The Rebbe Responds to a Feminist

A simple request was submitted to Chabad.org; the dialogue that ensued turned out to be a fascinating story.

Donna Halper is a feminist who for years has written extensively on feminist issues, including a book on women in radio broadcasting: Invisible Stars: A Social History of Women in American Broadcasting.

In 1977, Donna was working at WRVR-FM in New York City when she found out that she could not have children. She wondered about her role in Judaism and her function in Jewish life. Is it not every woman's raison d'etre to have kids? If so, what now is her mission as a childless woman?

She penned a letter to the Rebbe, of righteous memory, and the Rebbe responded with a lengthy letter.

At the request of Chabad.org, Donna took the time to pen the background of the letter and what it meant and means to her. Read A Feminists Quest for a Place in Jewish Life and then the Rebbe's letter: The Childless Woman's Role in Judaism.

Donna L. Halper spinning records for WNEU (photo courtesy of Donna L. Halper)