnership minyanim. Otherwise how do I interest my sons in taking part in these services? I’m wondering how JOFA can foster new rituals that will engage boys and men in the context of partnership minyanim. Otherwise how do I interest my sons in taking part in these services?

]]> By: Sharon http://blog.jofa.org/2009/12/welcome-to-the-conversation/comment-page-1/#comment-18 Sharon Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:54:53 +0000 http://blog.jofa.org/?p=39#comment-18 Audrey, I'm very excited about the 4 planned topics. Although increasing the participation of women in ritual practice continues to be an important issue, the fact that JOFA has expanded its focus implies that 1) significant gains have been achieved in that area, and 2) there are equally important issues that pertain directly to Orthodox women which need to be addressed. Also, I have always felt that the exclusion of women from orthodox ritual and the problem of agunot are not "women's issues" but rather problems that all Orthodox people need to confront. By including spirituality and social justice in the conference agenda, you've hopefully broadened participation to include all the men who support JOFA's mission, but nixed past conferences because it's a chic thing. Good job! Looking forward to it! Audrey, I’m very excited about the 4 planned topics. Although increasing the participation of women in ritual practice continues to be an important issue, the fact that JOFA has expanded its focus implies that 1) significant gains have been achieved in that area, and 2) there are equally important issues that pertain directly to Orthodox women which need to be addressed. Also, I have always felt that the exclusion of women from orthodox ritual and the problem of agunot are not “women’s issues” but rather problems that all Orthodox people need to confront. By including spirituality and social justice in the conference agenda, you’ve hopefully broadened participation to include all the men who support JOFA’s mission, but nixed past conferences because it’s a chic thing. Good job! Looking forward to it!

]]>