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Question
I am a member of an egalitarian conservative synagogue. I personally do not accept egalitarian views and feel that women should have a more traditional role in synagogue. I do not feel that women should be counted in a minyan or read from the Torah, etc. My brother's oufruf will take place in my synagagogue this Shabbat mincha service. My father has asked me to close the ark. Is this a role which would normally be accepted in a traditional orthodox synagogue?
Answer
In most traditional orthodox synagogues, ANY role for a woman on the bima would be unacceptable. OTOH there are many - an increasing number - of modern orthodox synagogues in which certain roles are acceptable for women.
I know of a New York City "post-denomenational" = modern orthodox congregation and women are now reading Torah! Obviously, opening the ark is much less a Torah honor.
Opening and closing the ark, in my opinion, would be completely acceptable and certainly within your congregation, if only for the sake of "shalom bayit," peace in your family. That would be the primary mitzvah, and you wouldn't have to continue to participate in services beyond your own standards.
Regarding your role, however, the final authority and opinion, is your own Rabbi.
Best
Wishes,
Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner
Foundation
for Family Education (FFFE)
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