Rav Rabinovich to Kipa: It is Permissible for Women to Decide Questions of Jewish Law

Rabbi Nachum Rabinovich declared that it is appropriate to ordain women as Yoatzot Halakcha who will give psak on subjects that they understand. In his words, "Because there are women who are frightened or embarrassed to ask a rabbi their halakhic questions on these subjects."

Every few months, the question arises in feminist circles in Religious Zionism of why there are no female Orthodox poskot. At the same time, storms arise when there is any change in the recognized status quo of religious Zionism, among others the appointment of the female Yoetzet Halakha in the the town of Efrat, when Rabbanit Malka Pietrokovsky’s book was published, and other events.

Recall a few months ago when Rabbi Shlomo Riskin caused a storm when he appointed a Yoetzet Halakha for the town of Efrat without consulting with residents or community leaders. A conversation arose in the Religious Zionist community following this event over whether there is in fact room for a female halachic advisor, a female counterpart to a rabbi, in a religious society and whether such a position causes a breach in the fence with respect to everything to do with women as teachers of halakha.

In a short interview in Kipa, Rabbi Nachum Rabinovitch the Rosh Yeshiva of Birkat Moshe in Maale Adumim, and one of the most significant poskim in the Religious Zionist community, discusses the question if it is appropriate to promote the phenomenon of women as halakhic guides, and makes it perfectly clear that at least in terms of counseling for women this role is legitimate and blessed.

"The Gemara relates that, in the neighborhood of the holy Rabbenu, there was a woman who was a poseket for the laws of Nida," says Rabbi Rabinowitz. "With respect to the laws that they know, they are permitted to render halakhic decisions."

"Even today there are women who have expertise in laws of Nida. They are called Yoatzot Halakha. This is not semikha, but semikha in a specific area. In Machon Puah, there are also women who render halakhic decisions as poskot for other women. They are teachers. This is a good thing because it is clear that there are women who are afraid or embarrassed to ask a rabbi questions on these subjects. If there are Yoatzot Halakha, it is easier for women to ask.

Rabbi Rabinowitz clarifies that he does not advise the Chief Rabbinate to give women semikha, and that this does not bring up such a question. "There are ways to assess who is worthy to be such a Yoetzet."