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From: mls@ittvax.ATC.ITT.UUCP (Michael Schneider)
Newsgroups: net.religion.jewish
Subject: Re: Women's participation (MCP ?)
Message-ID: <503@ittvax.ATC.ITT.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 28-Oct-85 09:09:36 EST
Article-I.D.: ittvax.503
Posted: Mon Oct 28 09:09:36 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 31-Oct-85 08:03:00 EST
References: <418@primesun.uucp> <496@ittvax.ATC.ITT.UUCP> <364@mhuxi.UUCP>
Organization: ITT-ATC, Shelton Ct.
Lines: 33

David Green writes:

> I often wonder if MEN realize the obligations they attempt to take on
> vis-a-vis orthodoxy.  Most of what I have read in favor of excluding women
> from participation is baloney, at best.  Many orthopracts are of the "do as
> I say, not as I do" school.

Men have these obligations from the age of 13 if they are Jews; they can not
escape them.  From a halachic viewpoint, the only question is "Do they try
to fulfill their obligations?"  Since Mr Green considers himself in a position 
to judge, I will pose the following situation:

At the present time, women are not obligated to perform mitzvot that are
fixed in time, such as praying with a minyon.  ASSUME that this restriction
is lifted and they must pray with a minyon.  It is the first Shabbat after
the restriction is lifted and it is time to go.  But, there is a baby
who can not walk.  If the family can not afford or find a baby sitter
what should they do?  Should they carry the baby (and everything that goes with
one!) to services and break the rule that one can not carry on Shabbat?  
Or, should one person stay at home and not fulfill her or his obligation?
Remember, we are asking women to take on additional obligations, not asking
men to give up current obligations.

Is there any other solution for this problem (other that have a minyon at every
house where there are babies) that does not require the breaking of halacha
or not fulfilling a person's obligation?  I have given this as an example,
but could pose a number of other situations.  So, in examining this
problem, let us not use the red herring that most men don't perform the
mitzvot.  Most Orthodox men pray with a minyon on Shabbat if they are able to
do so.

Michael L. Schneider
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