Rabbi Daniel Sperber’s address to the graduated of Yeshivat Maharat

June 15th, 2014

I want to assert very clearly that I examined these two remarkable [women] very rigourously.  I am sure it was not easy for them but somehow or other they survived.  I found them highly motivated, extremely intelligent, very discerning and with a very capable knowledge of the sort of material that they need to have in order to fill their roles as Halakhic and spiritual leaders.

Of late, there has been a resurgence of criticism on the part of very renowned and respectable talmidei chachamim - in Israel, England and here in the United States. Criticisms of the new directions that are developing in the Modern Orthodox world.  Directions which give greater role and authority to women in ritual and [religious] leadership.  

It should be noticed that most of the criticism is of a very generic nature and it scarcely touched upon or challenged our understanding of the classical rabbinic sources upon which our argumentation is based.  The main argument was is that these innovative directions constitute a breach with tradition.

I wish to state very clearly that quite the contrary is true - innovation is the hallmark of Jewish Halakhic tradition. Halakha always adapted and changed - within given parameters - throughout all generations.  The petrification, the stagnation of Halakha, the lack of movement [within Halakha] is a breach with tradition.  

Halakha comes from the root “הלוך -halokh” - to “move”, to “step forward”, to “progress.”  That is how Halakha has to function, and that is how Jewish leadership has to give... direction.  

These wonderful young graduates have moved through the rite of passage.  This was only a first stage for them.  They have to be keenly aware that they have to continue to deepen their knowledge and understanding.  To learn from their mentors, from their mentors’ experience to keep moving forward moving forward - ללכת בהלכה (lalechet ba-Halakha) to progress in order to truly achieve the goals of their roles.  תהינה ברוכות!