Naomi RagenWomen's Minyan

The shocking truth of how ultra Orthodox men treat the women and keep them prisoners, all religious men and women should read thisand understand that the Lord loves us equally

Five stars for its raw truth, ripping apart a shame-filled world of so many. Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

I've long been a fan of Ms. Ragen's fiction, so I was interested in how she would cast her characters in a play. The Women's Minyan was faithful to her past work, yet it was difficult to build the empathy that one normally does with Ms. Ragen's protagonists. A play, however, doesn't build with the same time materials as fiction, and in that respect, the pace was perfect. I appreciated the effort to expose some of the extremes that exist in ultra-Orthodoxy.The first instinct a Jewish reader might have is an impulse to say, "Hey, these people don't represent my own beliefs and observance," but it's not the writer's job to represent every sect or stream of Judaism. It's the writer's choice whether she writes from an ultra-orthodox viewpoint or that of the srugim, the best examples of a religion, the worst, or somewhere in between. Ms. Ragen chose her voice and has taken on the job of urging social justice upon all Jews, and perhaps upon the occasional non-Jewish reader (to whom much of the play would be a mystery) by exposing the extremes of insularity and hypocrisy that lead to extremism.In that sense, it's not just a Jewish problem or any religious problem, but a human problem. American politics today is the secular version of this play. The difference is that a huge revelation of character cancer does not bring enlightenment or realization of extremism, but a doubling down on demonization of those who see and practice American life differently. The most disappointing aspect of religiously-sponsored oppression of women (I don't believe for one minute that G-D sanctions it) is that it is frequently women who are the indoctrinated enforcers.I appreciate Ms. Ragen's exposure of domestic violence (within any male-dominated culture or institution). In my first fiction work, some readers fell out of love with the story because of a couple of harsh scenes of domestic violence. In fiction, however, there is no story if everyone acts according to his or her best nature. In real life, domestic violence, coercion, and sexual harassment is neither a new story, nor is it novel to those who've suffered from it.This is another fine work from Ms. Ragen and worth the time invested in the read. Highly recommend.

Edifyingly plausible tale of what many women in most major religions have been directly and indirectly taught since puberty. Women are not on the asset side of the ledger. Women are missing that God adorned extra bit of external hardware. Sadly those missing that appendage are irritatingly essential for the creation of more human beings. This question arises, IF not equal, why essential?This play asks us to consider if we hear God saying that genitalia should still be the gate keeper to His/Her impartial ear. Was that ever "God's plan"? Who received this sacred message? Who benefits from this belief? Who suffers from this belief? Does it promote growth and happiness ? Does it foster trust, honesty and joy? Are codified writings more important than the intelligent growth of God's message?In "Women's Minyan" justice thwarted breeds confusion, ignorance of internal motives, self doubt, intimidation, suppressed anger, and duplicitous behaviors that in the end deprive men. their children and mostly God of His/Her magnificent plan.Sit for awhile and read "Women's Minyan" and decide for yourself. What does your spiritual voice whisper and what does your religion tell you? Are they in agreement? God's love that is always available for all equally is best conveyed in what way? How can a Eternal ALL Knowing Loving Presence reveal Itself in distinctions of the flesh?

Plays are written to be seen. But reading this left me breathless and in tears. Thank you Naomi Ragen for your profound and wise writing.

The story is meaningful to all women. The changes the author would like to see will take some time before it happens. In the Haredi community where this story takes place, change does not happen. The women live in secrecy from themselves and other women. When a critical event occurs in the community, the protagonist who is ousted from the community begs for a judgment by the women in her milieu. Although she has been shunned and living apart from her community she begs and pleads for the truth and honesty. When the women all agree to tell the truth and be honest, what is revealed is shocking. She is vindicated by her "sisters" and although she must return to living outside her environment, she is appeased knowing that a very tiny step has been taken to save other women from her destiny. A very good read.

I have read several of Naomi Ragen's previous books and they are all well written and interesting. I was surprised that this had been a play and the descriptions of what was about to happen I found annoying. What happened to this wife and mother was heartbreaking, I know that it is not just a story, unfortunately it is true. Hopefully one day it will change. I lent the book to a friend as I knew that she would appreciate reading another Ragen book.

Naomi Ragen has long championed the rights and causes of those who have little voice through her columns in the Jerusalem Post, and her play Women's Minyan is just another example of her dedication to those who the world does not seem to hear. Do not be put off by the fact that Women's Minyan is meant to be performed as a play, as it translates well on the page and is impossible to put down. Opening a window into the insular world of Ultra-Orthodox Judaism, Ragen sheds light on the struggles a woman often faces when attempting to divorce her husband under the jurisdiction of a Beit Din, or religious court. Women's Minyan is based on the true story of a woman from Jerusalem, giving even more power to Ragen's play.

The content is interesting but it's annoying to read this as a play rather than a novel.

Excellent although short as written as a play.

Disturbing insight into shared way of life

Naomi Regan is my favourite authoress, I have read and re read all of her books. Fabulous books for book clubs. This play was very different but a really good read