Women in Judaism: Rabbi Amy Eilberg
Rabbi Amy Eilberg is the first woman ordained as a Conservative rabbi by The Jewish Theological Seminary of America (1985). She is nationally known as a leader of the Jewish healing movement (using the teachings and texts to minister to those dealing with illness, grief and loss) and writes and teaches on issues of peace-making.
Rabbi Eilberg described the last 35 years as “a feminist revolution” in Judaism. There were two parts: the first wave asked that the doors be opened so women might come in and the second wave asked for recognition of the differences between women and men.
We were given a historical recap of significant events affecting Jewish women:
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1922-The first Bat Mitzvah, created by a rabbi for his daughter when she turned 13; such a ritual (Bar Mitzvah) existed for boys.
- 1935-The first woman rabbi was granted her title privately in Berlin
- 1960s-Women were admitted to rabbinical schools in the US
- 1971-Young women attending the National Convention of Conservative Jews presented the rabbis with an agenda for change. They called for an investigation of Jewish law calling for full equality for women in all areas of scholarship, ritual and leadership.
They asked why they were not considered equals after age 13, why they were restricted.
- 1972-The first woman ordained as a Reform rabbi in the US
- 1985-Amy Eilberg ordained as Conservative rabbi; only woman in class of 18
Traditionally, upon completion of rabbinic classes, the student is declared rabbi by the school. The graduating class of 1985 created a religious ceremony for this event.
In Amy’s senior thesis and talk to the entire seminary she asked for acknowledgement and support for women rabbis (and others) who might do things differently than their male counterparts. The book, A Different Voice by Carol Gilligan was recommended.
Rabbi Eilberg shared stories and examples of how Jewish feminism has affected life in three arenas: personal, communal and theological.
- Rabbis have started to minister to moments in a woman’s life cycle by creating ritual and prayer for the naming of a girl, the onset of menses, prayers during pregnancy and while nursing and recognizing the grief and loss of a child during pregnancy or with a still birth.
- Different styles of leadership have been introduced with a sharing of authority in the community. Women have raised the issue of balance between work and family life.
Women’s groups have formed for study and celebration.
- Questions have arisen about God language and ask if the masculine pronouns marginalize women. In the study of the Torah the use of midrash (exploring the texts for meaning)
by women suggests women might read the texts differently. Rabbi Eilberg gave participants a midrash on Genesis 22 (The Sacrifice of Isaac) titled “Revisioning Sarah”
written by Ellen Umansky. It is a powerful and new perspective on the well known story.
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| Susan Sell has served many roles at SJA including reader, host and a member of the Pastoral Council. Susan is also a member of SJA's Sister Parish Committee, St. Joan's Isaiah Core Team, SJA's liason person to SWING as well as Chairperson of WomenSpirit. Susan can be reached at susanmsell@hot.mail.com. |
In conclusion, Rabbi Eilberg stated there continues to be resistance to women’s leadership in some communities. Some pulpits are not open to women and in some places a pay differential exists between men and women. In surveys women have reported less job satisfaction than men.
The desire for equality and the recognition of differences continues.
The evening was very informative.
I encourage people to attend the coming Thursday night program Women in Islam with Dr. Fatma Reda, April 19th.