July 29th, 2010
Dear Allison,
I have really enjoyed reading all your articles and watching your videos -- they answer many questions (some that I didn't even know I had). One of the many things you're good at is explaining the idea of modesty within the Jewish tradition. I recently had a Sabbath meal with a somewhat famous rabbi from the most religious part of Jerusalem, and I mostly knew what to expect. But one thing caught me off guard -- the women didn't sing because it was considered immodest. I found that especially hard to grasp and confusing because I am a singer who is possibly interested in conversion. I thought that you could help to explain a bit about why this is, and if there are contexts that are different. This may be a decision between my future career and religion. Maybe some more information would help my decision.
Thank you!
KK
Continue reading Why Do Orthodox Jews Consider a Woman’s Singing Voice Immodest?
Tags: kol isha, Modesty, women singing
Posted in Modesty, Q&A, Women | Comments (3) »
December 22nd, 2009
Hi Allison,
I'm reform and don't understand why Orthodox women don't read Torah in temple. If you have not heard Torah sung by a woman you have only heard half of the Torah!! The most important thing is that Torah is READ by someone with a love for it. I would appreciate your thoughts on this. It is something I don't understand.
Thanks,
Chip
Continue reading Why Don't Women Read From the Torah in Orthodox Synagogues?
Tags: reading from Torah, Women
Posted in Q&A, Women | Comments (16) »
July 29th, 2009
I recently released the latest episode of "Jew in the City" with a guest appearance by Mayim Bialik. The video has gotten an overwhelmingly positive response, but there have been some negative comments posted on various websites too. I was called an "apologist" in at least one place, but I must set the record straight - and my husband will vouch for me on this one - I generally do whatever I can to avoid apologizing.
Continue reading Are Orthodox Jews Sexist? (The Blog Version)
Posted in Blog, Myths, Women | Comments (11) »
July 15th, 2009
Dear Jew in the City,
For the Orthodox ladies who wear a wig and claim part of the reason is for modesty, isn't wearing a wig over hair kind of like wearing a t-shirt with a naked body printed on it? (Sorry for the crude example.) Wouldn't it be better to cover the hair with a cloth? I know some Orthodox ladies do, and this seems to make more sense to me.
Thanks,
D.V.
Continue reading Isn't Wearing a Wig Over Hair Kind of Pointless?
Posted in Modesty, Q&A, Women | Comments (2) »
July 14th, 2009
Mayim Bialik guest stars on a very special Jew in the City and wants to know: Are Orthodox Jews sexist? Watch this video to find out.
Posted in Videos, Women | Comments (11) »
February 26th, 2009
Do Orthodox Jews consider women dirty during their monthly cycle? Watch this video to find out.
Posted in Relationships, Videos, Women | Comments (4) »
December 18th, 2008
Although I am thoroughly sleep-deprived from a three week old baby that has been eating nearly every hour round the clock (I didn't know that the circles under my eyes got this dark), I wanted to take a moment to discuss the topic of Orthodox Jews and birth control, since regular readers of this blog know that I have two young daughters in addition to my new baby boy.
Continue reading Orthodox Jews and Birth Control
Posted in Articles, Myths, Women | Comment (1) »
