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From: Russell Hendel <rhendel@mcs.drexel.edu>
Date: Sun, 27 Jun 1999 16:20:05 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: An explanation of "Who did not make me a woman" based on Caring

The issue of the blessing "Who has not made me a woman" came up in
v28n88.  I just wanted to repeat a possible explanation of mine that was
published on the email group Torah-Forum about a year ago.

The blessing "Who has not made me a woman" occurs in a context of other
blessings that help disabled people: "Who openeth the blind", "Who closeth
the naked", "Who releaseth the imprisoned".  Thus the CONTEXT suggests
that all these blessings were instituted to remind me of my obligation
to help people who are not as well off as me. If I see a naked, imprisoned,
or blind person I should bless God that I can help them. Similarly if I see
women who tend to get picked on in the workplace more than men
(even today!) then I should thank God that I can help them.

Russell Jay Hendel; Phd ASA; rhendel@mcs.drexel.edu
Moderator Rashi Is Simple; http://www.shamash.org/rashi/