Upholding Modesty

The Times of Israel has published a post by a blogger about the fact that ultra Orthodox publications did not show the face of a fallen Israeli soldier, who was a woman. Under the headline of the article were the words, "It's time to see ultra-Orthodox erasure of women for what it is: disrespect and devaluation of worthy human beings."

I asked ChatGPT to come up with a counter argument. Here goes:

Religious Freedom and Autonomy: The practice of not publishing female photographs is rooted in religious beliefs and values held by Orthodox Jewish communities. It is important to respect religious freedom and the autonomy of these communities to establish their own norms and practices based on their interpretation of Jewish teachings.

Modesty and Respect: The practice of not publishing female photographs is seen as a way to uphold modesty and promote respectful interactions between men and women. It is believed that by not displaying women's images, the focus remains on their character, accomplishments, and contributions rather than their physical appearance. This can contribute to a more respectful and dignified portrayal of women.

Protection from Objectification: In a society that often objectifies women, not publishing female photographs can be viewed as a means of protecting women from being reduced to mere objects of visual appeal. By keeping women's images private, it can help foster a culture that values women for their intellect, character, and accomplishments rather than their physical attributes.

Preserving Privacy and Family Sanctity: The practice of not publishing female photographs helps maintain privacy within families and preserves the sanctity of personal and domestic life. It upholds the belief that the intimate aspects of family life should be kept within the private sphere and not exposed to public scrutiny.

Promoting Equal Value: Supporters of not publishing female photographs argue that this practice does not diminish the value or contributions of women. They contend that honoring women's achievements and highlighting their contributions can be done through other means, such as written tributes and descriptions, which can provide a more comprehensive understanding of their accomplishments beyond physical appearance.

It is important to recognize that the practice of not publishing female photographs is not intended to demean or marginalize women, but rather stems from a different approach to gender roles, modesty, and privacy within Orthodox Jewish communities.