The argument that women asking to read Megillah are motivated by insincere feminist quests is particularly unfortunate. Having met countless numbers of women in my synagogue, in my Torah classes at Stern College of Yeshiva University, in our Torat Miriam fellowship, and in communities around the world who are seeking to participate in women’s Megillah reading, I know first hand of their sincere motivation.
The right of women to read the Megillah has a clear basis in Halakhah (Jewish law). Their quest through this experience to reach higher religious levels of learning and spiritual striving is exemplary and should be applauded.
Suggested Discussion Questions:
1. What would Rabbi Weiss consider an insincere feminist quest? What does he consider a sincere request?
2. What are some factors that usually influence a population to advocate for greater participation in communal life?
Time Period: Contemporary (The Yom Kippur War until the present-day)