Oral Law Assignment

I chose the Mitzvah, "Do not degrade your daughter by making her a prostitute, or the land will turn to prostitution and be filled with wickedness," (Leviticus 19:29). Literally, this verse condemns prostitution as wicked, as well as commanding parents not to send their daughters into the world of prostitution. However, from my point of view, I see a deeper meaning than this that is on the surface. A large part of what this means to me includes the importance of valuing women. By using the phrase, "do not degrade," it is evident that women are to have pride and have something to bring to the table. Rather than living a difficult life of prostitution, this saves them from being treated as even more of a subordinate group. In this way, this can be related to a more modern situation, as women should be admired and be praised for their accomplishments as well as their potential.

This photo exemplifies exactly what this Mitzvah means to me. Women of the Wall strives to uphold these values and allow women to practice Judaism as equals with men. In this way, they care about the full potential that women should be able to have the tools to achieve, as well as not degrading them in comparison to me. Witnessing the holy work of Women of the Wall only a few days ago, I already feel more confident in  in my identity as a Jewish woman, and I also have more faith in the future of the Reform Jewish community. Hearing the Megillah recited by various women who are united behind a cause they are so passionate was amazing. To further enrich my experience, dancing and singing, and even just talking, to these women was so interesting to me. I loved being surrounded by my American friends as well as Israelis who I do not even personally know, but still knowing that we care about our futures as Jewish women. In essence, this Mitzvah resonates with me, not about prostitution itself, but about a meaning differing from that which is on the surface.