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| Bat Sheva Marcus (TOI) |
On the surface JOFA is an organization whose purpose is to advance women’s rights in the world of Orthodox Judaism. That - in theory - is something we should all support. But in fact JOFA goes well beyond rights and swerves directly into areas that cross traditional Orthodox Jewish boundaries. Boundaries that are well established and have been for centuries. JOFA’s agenda has more to do with breaking the non existent mythical ‘glass ceiling’ of Orthodoxy - accusing it of dominating women for misogynistic reasons.
Nothing can be further from the truth.
As I have said in the past, I am in full support of women’s rights in all areas. What I am absolutely not in favor of is stepping on centuries of traditional Judaism in the name of feminism. Tradition with respect to the role of women in Judaism has zero to do with hating women! This can clearly be seen in the statement by the OU on leadership roles for women. Unfortunately that did not stop JOFA’s leaders from insisting that it does! To suggest that misogyny is the motive behind much of our tradition is an insult to the integrity of all religious leaders across the spectrum of Orthodoxy - past and present.
One of the things I had mixed feelings about was JOFA’s frank and open discussion about sexuality. To be absolutely clear, I do not object to such discussions when they are done in the privacy of a therapist’s office. Especially a therapist that understands the special needs of observant men and women. If there are problems in the bedroom, they must be dealt with. A healthy sexual relationship between a husband and wife is imperative for a successful marriage.
But I did have somewhat of a problem with the open and almost casual discussion of it in public, such as the (now defunct?) podcast co-hosted by YCT head, Rabbi Dov Linzer and Orthodox sex therapist Bat Sheva Marcus. I don’t know. There just seems to have been an element of modesty lacking in discussions like this that are so open to the public.
I had always wondered what kind of person does that? What is it about sexual matters that motivates some people to discuss it so freely and so publicly?
Admittedly this is pure speculation on my part. There are I think 2 reasons. One is to destigmatize human sexuality so that married couples will be able to lead fuller lives without the guilt so often wrongly associated even with Halachicly permitted sexual activity. But I think there is another less altruistic reason that some people have. Which is for some sort of sexual gratification they might get by talking about it in public.
I think this may very well be the case with Ms. Marcus. Who has resigned from her position on the board of YCT under the cloud of suspicion of sexual harassment. she was accused of it by her former colleagues at JOFA. A statement issued by YCT - excerpted by the Times of Israel said the following:
“Today, the YCT Board of Directors accepted Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus’ resignation from the board. We acknowledge the pain that recent events have brought to many people in our community,” board chair Steven Laufer said in the statement.
Typical of sexual offenders, Marcus denied the whole thing. She defended herself in a lengthy Tablet article. (Unconvincingly in my view.) No one seems to have believed her. Her accusers remain adamant that she was in fact guilty of it.
As I said at the outset, I am not all that concerned about what goes on in an organization whose agenda is antithetical to traditional Judaism and which I therefore do not support. But that doesn’t mean that events like this do not impact the world of Orthodoxy. Sadly they do.
So what do we take away from this story? I think it should be seen as another step in ridding Orthodoxy of any hint of sexual misconduct. And to once and for all change the culture to one of zero tolerance - no matter which segment of Orthodoxy is affected.
Ms. Marcus is but the latest in a long line of such people that have had their comeuppance. Leaving their denials out in the cold where they belong. Her pristine reputation did not help her any more that the pristine reputations of many other such people across the spectrum of Orthodoxy. And to this I say, ‘Good riddance to them all!’