From: 	 heb_roots_chr@mail.geocities.com
Sent: 	 Wednesday, September 24, 1997 11:07 PM
To: 	 "Hebraic Heritage Newsgroup"
Subject: A Woman Rabbi ???

From:          "yadhu" <yadhu@haydid.org>
To:            <heb_roots_chr@mail.geocities.com>
Subject:       Re: A Woman Rabbi ???


  Dear Deborah,

  The question of women being ordained as rabbis is a touchy one depending
on what sect of Judaism your dealing with.  Orthodox Judaism does not
ordain women as rabbis.  I believe the Conservative branch doesn't either. 
The Reformed sect of Judaism as well as the Reconstructionists do ordain
women as rabbis and I have met a number of them over the years.

  As to why the Orthodox, Conservative and some Messianics do not ordain
women as rabbis, well the reasons vary some what but it basically comes
down to the same thing. The office of rabbi, which is more than just being
a teacher of Torah, was given to men. The fact that women have held this
office, or perhaps I should say have filled some of the roles modern rabbis
play is the exception and not the norm.

  It's not that women are not smart enough, or that they can't do the job. 
I have met women rabbis that could give many a man a run for his money,
this isn't the issue.

The head of the house, the priesthood, the leadership of the community was
given to men from the beginning.  Many care to debate this fact, I do not. 
As a rabbi I will tell you that it is highly unlikely that I would ever be
involved in giving smicha, (ordination) to a woman.  On the other hand, if
I was convinced that HaShem was directing me to lay hands upon and anoint a
woman as a rabbi, I would not hesitate to do so.

  Women have a role in the Jewish community, and it's not just in the home
as some might think.  Women can be teachers in the holy community, but, as
I said, the role of the rabbi in Judaism goes far beyond just being a
teacher, and I feel that the Scriptures are clear that THIS leadership role
is meant for men.

  I hope I have not offended you or anyone else who reads this. If I have,
I'm sorry, but my position is unchanged.  As to how I treat women who have
received smicha, 

I respect the office they hold and treat them accordingly.

Most humbly yours,

Rabbi O.

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Rabbi Yehoshua M. Othniel
Biblical Studies Institute
P.O. Box 1452
Independence, KS 67301-1452

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