1. Comment from Ferry
Time April 3, 2011 at 1:54 PM

Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

It is time for the good rabbi to publically make a statement one way or another. Enough obfuscations, enough confusion. Make a statement, and a clear one!

2. Comment from emes
Time April 3, 2011 at 1:56 PM

The RCA should show him the door along with Reb Avi Weiss and the rest of the gang.

3. Comment from cohen
Time April 3, 2011 at 2:11 PM

Rockville.Md

where does rabbi maroof stand on serious issues e.g. geirus?

4. Comment from RSRH
Time April 3, 2011 at 2:17 PM

THis film is a shameful propogandist tool that makes no attempt at an objective or honest evaluation of the issues.

Please correct me if I’m worng, but there seems to be an easy way to explain R’ Maroof’s allenged hypocrisy. He was involved in teaching Sara Hurwitz, and as the movie shows, he and two other rabbi’s gave her a heter horaah - permission to answer halachic questions posed to her. The heter horaah has nothing to do with R. Weiss’s later conferal of the title rabah, and the implication that she is allowed to serve in a public capacity as the head of a kehilla. We have yoatzit halacha with a heter horaah in hilchos niddah. They answer private shailos from other women. Why is the heter horaah given by R’ Marof, which did not involve his sanctioning any public rabbanus for women, any different?

5. Comment from icomeanon
Time April 3, 2011 at 2:32 PM

Matzav, how can you say that he has “not retracted his involvement in the ordination of Ms. Hurwitz”???

His letter clearly spells out that he was not involved with the decision (see below)

“My involvement with Sara Hurwitz ended several years before the choice of the title “Rabba,” so it strikes me as rather ridiculous to suggest I had anything to do with the conferral of that title. I was completely out of the picture and living quietly in Maryland for years prior to that development. Nevertheless, your headline falsely states that I ordained her as “Rabba”!”

6. Comment from MDshweks
Time April 3, 2011 at 2:37 PM

Nu, where’s “Shldon” with his twisted words?

The fact remains: רמב”ם יד החזקה - הלכות מלכים פרק א
אין מעמידין אשה במלכות שנאמר עליך מלך ולא מלכה וכן כל משימות שבישראל אין ממנים בהם אלא איש

According to “Sheldon” any ‘norm’ the gentiles inact must have ‘ramafications’ in Halacha, since the Aruch Hashulchan said what he said about hair covering… how more twisted can you get??!!–

The irony is that also in the gentile world of old they were women in all types of positions, like the Queen of Sheba and many more, so the Ramba”m should have said already in his day that he knows many Rabba’s…

7. Comment from Concerned
Time April 3, 2011 at 2:53 PM

RCA Rabbonim; I hope you realize that admitting Rabbi Maroof will be seen as an implicit enorsement of smicha for women. While you might be willing to take this responsibility upon yourself as an individual, you will also be painting all RCA Rabbonim and OU shuls with the same tainted brush. This is grossly unfair.

8. Comment from Yussi
Time April 3, 2011 at 3:16 PM

He publicly regretted Maharat ordination see Matzav article July 27th 2009.
http://matzav.com/rabbi-maroof-to-yated-i-regret-participating-in-maharit-matriculation

9. Comment from Why
Time April 3, 2011 at 3:32 PM

It’s obvious that Rabbi Maroof was one of those who ordained Ms. Hurwitz, so how can he say that he didn’t?

10. Comment from a
Time April 3, 2011 at 3:32 PM

the work youre doing is great but does not justify posting a video of a woman like this
please edit or remove “we” do not believe the ends justify the means

11. Comment from Anonymous
Time April 3, 2011 at 4:05 PM

aylu vaelu divrei elokim chaim. no. one is forcing u to agree

12. Comment from Kol tuv!
Time April 3, 2011 at 4:18 PM

Since when is the RCA relevant? Who cares, they cannot and will not affect the holy yeshivos. Let them ordain their women or even goyim for all we care.

13. Comment from kevin yeshivish
Time April 3, 2011 at 4:29 PM

This video is embarrasing for those in it. What a chilul Hashem. Everyone should watch this and then throw up.

14. Comment from Dov
Time April 3, 2011 at 4:48 PM

IMBARESSMENT!

15. Comment from Anonymous
Time April 3, 2011 at 4:57 PM

When are all people going to deny rabbinic membership to those who that don’t pay their workers on time in violation of Vayikra 19:13. THAT’S a Doiraysa! יג לֹא-תַעֲשֹׁק אֶת-רֵעֲךָ, וְלֹא תִגְזֹל; לֹא-תָלִין פְּעֻלַּת שָׂכִיר, אִתְּךָ–עַד-בֹּקֶר.

16. Comment from david
Time April 3, 2011 at 5:20 PM

this video will be shocking to anyone who cares even a little about Jewish orthodoxy in the USA. it is very disturbing to watch how a so-called rabbi can be so blinded and not see the truth. whom ever put together this video has done a phenomenal job in proving to the public the distortions and lies of Rabbi Joshua Maroof.

i expect the decision by the RCA to influenced by this video and will vote the rabbi down. i did call the RCA today and left a message that i am strongly against this nomination and hope that the RCA will not make this huge mistake AND CAUSE A HUGE CHILUL HASHEM.

17. Comment from RABBI
Time April 3, 2011 at 5:23 PM

THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS. WE MUST GO AROUND FROM SHUL TO SHUL AND FROM SYNAGOG TO SYNAGOG AND SHOW THE FRUM WORLD THIS VIDEO. LET THE WORLD KNOW THE TRUTH ONCE AND FOR ALL.

18. Comment from Ruff Ruff
Time April 3, 2011 at 7:11 PM

Powerful video. The truth stands on its own.

19. Comment from waaat
Time April 3, 2011 at 8:15 PM

I dont understand why matzav gives the RCA coverage and attention

20. Comment from RADIATION KILLS
Time April 3, 2011 at 8:38 PM

he ordaned her before he didnt

21. Comment from Leib
Time April 3, 2011 at 8:56 PM

Apparently, the “Rabba” didn’t get to the part of Even Haezer that deals with what parts of a woman’s body must be covered in public.

As the saintly Eved Hashem, Rabbi Avigdor Miller of blessed memory would have said: “Will the _______ at the podium please cover her _______”
I only left the spaces blank to make it easier for Matzav to publish my comment, not because I believe it should not be expressed the way the Kadosh expressed it.

22. Comment from Kol tuv!
Time April 3, 2011 at 9:21 PM

Ordain shmordain, means nothing to heimishe yidden. We know a rov when we see one.
These people are all a joke, they take themselvs to seriously.

23. Comment from Keep Up the Fight for Truth
Time April 3, 2011 at 9:31 PM

What a gelechter! And where is the outcry? Nothing. Somehow only Matzav is brave enough to fight this war for the EMES.

24. Comment from real man
Time April 3, 2011 at 9:38 PM

These are NOT orthodox people. And Hashem HATES them, they are baali avariah. resahim gemorim reshaim arurrim.
I don’t know why they think it’s cute to say they’re orthodox - they”re as reform as can be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

25. Comment from kanOI
Time April 3, 2011 at 9:39 PM

Discrace! abomination. This video belongs in the rest room.

26. Comment from kanOI
Time April 3, 2011 at 9:42 PM

Avi Weiss has an orthodox father-in-law, a fine man too. What did hi do to deserve this?

27. Comment from kanOI
Time April 3, 2011 at 9:45 PM

reform rabbis

28. Comment from gggg
Time April 3, 2011 at 9:46 PM

Hashem HATES the reformers.

29. Comment from Oscar
Time April 3, 2011 at 9:47 PM

I just vomited all over my keyboard. Please warn people that this video above induces vomiting.

30. Comment from chaimz
Time April 3, 2011 at 9:58 PM

I hope that rabbis maroof and weiss cover their hair since they have the roles confused. The timing is appropriate, V’nehopoch hu.

These people think that Yiras Shomayim means being afraid that it will rain. Chotim Umachatiim, they do more damage to the fabric of Yidishkeit than all the arab’s bombs. The silly people who pay their salaries could have been supporting torah, and after 120 years they are in for a surprise.

The subject is sad and tiring. When will HKB”H have rachmonus on us and save us from Golus Weiss?

31. Comment from shvigger
Time April 3, 2011 at 10:53 PM

Who cares…

32. Comment from Anonymous
Time April 3, 2011 at 11:29 PM

And Rabbi Maroof can then do a lot of things because it is not against “halacha per se.”

33. Comment from hmmmm
Time April 4, 2011 at 12:04 AM

i think hes not very smart if he claims he didnt realize speaking at an event to ordain a women half dressed would cause him to b lumped together with avi weissniks and other reform style “rabbis”.they should rethink their decision to hire him on lack of seichal basis!!!!!!

34. Comment from dont get it
Time April 4, 2011 at 12:21 AM

why is it all of the sudden ok to post women on this web site?

this is not an objective view,it’s trying to prove someones point.

35. Comment from very smart
Time April 4, 2011 at 4:36 AM

I told my wife that she can be a Rabbah, as long as she’s not a Robber.

Maharat, as long as she doesn’t Rot.

36. Comment from Anonymous
Time April 4, 2011 at 6:30 AM

all the kavod to those seeking to publicize the real truth
let it be known
don’t be intimidated

37. Comment from Yesh LeHavin
Time April 4, 2011 at 7:15 AM

The video (very confusing) speaks for itself. Her mere outfit proves it all. The RCA is bringing upon itself a travesty. It has crossed RED LINES. Any attempt to water down TRUE TORAH, will eventually follow the path of all the other fake, made up, so called “STREAMS OF JUDAISM.

38. Comment from Anonymous
Time April 4, 2011 at 9:02 AM

#34 your approach to yidisjkeit is backwards. you dont have to find a reason to allow something, you have to find a reason to asser it. In other words, why would it not be ok to post women on theis website, please provide siman and sief in shulchan aruch where it is forbidden. Thank you.
hopefully now you get it

39. Comment from rank and file
Time April 4, 2011 at 9:15 AM

as a woman whose upbringing was in the modern orthodox camp and whose family is now all “black hat” I would note that the whole premise of this gathering is shelo bderech tznius. It is our first and foremost warning sign that danger lurks… there is nothing more frightening than a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

40. Comment from Sources
Time April 4, 2011 at 9:23 AM

Here are the sources for the orginal video.
Yeshivat Maharat: http://yeshivatmaharat.org/about-us
New Jersey Jewish Standard: http://tinyurl.com/NJJSTAN
Rabbi Maroof Speech: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNZLnXdwi2Q
Conferral Ceremony Part 1: http://youtu.be/CguoGS9Mc0s
Conferral Ceremony Part 2: http://youtu.be/4aZS6hvBleE
Conferral Ceremony Part 3: http://youtu.be/esv-O6bKTpE
Rabbi Maroof’s Tshuva on women Torah leaders: http://yeshivatmaharat.org/resources-0

41. Comment from Chaim Yosef
Time April 4, 2011 at 9:33 AM

# 21 Well said.

42. Comment from KolYisroelChaveirim
Time April 4, 2011 at 10:02 AM

First of all people, need to be more sensitive in their comments especially regarding issues that are so sensitive. Those who think that making jokes at the issue is comical have no idea of what the weight of this issue is. It is an issue that needs to be addressed thoughtfully and with respect and by becoming leitzim you are discounting anything anyone here says. But more to the point why are you turning against Rabbi Maroof all of a sudden. As far as I know Rabbi Weiss himself is still a member of the RCA. Why should Rabbi Maroof be any more culpable than Rabbi Weiss in this regard as he certainly has had less relevance to the issue at hand here which is conferring the title on women. If the individuals here really believe in the emes of what they are fighting for than don’t attack an individual for the wrong reasons. If your true intent is because you believe the idea of “Rabbah” is improper then speak to the RCA specifically regarding that issue. It is not proper to make someone a target just to try and move their agenda forward.

43. Comment from Anonymous
Time April 4, 2011 at 10:13 AM

aylu vaaylu divray elokim chaim. no one is forcing you to agree with anyone. just like no one is forcing you to wear a chazon ish talis koton or drink 3.3 Oz. cup of wine for kiddush. choose your mesora. and finished

44. Comment from Shocker!
Time April 4, 2011 at 10:19 AM

On April 27, 2010 the RCA said this:

“we cannot accept either the ordination of women or the recognition of women as members of the Orthodox rabbinate, regardless of the title.”

On April 27, 2010 Rabbi Joshua Maroof said this:

“Down with the Rabbis who Canonize the Arbitrary and the Rabbis who Condemn Advancement.”

http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=113704548648503&start=0&hash=d76f96bae15d799043033c948a744a67

45. Comment from Clarity Please
Time April 4, 2011 at 11:25 AM

“I am against the conferral of semikha to women because of the halakhic violations involved.”
-Rabbi Joshua Maroof Letter to Yated, July 2009

“Ordination of Woman Is Not Against Halacha “Per Se”.”
-Rabbi Joshua Maroof Letter to Matzav, March 2011

Rabbi Maroof; this is why some people question your integrity.

46. Comment from Clarity Please
Time April 4, 2011 at 11:30 AM

To KolYisroelChaveirim: At least with Rabbi Weiss you know where he stands.

47. Comment from Yes
Time April 4, 2011 at 12:17 PM

#21 Well said!

#42 First, Rabbi Maroof publicly does and says one thing about an issue; then he publicly says the opposite about the same issue.

So which one is he? For or against? Please see #45.

“First of all, people need to be more sensitive in their comments, especially regarding issues that are so sensitive. Those who think that making jokes at the issue is comical have no idea of what the weight of this issue is.”

When the issue is where someone publicly advocates something which is against the Torah (e.g. women Rabbis), there is nothing wrong with publicly speaking out against it. Those who speak out against it are very-well aware of what the weight of this issue is.

48. Comment from Not the issue
Time April 4, 2011 at 12:27 PM

The lighting in the room and the low resolution of the video make it appear that Sara’s blouse is not tznua, but in fact the blouse extends to her neckline.

49. Comment from More Clarity Please
Time April 4, 2011 at 12:38 PM

“Most Orthodox rabbis are aware that there’s no prohibition on woman rabbis,” Maroof told JTA. “I think there are many Orthodox rabbis who think this would be a great thing, and they’re hoping that somebody else would have the courage to do it, as long as it’s not them.”
-Rabbi Joshua Maroof - JTA: March 3, 2009
http://jta.org/news/article/2009/03/03/1003407/orthodox-woman-rabbi-false-alarm

“I am against the conferral of semikha to women because of the halakhic violations involved.”
-Rabbi Joshua Maroof Letter to Yated, July 2009

Which is it?

50. Comment from Yes
Time April 4, 2011 at 1:19 PM

In Ms. Hurwitz’s Conferral Ceremony Part 3 video,

she says in her speech:

“The Mechitzah of HIR allows access for both men and women to ascend the Bima.”

It sounds like a Conservative / Reform “temple” to me.

51. Comment from Rabbi Joshua Maroof
Time April 4, 2011 at 2:16 PM

Any of the people commenting on this thread would have been welcome to contact me directly to inquire about the perceived incongruity of my statements regarding women’s ordination. No one has taken the time to do so. In particular, the editor or editorial staff of Matzav - who should feel a sense of responsibility to clarify the facts - have chosen, instead of simply picking up the phone or sending me an email, to create a propaganda video that takes several of my remarks out of context.

Let me explain it simply:

I do not believe there is a prohibition on giving a woman a heter horaah, permission to decide halakhic questions, provided that she is qualified to do so. That is what I meant when I said that there is no halakhic problem with women’s “ordination”.

On the other hand, I do believe that there is a prohibition on serrara for women, as articulated by the Rambam, and it is for this reason that I would oppose “ordination” that goes beyond a simple heter horaah.

I realize this is nuanced, and that there still may be those who disagree with my view in whole or in part. But implying that I have contradicted myself, when in reality I was using the same term in two different ways in two distinct contexts, is not fair.

There is a world of difference between the notion of a women answering halakhic questions with a heter horaah - which everyone must acknowledge is permitted by several Rishonim and Acharonim, even if some disagree - and and women’s “ordination” in the sense of a political appointment to a position of communal leadership, which is much more halakhically problematic.

52. Comment from emes
Time April 4, 2011 at 2:49 PM

Rabbi Maroof clearly is trying to play both ends of the fiddle and wants to have his cake and eat it too.
Reminds me of John Kerry during the 2004 elections.
A marah d’asrah is supposed to have good middos, such as integrity and honesty, not be like a politician. He wanted to be a feminist trailblazer.

53. Comment from Anonymous
Time April 4, 2011 at 3:18 PM

ye aye aye

Umala hayom deiah hayom mechasim

aye aye aye

54. Comment from A sad statement
Time April 4, 2011 at 3:19 PM

“Implying that I have contradicted myself, when in reality I was using the same term in two different ways in two distinct contexts, is not fair.”

Rabbi Maroof: We are not dumb, you have used and manipulated language that is technically correct but designed to mislead.

If someone as articulate as you fails to provide a clear, understandable position on something so controversial, this is your failing. I respect your intelligence too much to believe that the ambiguity of your many comments on the topic were anything less than intentional.

There is a name for what you have done, it is called gneivas da’as

55. Comment from You know it
Time April 4, 2011 at 3:22 PM

If only Rav Elya was alive….

If only…

56. Comment from Mark S.
Time April 4, 2011 at 3:37 PM

“Implying that I have contradicted myself, when in reality I was using the same term in two different ways in two distinct contexts, is not fair.”

To Rabbi Maroof: Than why didn’t you clarify that you meant hora’ah and not Smicha (or Smicha and not hora’ah) when you made your many comments on the subject? To the average person, in fact to everyone else but you, smicha, ordination and Rabbi all refer to the exact same thing. I guess it’s our fault that we are not privy to your secret language (or telepathic).

To the RCA: Don’t say you were not forewarned.

57. Comment from Shakespeare
Time April 4, 2011 at 3:55 PM

RABBI MAROOF: A ONE MAN PLAY IN ONE ACT

Rabbi Maroof speaking at a large gathering: I am for the ordination of women.
Thinking to self: Of course they understand that I am referring to hora’ah only so I don’t need to clarify that out loud.

Later that same day…

Rabbi Maroof speaking at a larger gathering: I am against the ordination of women.
Thinking to self: Of course they understand that I am referring to serara only so I don’t need to clarify that out loud.

Later that night thinking to self: I wonder if they understood the nuance.

THE END

58. Comment from Huh?
Time April 4, 2011 at 3:58 PM

Oh, please.

Does anybody believe this #51 “double-talk” ?

So when Rabbi Maroof “ordained” “Maharat / Rabba” Hurwitz,

exactly which “ordination” was it?

Was it his definition of “ordination” ? Was it Rabbi Weiss’ definition of “ordination” ? Was it “Rabba” Hurwitz’ definition of “ordination” ? Whose?

On the Yeshivat Maharat website:

“Yeshivat Maharat was founded in the summer of 2009, after Rabbi Avi Weiss confirmed Sara Hurwitz as a halakhic AND spiritual LEADER, following seven years of study under his auspices and working as part of his rabbinical staff at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale. . . She was ordained by Rabbi Weiss, Rabbi Daniel Sperber, and Rabbi Joshua Maroof.”

Questions, anyone?

59. Comment from mike
Time April 4, 2011 at 4:00 PM

This is ridiculous !!

She is supposed to be Halachic adviser, but yet, she does not cover her hair so well

60. Comment from mike
Time April 4, 2011 at 4:20 PM

Rabbi Maroof,

You might be using the same word in two different ways to create a nuanced viewpoint, but in doing so, you show poor communication and presentation skills.

You also seem duplicitous and rather left-wing. You claimed to be from a center-right background (in your response to the Yated), but anyone who knows your yeshiva knows it’s ultra modern. Some call it Hellenism.

61. Comment from ben aharon
Time April 4, 2011 at 4:35 PM

Rabbi Maroof,
Your distinction between heter horaah & serrara is very clear. However, in light of the role your protege has assumed in the institution of your affiliation it is a distinction without a difference. She is a Dean, clearly a postion of serrara, & the convocation in which she was granted horaah was most definitely an
“ordination”. To describe it otherwise is disingenuous. Are you saying that you were unaware how she would be presented to the public by Rabbi Weiss & what her assignment would be? Are you agreeable to publicly declaring your opposition to conferring the title of Rabbah upon Sara Hurwitz?
None of the extraordinary women mentioned in the tshuva were given nor sought any title indicative of their position in Torah & halacha. This IS a critical distinction as it reflects on their unique individuality rather than their identity as women practicing rabbonus.You know well such a position is not recognized by Gedolai Torah of any stripe. Are you prepared to abide by that ruling?

62. Comment from Very Confused
Time April 4, 2011 at 4:52 PM

Rabbi Maroof: Respectfully you need to rethink, well everything.

On March 22nd of 2009 at Sara Hurwitz’s “Conferral Ceremony” you said.

“That is why I believe that our struggle is ongoing and that Sara is the perfect representative, THE PERFECT LEADER to guide us to a new era of Torah Learning and TORAH LEADERSHIP.”

On April 4th of 2011 you said.

“There is a world of difference between the notion of a women answering halakhic questions with a heter horaah - which everyone must acknowledge is permitted by several Rishonim and Acharonim, even if some disagree - and and women’s “ordination” in the sense of a political appointment to a position of COMMUNAL LEADERSHIP, which is much more halakhically problematic.”

Can you please explain the nuanced differences between your advocacy of “Torah Leadership” for women on March 22, 2009 and your assertion today that “Communal Leadership” for women is “halakhically problematic”. Were you perhaps referring to “Torah Leaders” who do not work in a “Communal” setting? That would be a peculiar category of Torah Leader and one that I have not yet seen.

This is all very confusing. You see to the layperson such as myself in the context in which you were speaking, the two terms seem strikingly similar.

63. Comment from anchouldiks
Time April 4, 2011 at 6:47 PM

harry`s

64. Comment from Yes
Time April 4, 2011 at 6:48 PM

1) Can “Rabba” Hurwitz function as the Mesader Kedushin at a wedding?

2) Why is “Rabba” Hurwitz’s hair not completely covered, as she is a married woman?

65. Comment from dont get it
Time April 4, 2011 at 11:44 PM

#38 i agree with you i was saying that this website is of the opinion to always block out woman. so why is it when trying to bring out their point then all of the sudden it’s ok.?

66. Comment from Leib
Time April 5, 2011 at 12:56 AM

C’mon my dear Rabbi- You said “I believe that Sarah is the PERFECT LEADER TO GUIDE US on a new path of Torah learning and TORAH LEADERSHIP”.

You are far from truthful, when you say that you were only advocating heter horaah for women, but no positions of leadership.

Your moral compass has gone haywire. You are all tangled up in your own little web of contradictions. You don’t know yourself, where you want to draw the line. You are just making it all up as you go along.

I think you should leave the shaping of this new-fangled, gender-mingled “Orthodoxy” to Rabbi Avi Weiss. You are just too scared to completely let go of the Yiddishkeit of your youth. You”ll therefore never get it right.

67. Comment from Yeshivish
Time April 5, 2011 at 1:13 AM

Rabbi Maroof’s positions on things are at times complicated. This is true because thinking people have a certain degree of complexity. The people that participate in this site see everything in black and white because they do not have the ability to see a nuanced position.

I have read some of Rabbi maroof’s essays and I can say that his ideas reflect true greatness. Benefit of the doubt is especially applicable as a result.

Rabbi Meir Kahane used to say that he can tolerate both ignorance and arrogance but not the arrogance of ignorance.

68. Comment from mike
Time April 5, 2011 at 2:04 AM

to # 67

Did you ever hear the expression “the simple truth”?

Maroof did not explain his “nuance” until he was shown to be disingenuous.

69. Comment from Yes
Time April 5, 2011 at 9:21 AM

#68 Well said!

Rabbi Maroof also did not have “nuances” until now, because “the Seattle Shul made Rabbi Maroof’s appointment contingent upon his admission to the RCA.”

The RCA is unlikely to admit someone who has participated in “ordaining women rabbis,” because, as the RCA says, “we cannot accept either the ordination of women or the recognition of women as members of the Orthodox rabbinate, regardless of the title.”

70. Comment from Yes
Time April 5, 2011 at 9:26 AM

Sorry, I MEANT to write:

#67 Well said!

(NOT #68)

71. Comment from Yes
Time April 5, 2011 at 4:32 PM

Sorry again, it SHOULD have been:

#66 (Leib) & #68 (Mike), Well said!

72. Comment from Think about this
Time April 5, 2011 at 4:52 PM

The Israel Chief Rabbinate currently recognizes 12 conversion courts in the United States. One of these recognized courts is the Va’ad Harabanim of Seattle. Upon Rabbi Maroof’s entry into his new position as Rav of Cong. Ezra Bessaroth, he will automatically be made a member of the Seattle Va’ad.

Has anyone thought about how the Chief Rabbinate of Israel will react when they find out that a Rabbi enmeshed in a female ordination controversy is on the Seattle Va’ad?

My guess is that there will soon be just 11 Chief Rabbinate recognized conversion courts in the USA.

73. Comment from Mordechai
Time April 5, 2011 at 8:09 PM

Rabbi Maroof has changed his position again! Defending himself on the comments section at http://haemtza.blogspot.com/2011/04/smearing-good-people.html under the name RJM he now says that not only can women be given horaah but they can also be given Dayanut!.

The below comment is by Rabbi Maroof.

“you should take a look at the תוספות in נדה instead, that version is longer and it provides other answers that allow for women not only giving הוראה but also serving as דיינות. The source in ספר החינוך is in פרשת שמיני towards the end of his discussion of the prohibition of performing עבודה and giving הוראה under the influence of alcohol. Incidentally, this source is explicitly cited in the פתחי תשובה in חשן משפט.”

74. Comment from Rabbi Joshua Maroof
Time April 6, 2011 at 10:23 AM

Mordechai,

You are completely mistaken. I haven’t changed my position at all. I was quoting תוספות to make a point. You can take issue with that view of תוספות, and I agree with you it is not halakha l’maaseh, but I would not label תוספות non-Orthodox because they suggest that possibility, any more than I would label them as non-Orthodox over any other positions they held that are not considered halakha l’maaseh. Would you argue that the בעלי תוספות are ineligible for membership in the RCA? If not, then why are you criticizing me for citing their view, when I explicitly affirm it is NOT halakha l’maaseh?

75. Comment from ben aharon
Time April 6, 2011 at 1:47 PM

Rabbi Maroof,
The Baalei Tosfos did not participate in the investiture of heter horaah to a woman as you did. If you agree that halacha l’maaseh it is NOT permissible for a woman to be given smicha and/or the title rabba, then please say so. Otherwise you ought not be considered eligible for RCA membership.

76. Comment from mw13
Time May 29, 2011 at 4:18 PM

I think R’ Joshua Maroof has explained quite nicely exactly where he stands on this issue, and how there is no contradiction in his words. It appears that R’ Maroof’s heter horah for Sara Hurwitz has been incorrectly passed off as a full ordination by Hurwitz and Avi Weiss. (Quote from http://yeshivatmaharat.org/about-us: “…she was ordained by Rabbi Weiss, Rabbi Daniel Sperber and Rabbi Joshua Maroof.”)

I understand the fervor that has taken hold of the frum blogosphere to discredit anything and anyone involved in the Hurwitz “ordination”, but we must be more careful not to attack the innocent along with the guilty.

R’ Maroof, may I suggest you contact yeshivatmaharat.org and ask them to remove the misleading language