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From: mls@ittvax.ATC.ITT.UUCP (Michael Schneider)
Newsgroups: net.religion.jewish
Subject: Re: Women's participation in shul
Message-ID: <496@ittvax.ATC.ITT.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 21-Oct-85 08:00:24 EDT
Article-I.D.: ittvax.496
Posted: Mon Oct 21 08:00:24 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 23-Oct-85 05:56:18 EDT
References: <418@primesun.uucp>
Organization: ITT-ATC, Shelton Ct.
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I know of only one question asked regarding a woman performing an action
associated with men: saying Kaddish. The wife of a friend of mine (who is
an Orthodox Rabbi with smicha from the Rav) asked if she would be permitted
to say the Kaddish for the 11 months following the death of her father (there
were no sons).  The answer was yes.  But it must be done at the same time as 
a valid minyon davened and she should do it three times a day, as is required
by a man.  She did. 

To some extent, this points out some of the problems that can arise with 
women participation.  They must assume ALL the obligations associated 
with the act they wish to perform.  If, for example, a woman wished to
be counted as part of a minyon, then should she not be required to perform
all the mitzvot associated with this action?  I expect someone will say
"but not all men pray three times a day."  Yet, a man  does not voluntarily
choose to take upon himself this obligation; in this case a woman does.  I 
am unable to state the halacha regarding a woman's minyon.  But, from what
I have seen and heard, it appears to occur only on Shabbat.  Note in the
situation of a woman saying the Kaddish, it was not only on Shabbat, but for
the full period required of a man.  I sometimes wonder if women realize
the obligations they wish to take on.

Michael L. Schneider

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