I would like to pass along some thoughts about Rabbi Willig’s blog. I was expecting an orderly presentation with sources. I imagined something along the following lines: Nowadays many in the Orthodox world think that women should – or may – learn Gemara. I believe this is not correct, for the following reason(s).
However, he did not present his position in such a fashion. Rather he spoke a lot about general commitment to Tora and Mitzvot, including those elements that are mocked at by general society. It is not clear why he objects to the learning. He seems to say that it leads to a slippery slope. Women learning Tora will lead to female rabbis and homosexuality, though he doesn’t say so explicitly.
Such a mode of presentation presupposes that “everyone knows†that the matter under discussion is objectionable. His blog is in effect a “pep talk†for those already agreeing with his position. For those who are uninformed or undecided, let alone those who are in favor of the position he rejects, his presentation offers no basis for thought.
Ephraim Halivni
Jerusalem
