Q&A: Kiddush by Women
Kiddush by Women
Question
Hello and blessings, Rabbi Michi,
Kiddush on the Sabbath recited by a woman, thereby fulfilling the obligation on behalf of men, is permitted, but the Mishnah Berurah writes that it is proper to be stringent regarding men who are not members of her household because it is demeaning / undignified”. What is the meaning of this concept? Does it depend on place and culture? Is it like “the dignity of the congregation,” and then perhaps it no longer applies nowadays when women serve in public roles, or is it a matter of modesty, in which case it would seem it still applies? (Is that distinction even correct in the Rabbi’s view?) Does “members of her household” mean specifically the nuclear family, or also a community / extended family?
According to the Rabbi, is it possible to act this way even ab initio nowadays?
Thank you, and have a peaceful Sabbath.
Answer
What does this have to do with modesty? We are talking about within the family. And even if not, it does not harm modesty, at least not in a society where women fill important roles. In my opinion there is no impediment at all nowadays. It indeed seems like “the dignity of the congregation,” which is also a rationale that has become outdated.