Within Judaism the answer is a resounding "Yes!": there are many obstacles. Perle Epstein relates some of her feelings on the subject in her book on Kabbalah (see the Reading List below).
The obstacles are largely grounded in traditional attitudes: it is less easy for a woman to find a Rabbi prepared to teach Kabbalah than it would be for a man. Persistence may reward (see below).
Outside of Judaism the answer is a resounding "No!": there are no obstacles. For the past one hundred years women have been active both in studying and in teaching Kabbalah.
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Many Paths.....One Goal ......All opinions stated in my posts are just that...my opinions...and should not be held in any way as the opinions of the CEPF Board of Directors or of anyone other than myself.
Many traditions still see the woman as be the lesser and weaker sex in this age. I have my own opinions to this- though I am not going to air them here.
I say this though, persistence may be the key to a higher learning area. Woman has come a long way, yet, truthfully, we still have a long way to go in some traditions eyes.
But, we shall succeed.
So, studying, even if you have to do it on your own I say!
however as an American it is much easier for yourself and many other women to study and learn about the many differnt ideas and paths that exist throughout the world don't you feel blessed to be able to have that freedom and not have to worry about being struck down as may happen to women in some other countries
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Many Paths.....One Goal ......All opinions stated in my posts are just that...my opinions...and should not be held in any way as the opinions of the CEPF Board of Directors or of anyone other than myself.
Yes, I am very fortunate at being able to study and to practice any path that I, not only as a woman mind you, but as a person, see fit to follow. But.. I am still aware that in other cultures and countries, it is forbidden for women, as a lesser sex, to study, or to parctice, any other path then what is chosen for them and this is what I am speaking about.
No woman in this culture are not so downtrodden and we have many freedoms, including the choice of our religious paths, but it still saddens me that a woman, in other cultures are still so suppressed. It is my hope that women worldwide may one day, chose their own path, not that of thier husbands or families. This may be a large wish, but it is still my wish.....
All opinions stated in my posts are just that...my opinions...and should not be held in any way as the opinions of the CEPF Board of Directors or of anyone other than myself. - Rev. Heidi Andrews VP CEPF