Questions & Answers

Question:

Although there are jobs unique to women, men seem to take on a far greater role than women in Judaism.

Answer:

That all depends on the value system. The exile value system has always been that working on the outside and combating darkness head-on is a far greater role than cultivating the inner, bringing out the inherent good in Creation. This traditionally masculine mode is considered superficially more important, because it is such a needed position throughout the years of exile. It won’t be in the era of redemption.

Q: Then what about all this about equal opportunity, women’s lib etc.?

A: Nowadays, more and more equal opportunity is available for women, yet many are emerging from this equation wondering if it is really worth it. Disenchanted with present day society. Opportunity is important, but it doesn’t address the whole picture.

Q: That’s because they take it too far and demand exactly the same roles.

A: It’s because of an imbalance in the ideas of feminism. The feminist movement was correct in fighting the stereotypical, unfair depiction of women being objects who are just there for their man, and to dust and shine their floors. The feminist movement fought for the need to look at a woman as an intellectual being, her own person, not an object. It was correct in this area. But it neglected looking at her spiritual needs, and this is what disenchants thinking, modern women. Torah addresses this need.

Q: Despite different roles, their particular roles seem to be secondary ones.

A: Not according to the classic sources. According to the Jewish mystics, they have a higher source.

Q: The husband makes kiddush

A: Yes, but she’s the one who ushers in the whole Shabbat. Because she represents the essence of Shabbat, **being** rather than **doing**.

Unfortunately in our dog-eat-dog society, where people are judged by what they do, not what they are, this is not appreciated. In the era of redemption it will be. Therefore, at that time, “a woman will supercede her man.”