For the comments of another Jewish educator on the question of women and Talmud study, see
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An excerpt:
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It is true that different people, men and women, react differently to intensive Torah study. For some, myself included, the fact of intense Torah study and Talmudic debate makes Judaism come alive. It shows us that the pursuit of halakha is serious, and that it's just as rigorous as the study in any other field. For others, however, regardless of gender, the legalism of Talmudic study is a turn-off from religion. For example, discovering that entire categories of our laws and traditions may exist only because two words happen to be found next to each other in a particular passuk may lead some people to question the validity of the entire system. I know men and women who feel that way.
One might suggest that we therefore limit Talmud study for anyone in that second category, male or female. That, however, would be intellectually dishonest and manipulative. As Pirkei Avot tells us, the world stands on Torah, Avodah, and G'milut Hasadim. Torah is its own value, it is not merely a means to an end; it's not just a way to get people closer to the mesorah. Rather, like doing mitzvot and good deeds, Torah study is an end unto itself; it is its own value. Our Torah, as passed down from generation to generation, is an integral part our religion, and Judaism embraces critical thinking. The right kinds of yeshivot foster an environment where no question is prohibited-even one so basic that it questions how the system works. It's certainly true that good questions need good answers. But the answer is never to put a limit on thinking or on people's access to information, knowledge, or wisdom. On principle.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/08/2015 09:31AM by mlb.
