Word: halakhah
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...problem is that traditionalists in the Conservative branch believe, along with Orthodox Jews, that Halakhah (religious law) clearly rules out women rabbis. According to the Talmud (teachings of religious sages compiled more than 14 centuries ago), women may not perform certain functions reserved to men, such as witnessing betrothals and marriages and leading congregations in prayers. J.T.S. Chancellor Gerson D. Cohen, who presided over the vote, left little doubt that he rejects the Orthodox view and believes that women should be allowed to perform these functions. Said Cohen: "I believe it is incumbent upon us to do away with discrimination...