As the product of a certain time when all feminists were branded as bra burners or worse, I have often felt discomfort with the term “feminist.” Whenever I have spoken about Jofa—and I have, frequently and approvingly, over the years—I have qualified my remarks by saying that I think the word “feminist” in the organization’s name is a misnomer. I have pointed out that the goals of the organization are to open possibilities for women al pi halakhah, according to Modern (Open, Centrist) Orthodoxy. I have mentioned prominent, well-versed, and well-respected Orthodox rabbis who have been supportive of women’s fuller participation in various aspects of ritual. I have quoted Jofa founder Blu Greenberg, who said, “Where there’s a rabbinic will, there’s a halakhic way!” Nevertheless, I have shied away from the word “feminism.”
However, when I read the request in a recent Jofa weekly email for submissions about what Jewish Orthodox feminism means to me, I discovered that my feelings have evolved. No longer am I willing to be apologetic about the term “feminism.” No longer am I satisfied to be tentative about what women can or should be able to do within Orthodox Judaism. I find it is time—more than time—for me to stand up for all the smart, well-educated, Jewishly learned women who wish to be full participants in Modern Orthodoxy. I don’t personally want or need to have an aliyah, to chant from the Torah, or to claim the title rabbi, rabba, or rabbanit, but I unequivocally support any sincere, educated Jewish female who does wish to do those things and more
Thus, in my view, Jewish Orthodox feminism is a movement that allows each of us to fulfill our individual potential. We begin with Torah, but it is a living Torah, able to stretch and change and grow as we do. We hold tight to halakhah, age-old rules, but we do not fear new interpretations for a new world. Most importantly, we commit to serving the Eternal God in all possible ways, traditional and new.