Affording the best is not the question...finding the best is. onservative Debate omen's issue continues to evolve. ISLEY PEARL STAFF WRITER A lthough Conservative Jews have modernized many of their views re- garding women, ulti- mately individual congre- gations – not the movement - will determine the female Fate, Dr. David Kraemer said. Dr. Kraemer, associate pro- essor of Talmud at JTS, spoke about the role of worn- an i in the Conservative move- ment last week, addressing a breakfast-and-learn group rom the perspective of rev- lution versus evolution. "There is no question, look- g at society, that the posi- ion of women has changed respect to attitudes. But he truth is attitudes and re- ality are not always identi- cal," Dr. Kraemer said. "Our society is conservative, and F "The role of women will ultimately be left up to the congregations." — Dr. David Kraemer that includes Jewish society." Dr. Kraemer said when groups address an issue such as the role of women within a society, the approach of that sect comes to light. For ex- ample, the role of women in Orthodox society has not al- tered as quickly or as radi- cally as in Reform Jewish culture. "The Reform community has prided itself in its revo- lution," Dr. Kraemer said. "So the question is, how does the Conservative movement de- fine itself?" Conservative rabbis have sought to answer modern questions from the original sources from which Jewish law was created – Torah and Talmud. "Since Torah is the word of God, it is both perfect and eternal," Dr. Kraemer said. "We need to be clever in seek- ing precedence in interpreta- tion of Torah and Talmud to answer all questions. The law never changes. Only the questions do." Accordingly, Conservative rabbis approached the ques- tion of the role of women by looking to see if a restriction against female rabbis exist- ed. Dr. Kraemer presented two alternatives, both from the Mishnah. One argument against women as rabbis says no woman is eligible to head the state, and thus it follows that only men may hold appoint- ed office. The argument for women rabbis says anyone el- igible to act as judge is also eligible to bear witness. "Deborah was a judge. And the last of the Maccabee lead- ers was a queen. And rabbi is not an appointed office," Dr. Kraemer said. JTS recognized, according to those arguments, that no obstacle existed to the ordi- nation of women as rabbis. However, the question of dai- ly responsibilities of rabbis was raised. Can women count in a minyan and act as a shaliach tzibor, representa- tive of prayer for the congre- gation? Conservative rab- bis looked to the issue of obli- gation as a source for an- swers. "The arguments against are weak. Nowhere are re- sponsibilities forbidden. It's a question of obligation," Dr. Kraemer said. Dr. Kraemer cited Rashi, claiming women are not for- bidden from praying on vari- ous holidays. They are not obligated, but they should not be prevented. "Thus, if a woman accepts the yoke of commandments, it is presumed she has the same level of obligation as a man. Women can be rabbis," Dr. Kraemer said. Supporting these argu- ments, JTS began accepting women into its rabbinic and cantorial programs. Dr. Kraemer viewed this change as more evolutionary than revolutionary. "If it is revolution, then how can JTS support it? Con- servative Judaism needs to admit at times revolution is required and evolution will catch up," he said. "We need traditions to give us a place, but we need to address our struggles, too. If our minds are the gift of God, and our judgment the will of God, then the evaluations we make are an extension of the Torah, and thus traditional. "The question of the role of women, especially in partici- pation in minyan, will ulti- mately be left up to the individual congregations," he added. ❑ A first . . Apartment living in a Skilled Nursing Facility For the discriminating person requiring an elegant environment Bortz Health Care Family owned and operated for over 33 years Medicare approved CALL 363-4121 For our limousine to pick you up for a personal tour of our facility. 6470 Alden Drive, Orchard Lake - -61 Weedter - Ny GSTOM DESIGNED MONK We r er e_X - - - - •-■ - When you want... • Commission wood furniture • Built-in bookcases • Libraries • Mantels • Crown Moldings • Finish trim carpentry You deserve... • Choice • Experience • Responsibility • Artistry • Fulfillment Our references guarantee it. Timeless design... Installation that endures... Bruno Trentacost (313) 628-1406 Complete Financial Services PaineWebber We invest in relationships. Gerald E. Naftaly Vice President-Investments 32300 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 150 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 (313) 851-1001 or (800) 533.1407 rn 0) C\J >- CC CC LU LL 25