The other day I shared a link on Facebook advertising a Kosher Camera that automatically blocks out female faces in photos. The website links to a few Jewish bloggers who are known for their critiques of frum society, and in particular, have been outspoken about the way they perceive women to be treated in orthodoxy. One astute female blogger remarked on the irony that only male bloggers were included.
I have often been amused at online discussions by male bloggers decrying the subjugation of orthodox women at the hands of their rabbis and husbands. Perhaps yet another photo of a female world leader has been photoshopped out of a newspaper, or another declaration has been issued that lack of tznius is causing cancer, or there is a new ban on women walking on a particular side of the street.
Whatever the discussion of the day is about, often the players are men lobbing their gripes, grumbles, and grievances back and forth amongst themselves.
Sometimes an observant participant will scroll through the comments and realize that no women have offered their two cents. However, usually the men get so carried away with their feminist outrage, that they haven’t noticed their discussion has no feminine representation.
I have read a few informal threads in the past where bloggers are asked to name the Jewish blogs they consider most influential, critical or not, and women writers are rarely listed.
Considering that many of the men involved in discussions against religious cultural misogyny would welcome having female participation, it is curious that women are often absent. There is no shortage of outspoken Jewish women on social media. However, from a religious perspective, how many offer a critical outlook?
To be sure, I have seen plenty of women fervently defending their faith and way of life. However, anything that smacks of a lack of kavod toward rabbis or the Torah itself is something some women publicly steer clear from. The women I read who are more brazenly critical of orthodoxy are either women who aren’t orthodox or women who have left orthodoxy.
Is it simply a feminine trait not to engage in public debates or flout authority? Are there women perfectly willing to express dissent and dissatisfaction in their own forums, but don’t want to grapple with the guys? Do the men simply monopolize the conversation? Why do women writers seem to be an afterthought when it comes to Jewish societal critique?
To somewhat remedy this oversight, I feel like I should highlight some Jewish women social commentators who I find interesting, since such lists are in short supply. :) Below are a few Jewish female bloggers/writers who have an online presence and represent a wide variety of perspectives. I know I’ve probably overlooked some great writers in my haste, so feel free to add to the list in the comment section. Disclaimer – some of these blogs have stopped updating, but the issues they addressed are still relevant.
A Mother In Israel – Hannah Katzman
Jew Fem – Dr. Elana Maryles Sztokman
Jew In The City – Allison Josephs
Just Call Me Chaviva – Kvetching Editor
