Ordination of Women;: 205
Rabbi Witt:| was present at the meeting of the Board of Gover nors when the matter came up, and it was decided to refer it to the Conference. After reading the responsa that were prepared by Rabbi Lauterbach, I feared that there would be much opposition. [ trust that our action in this matter will be unanimous. It is not a matter of tradition at all. I must confess I was not in the least interested in Rabbi Lauterbach'’s presentation. It seemed reactionary to me. I did not feel that it was the proper presentation of the subject. I need not say that I honor Dr. Lauterbach for the learning contained therein, but the point he presents is not the point at issue. We have witnessed the revolution in the status of women. Five years ago I had to argue in favor of women’s rights when that question came up in the Arkansas legislature, but I did not feel that there would be need to argue that way in a liberal body of men like this. There is a principle involved, and I hope that the stand we take will be one in line with all the progressive tendencies of our day; that we will have the vision to see what is before us. From the standpoint of today, shall we say to women that they shall not have the right to function as we are functioning?
The question is: Have they the qualifications to function as spiritual leaders?
What does it require to be a spiritual guide? It requires a great spirit and the quality of leadership. Some women have it and some women have not. Some men have it and some men have not. If we had a great leadership we would not have the questions which were so ably presented yesterday among the practical questions of the ministry. The one thing that was stressed was that if we had devoted leaders who could inspire following, all the problems would vanish.
I believe that this body of men should do nothing that would stand in the way of any forward movement in behalf of the womanhood of America . I cannot believe that a religion that is so
splendidly spiritual and forward-looking as our religion will ovement. I feel that this Conference
stand in the way of such am fall in line with what is the
can only act in one way, and that is to destiny of the women of the future.
Rabbi Weiss: In a large measure I agree with the previous speakers. I agree with all that has been said in favor of ordaining