Fortunately, it is not often that international Jewish organizations make such egregious decisions, that you sit-back, scratch your head, and wonder ‘what-ever were they thinking?’
Such was the case with the recent Chanukah candle-lighting ceremony celebrated by B’nai B’rith World Center at the restored Hurva Synagogue in the Old City. A synagogue that not only places the women’s section so high up opera glasses are helpful to see what is taking place, but has a policy of not allowing women in the main beit knesset at any time, even when no services are taking place.
Speaking at the event, B’nai B’rith World Center Director Alan Schneider said, “This ceremony provides a rare opportunity for Israel and Diaspora communities to share a joyous festival together.”
Except, how can we share Chanukah together if women are not permitted to light candles? Has Scheider forgotten that his own organization, that “serves as the key link between Israel and B’nai B’rith members and supporters around the world … ” is dependent on women supporters and women donors; let alone the goodwill of the entire community?
In response to questions posed by eJewish Philanthropy concerning the exclusion of women, Schenider said, “The ceremony was held under the guidelines of the Hurva Synagogue, which included separate seating sections.” True; but why the Hurva in the first place?
Gender equality has become an especially hot-button issue in Israel recently. B’nai B’rith World Center, if holding true to their long established mission – which includes working for Jewish unity – should never have scheduled the candle-lighting at the Hurva. Responding that, “The decision to hold it there was taken months ago, long before the issue became explosive,” is unacceptable, at best. Time for Schneider, and the Center he leads, to join the 21st century and speak out publicly about gender equality in Israel; perhaps to even lead by example. Otherwise, he may find B’nai B’rith finally relegated to the dustbins of history.
This opinion piece reflects the personal views of Dan Brown, the founder of eJewishPhilantrhopy.com, and should not be regarded as a statement of the views of eJewish Philanthropy, its volunteers, advisors or funders.
My father, Werner Lash, was a life-long member of Bnai Brith, starting from his early days as a refugee who fled Nazi Germany to the UK in 1939. After years as president of several London lodges, he was chosen to be the President of Bnai Brith for the UK in the late 1970s, a position he held until his untimely death in 1982.
As a modern orthodox Jew and committed Zionist my father presided over countless ceremonies for Yom Haatzmaut; Yom HaShoah and yes, chanukah candle lightings too. Each and every one of those occasions were held jointly with the women’s Bnai Brith lodges with equal participation. It would have been inconceivable to have been otherwise. To the best of my recollection, Bnai Brith UK events were frequently held in shul halls, but never in the sanctuary of any shul–reform, liberal, United Synagogue orthodox or Adas. The very ethos of Bnai Brith was to be a cross-denominational movement, a place where every Jew could feel comfortable.
Sadly, the Hurva Synagogue is well-known in Jerusalem to be less than tolerant of non-observant Jews–there have been fights since its opening to ensure access to groups. Why Bnai Brith Int’l would have chosen to have their candle lighting ceremony there (as opposed to taking their group on a tour and holding their own candle-lighting somewhere where everyone could participate) is puzzling and disturbing…
I could not have expressed it better than what Dan Brown did. Y’shar Koach! Clearly, for some – gender segregation is still viewed as natural and acceptable. Sad.
This ceremony was an important and unique opportunity for Jews around the world to take part in a live menorah-lighting from Israel. The differences and diverse ways with which we practice Judaism reflect our cross-denominational nature and we were excited to share this ceremony with the world.
We hold programs in synagogues of all branches of Judaism and in each case we abide by and respect their customs and guidelines. What could be more tolerant than that?
Alan: — This ceremony was an important and unique opportunity for Jews around the world to take part in a live menorah-lighting from Israel. –
Ahem. Surely by “Jews” you did not mean only Jewish men? Surely you did not mean that I as a women should feel included by seeing men as my proxy?
How did I as a woman feel like I was participating in this lighting ceremony? No face of any woman is present in the pictures. Nor can I even imagine such a face nearby or off camera because the chosen location would sequester me high above and far away. Neither on the ground nor in imagination are women participating in this candle lighting. So in what sense are the world’s “Jews” participating when half of the world’s Jews are excluded?
I could understand wanting to hold a ceremony near the Hurva – its rebuilding is a symbol of renewal. But if it was so important to hold it near the Hurva – why not do the lighting outside in the courtyard where cameras could show the historic and well known arches in the background? Women could have been shown in the picture and even helped light the menorah.
Even Chabad, where segregated weddings are the norm, still finds ways to include the entire community, male and female, in public candle lightings.
– The differences and diverse ways with which we practice Judaism reflect our cross-denominational –
According to our tradition, shared by liberal and traditional Jew alike, Chanukah is singled out as one of the holidays to which women have a special connection and the halachic consensus is that women are as obligated as men in lighting the candles. The exclusion of women from a candle lighting ceremony isn’t just a political faux pas, it actually ignores an important part of our common tradition.
Further for the secular, liberal, and modern orthodox components of our Jewish community, including women in a visible way is a positive good. Excluding women is considered a serious concern.
So I have to ask, what cross-denominational goal is being met by a candle lighting ceremony where women are invisible and physically far removed from the actual ceremony?
NOT TRUE! I personally attended a brit milah ceremony there about a year ago, during which both men and women were in the main beit knesset. I have photographs to prove it.
I was at the Hurva less than two weeks ago (on a Sunday afternoon) and women were not permitted to enter the beit knesset. There have also been numerous stories in the Israeli media on this during 2011.
Kol Hakavod to Alan and the B’nai B’rith World Center. There are always those within our community who must find the negativity in any joyous event or else they are simply not happy.The symbolism of the Hurva synagogue is most significant and was a wise choice. The synagogue represents a great triumph of the Jewish people in once again asserting ourselves in all of Jerusalem. This synagogue is an Orthodox place of worship and as such the traditions of orthodoxy were observed. This event is not a case study on the issue of women’s liberation or gender equality but rather an opportune time to reflect on the miracle of 1967 and the rebirth of the Jewish Quarters in the old city.
Very often the most liberal minded Jews demonstrate the least tolerance for their Orthodox brethren and their customs and quite often these same liberal minded Jewish advocates become no different than the extremist Haredim who equally show no tolerance for their fellow Jews, of all stripes. Let us all not only tolerate but respect each other and accept the differences that exist within the different streams of Judaism.
No one is questioning the significance of the Hurva synagogue, only the way it was done. Surely there was a way to incorporate the Hurva and women at the same time?
– There are always those within our community who must find the negativity in any joyous event or else they are simply not happy. –
I find this belittling and insulting of the concerns of many women, parents, and husbands. Wanting your spouse, daughter, or yourself to feel included on a joyous occasion is human. How dare you suggest that those who feel excluded and those who speak up on their behalf are just being party poopers or spitting sour grapes? Surely a part of joy in the Jewish people is the feeling of inclusion?
Beth
Jerusalem
Representation of women is certainly one of the hot issues of the day. But why is it necessary to bash one another in such a harsh and ugly manner? B’nai B’rith, one of the world’s oldest Jewish organizations, has continuously struggled to meet the challenges of each generation and is still alive and kicking, doing some pretty phenomenal work in many arenas. It is clear that the issue of holding the Chanukah candlelighting ceremony in the Hurva resulted in a problematic scenario that many people take personally. As a woman, I can understand this. But as a Jew, involved in numerous Jewish organizations, why is that our criticisms of each other cannot be more constructive and have to come out as tasteless as what was written by Dan Brown in the original article? Tthe issue should be taken up with the authorities in charge of the Hurva rather than lashing out on Alan Schneider who only sought to do good by putting together this event. Only if we begin to work together can we truly expect to see change on the issues we all clearly hold dear to our hearts and to the future of the Jewish people and Israel. Please next time – less displaced venom and more proposals for proactive change!
Elana,
There are two separate issues here. One, the hijacking of the Hurva by a kollel that has made it impossible for women to enter the main beit knesset at any time (which is very much on the agenda of many organizations and polticos in Jerusalem). Second, is B’nai B’rith’s poor choice of location for this event. B’nai B’rith could have, as others have done, held the event in the courtyard – thus honoring the reunification of Jerusalem and at the same time welcoming the entire community for the Chanukah celebration.
What puzzles me most, is following the significant conversation this post launched, why B’nai B’rith has remained silent on gender equality. They called out their heavy guns to praise and defend the event (while slamming “liberal minded Jews”). But if they really understood the issue raised, they would have reiterated the organization’s support for women in general. B’nai B’rith is a pluralistic organization; they need to live those values.
I am still of the opinion that the issues raised, albeit important, do not require the bashing of a Jewish organization. Maybe BBI knows that their long history of involving women and supporting women stands for itself and, thus, is not choosing to engage in this petty debate when every word they may say will be claimed as a “defensive” and will be attacked? I do not know. But I stand by my opinion that the original article was overly harsh and aroused nothing but ire when the whole world is already against us. There are a large number of valuable organizations that remain silent on gender equality. Alan Schneider and B’nai B’rith just happened to become the target because of timing, in my opinion, and I repeat my claim that we would do right to find ways to unify not destroy the Jewish world and our partners in it who seek to do good for the Jewish People and Israel.
Elana,
I’m unclear how the article was “harsh”. Is criticizing harsh by its very nature? How does silence promote unity if anger bubbles under the surface? It goes without saying that B’nai Brith does wonderful things. However, good does not give us a pass for all the mistakes we make. I don’t want Bnai Brith to do this again. If no one protests, how will they know it isn’t acceptable?
I think speaking up, not silence, promotes unity. When people feel excluded and can’t speak up, they drift away and become disengaged. That is just human nature. If drifting away is not an option, then things one day explode. Exclusion of women has turned into a powder keg in Israel precisely because for years and years and years Jews who disagreed have been silent in the name of unity and tolerance.
Beth
Jerusalem
Elana, I do not read the justified criticism as belittling the importance of B’nai B’rith organization and its work. It’s a pity that you do, and that you further attribute to the criticism the label “bashing”, as a way of delegitimizing the criticism rather than criticize the unacceptable segregation of women in an event and by an organization that should not have allowed it.
Your love and commitment to both BB and Israel is obvious, but the question is whether sweeping criticism under the carpet is the best way of dealing with challenges. You suggest that rather than criticize BB, “the issue should have been taken up with the authorities in charge of the Hurva”. What’s not clear is who, in your view should have done so, and do you agree that segregating women in a candle lighting event organized by BB is wrong. If you don’t think it is wrong – than there is really nothing to discuss with the Hurva authorities. If it is wrong – shouldn’t it have been BB that should have taken it up with them, and if they chose to acquiesce to the demand to segregation policy – it is their responsibility no less than the Hurva. Why then should they be immune to criticism? Moreover, reading Alan Schneider’s response [and I should stress that I have much respect for him] it is clear that he does not feel that their decision to chose a place that segregates women for the event was wrong at all. As a matter of fact he rhetorically asks “what could be more tolerant than that?”. Well, I can think of a few more tolerant options, some of which have been pointed out above, but BB seems to disagree. With that in mind, and realizing [as you must do as well] that turning to the Hurva authorities to challenge their policy will be a futile act, challenging BB on their decision seems to be the only sensible step [if one disapproves of the segregation].
Interestingly, there should have really been no surprise on the matter, since already when the building was renovated, with State funding, the [then] female Minister of Tourism was denied participation in laying one of the first bricks, as was originally planned, because of Haredi protest. [http://www.nrg.co.il/online/54/ART2/080/758.html?hp=54&loc=4&tmp=5912]
Haredi pressure has also let to the appointment of Rabbi Simcha Kook, the Chief Rabbi of Rehovot, as the rabbi in charge of the Hurva, and if one recalls – Rabbi Kook is one of the City Rabbis who refuses to register for marriage converts who converted in the IDF, because he does not consider them Jewish.
So, as much as one may want to celebrate Hanukka in the old city of Jerusalem, there must have been other options available that better reflect the pluralistic essence of BB.
I don’t think that that the men commenting here have any idea what it feels like to be an observer of a ritual…that in fact they are supposed to be very much a part of…from hundreds of feet away. Not super interested in their apologetics, however well intended.
Thanks Dan for taking a stand on gender equality at a time when so many in the Jewish press would rather pretend the issue did not exist.
For those unclear on the meaning, pluralism doesn’t mean you have to treat all positions the same. I’m guessing those supporting the Hurva event as a simple embrace of the wonderfully multitudinous differences in the Jewish world would not be as happy if BB also officially celebrated Transgender Remembrance Day at Congregation Sha’ar Zahav in San Francisco (though I would).
This is a case where BB has defacto taken a position simply by supporting a right-wing kollel that has extreme views on gender separation. Unless BB really does want to embrace that position, it was a bad move.
Fascinating that on this website, which presumably is addressed to and read by Jewish communal leaders, the importance of women’s participation is not considered beyond dispute and critique of a major organization that not only excluded women in a painful, public way but defends its choice is challenged as too harsh. True, the discourse here is not quite as bad as on some more public sites,
but was bad enough to itself become an issue. Fascinating, and worriesome.
Jewish Women International, born in 1897 as B’nai B’rith’s first auxiliary, publicly chastises B’nai B’rith over last month’s Chanukah lighting ceremony at the Hurva synagogue.
http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/jwi-leadership-expresses-concern-over-bnai-brith-actions-in-israel/
It is unfortunate that the positive intent of our Chanukah menorah-lighting event to honor Israeli soldiers and police officers has been lost in the recent criticism of the venue itself. The Hurva Synagogue as the venue was only one aspect of an event designed to unite the Israeli and Diaspora communities in a joyous festival and acknowledge the dedication of Israel’s military and police forces. The government of Israel was represented by Minister of Transportation and Road Safety Yisrael Katz.
The menorah lighting, thanks to live streaming video, included the Jewish community of Thessaloniki, Greece, nearly decimated by the Holocaust. Members of that community joined in the event along with the participants at the Hurva by lighting an antique menorah. It’s not often such geographically distant and disparate Jewish communities can come together for an event and we are proud to have helped unite them.
B’nai B’rith welcomes all Jews—men and women—as members from all aspects of the religious-secular spectrum. We hold events worldwide at a variety of religious institutions—always ensuring the positive benefits of a program are the focus.
Originally built in the 1700s, the Hurva Synagogue lay in ruins for more than a century. The Hurva quickly became the center of life in the Jewish Quarter in the mid-19th Century. It was destroyed again during the War of Independence in 1948. The current restoration took more than a decade. At the time of its re-dedication, the Hurva was described as standing for “continuity,” a sentiment we embrace.
Institutionally, B’nai B’rith is a diverse organization, welcoming Jews the world over. Internally, nearly two dozen women are on our Board of Governors, half of our senior staff and about two-thirds of our total staff are women.
We embrace the diversity of the Jewish community and work toward tolerance and diversity on a daily basis.
It is regrettable that our intention to provide a link between the Israeli community and the Diaspora, and to honor brave Israelis, has been distorted by emphasizing one aspect of a multifaceted event.
Public events are all about public relations. If you do a public event intended to “link the Israeli community and the Diaspora,” it’s probably best to follow mainstream human relations by including both genders in your event fully.
This wasn’t an event that needed gender separation for some sort of tzniut concern. If the shul has a policy against having women comingled in the room, then maybe it’s the wrong venue choice no matter what the nice halo effect vis a vis brave Israelis that the venue choice might have brought.
Can you imagine singling out and putting the Sephardi Jews in the balcony? The Ethiopians? The converts? The disabled?
Of course not. But women are for some reason different. It’s time to move past apologizing for this sort of baloney and to just quit doing it.
And after all the responses, organizational hurt feelings, rather than even a pro-forma “if anyone was offended” apology — amazing!
Does a call for unity justify all behavior? That’s what B’nai B’rith thinks.
http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/unity-at-the-expense-of-women/