The Jewish Center, on 86th street, lauded many times as one of the most influential Modern Orthodox synagogues in the city, and definitely one of the best dressed – has hired a woman "scholar" to take the spot of the usual "rabbinic intern" this week – a strategic move which will unquestionably give you something new to furiously debate for hours over your next shabbos meal…
Oh, but it gets better – listed under the CLERGY section of the Jewish center's website it reads:
Ms. Elana Stein
William Fischman Resident Scholar
Elana Stein is a doctoral student in Religion at Columbia University as well as a senior fellow in the Graduate Program in AdvancedTalmudic Studies. She received her BA in history from Columbia College and has taught classes in the Columbia Hillel. Elana has a passion for Jewish causes and community and recently, she co-founded the summer Beit Midrash Program in Camp Morasha.
Note the Ms. – Yes, she is single, gentleman (if that ain't a reason enough to ask our newly rabbinic female a halachic question- I don't know what is?) But don't get your socially dysfunctional motors running just yet – word on the street is she is seriously dating none other than Rabbi Shmuel Hain's (ex-Jewish Center Assistant Rabbi) younger brother! SCANDALOUS! Right?? eh not really.
Either way – we have serious high hopes for the torah Ms. Stein has to offer at the Jewish Center – we just hope she isn't going to be judged because of her sex, dating status – and because it is the Jewish center – the price of her shoes.
Question 1: Does this appointing have anything to do with THIS appointing?
Question 2: will she be required to wear the TOP HAT? discuss