Mandy – the people are very respectful. This is a discussion not a war.
Tzippi – I do have a community of like minded women and we all enjoy prayer and learning. I had a Hebrew day school education – not Solomon Shechter – it was more orthodox than that and it was all that was available where I grew up, aside from after school classes at the shul. Unfortunately the school only went to the 6th grade in those days and then it was on to public school.
Avram in MD – I am far more observant in my home than the home I was raised in. I believe the reason that I was given the Hebrew school education is because my parents (particularly my father) were ardent Zionists and because of the times – early 1950’s. I know that the role of the woman in the frum community is extremely important, but very different than the woman’s role in the Conservative community – where it is also very important. Having had little to nothing to do with any organized religous activities (aside from celebrating the chagim in the home) for many years, I really jumped into shul life about two and a half years ago. I have found great joy and comfort from relearning how to daven and attending daily services. The difference is that while I have never been what you could call a feminist, I love the role of the woman at my shul – I have done many of the activities that you speak of. Last year I read from the Torah for the first time and found it to be a very moving experience. I frequently am given aliyot as I am considered to be a Kohen at my shul. Coming from the place I was at a few years ago to the place I am at today is almost a religious rebirth. I have also attended many classes during this period at a variety of places – my shul, JCC and Chabad and have enjoyed each and every one of them. I shall continue to learn and to daven and to grow. I cannot predict which direction my life or my level of observance will take but it will not stagnate. For me this has been a spiritual awakening. Considering that until a couple of years ago I rarely even lit Shabbat candles and now I race home in the winter to make sure that I am on time to bench licht. For the time being, at least, Conservative Judaism suits me just fine. My respect for the frum community grows daily, but it is not for me – at least at this time in my life. What I do appreciate is all that I have learned from YWN and the posters here and the opportunity to question and dialogue with everyone. Todah Rabbah.