From JPost:
Haviva Ner-David is an Orthodox feminist who has been a leader of some of the most prominent struggles in Jewish women’s lives. Just before Pessah, she received her PhD in Jewish studies from Bar-Ilan University. And then, on the eve of Pessah, Ner-David was ordained as a rabbi in Jerusalem.
Ner-David, who has journeyed through feminism, Judaism and social action for the betterment of the status of Jewish women, admits that she is still not completely aware of the tremendous significance of these two events.
She knows that some Orthodox Jews will not accept her ordination and will not acknowledge her religious and social status as a rabbi.
Yet this young and quiet resident of Baka and mother of five says she is neither hesitant nor frustrated: the dream she began to cherish some 12 years ago is coming true.
“I am not the same woman I was at the beginning of this 12-year journey,” she says reflectively. I have discovered a lot about myself and what it means to be a woman rabbi at the beginning of the 21st century.”
There is so much to say about this, I don’t know where to start. On one hand, there is clearly a need to publically recognize women who have achieved a certain level of learning. But there are also some halakhic obstacles that can’t be ignored. Not to the mention the non-halakhic but extremely important sociological implications. Read Hirhurim’s post on the issues and the heated debate in the comments. ADDeRabbi has two posts (here and here) on the subject as well.
To be honest, I’m a little hesistant to weigh in with my own opinion because I’m not familiar enough with the issues and I don’t know very much about Ner-David’s particular case. But the blogosphere has no place for humility! (I’m only half-kidding). Give me some time, though. The above-cited posts should keep you busy for a while.