A quote from a journalist who writes for such "Torah-dike" publications like Ha-aretz and the Forward blog. but identifies herself as "Orthodox".
"Every time I am pressured to shut up (and it's constant), when I am on the brink of a breakdown from exhaustion, from the unyielding discomfort that some have with a religious woman having different ideas and speaking about them confidently ……"
First of all, I am sorry that at times you are on the brink of a breakdown from exhaustion. I hope you lighten your work schedule.
As for the pressure you feel to be quiet, I am sure that it hurts you. But let me explain: When you express views that run counter to our 3,300 year heritage under the guise of being within the fold, it makes people very upset. We have sacrificed a lot for our tradition and take it personally when people try to destroy it. When you consistently undermine the authority of Rabbonim it places you beyond the pale and a threat to our continuity. Your "different ideas" often border on the heretical. It has nothing to do with you being a woman. It has to do with you being rebellious in a framework that requires obedience and fealty to G-d. We are here with His grace and His love and writing against His laws and most devoted followers in the most public of forms is not acceptable.
