The attraction for me was its combination of intellectual dynamism, gender egalitarianism and a do-it-yourself vibe that felt fresh and adventurous. Many of the members back in the 1970s were intellectuals: dissatisfied with Orthodoxy and generally agnostic about God, they were nevertheless passionately engaged with existential Jewish issues, and deeply steeped in Jewish history. After a few months of deliberation, we ended up pivoting in a 180-degree turn to a modern Orthodox synagogue — old, beautiful, rich in learning opportunities and traditional in its practices. One of them is separate seating for men and women. And here I was again looking down at Jewish men — not many bearded, and no longer (now that I am becoming ancient) so very ancient-looking — bonded by the very same prayers.

Source: National Post January 03, 2019 17:48 UTC