One cannot argue the 'classes' in Judaism. The Kohanim, Levi'im and 'plain'
Israelites each had historically distinct jobs within the community of
Israel. Though a Kohen is the first called to the torah and a Levi second,
no other Kohen or Levi is called to the Torah on the Sabbath except
(possibly) for Maftir (the final aliyah). The 'plain' Israelite group
receives the majority of the honors. Which is better, order or volume?
A Kohen, traditionally, may not enter a cemetery (except, I believe, for
burying a parent). This acts to exclude priests from a certain portion of
the typical Jewish greiving process, simply based on an accident of birth.
Is this unfair, however?
The bottom line in my mind is that community roles that are based on
accidents of birth are not exclusive to Judaism. No matter how liberal and
pro-ERA I am, as a male I will never have the experience of giving birth to
another life. As an average height male, I am at a distinct disadvantage
when trying out for an NBA team.
Traditional Judaism views an individual's religion based on who his/her
mother was. Conversion is not encouraged, and different rules apply to Jews
versus non-Jews.
People have little choice but to accept biological determinism. In my
mind, a belief in a higher power and a religious structure, once accepted,
is much the same as biology. I do not light candles on the sabbath, nor
does my son (despite his protests). My wife and daughter do. This is not
an issue that I can argue given my belief system. Religious and biological
pre-determinism are the same in my mind. If more people (your daughter
included) could put political ideas away for the moment, there might be a
re-examination of religious structure as opposed to simply viewing it as an
antiquated, male created system for 'dominatiom' of particular segments of
society.
I hope none of my answers/examples appear sarcastic. I view all of them as
simple realities that I must deal with on a daily basis. I studied biology
for many years, and feel that using it as a model for religious structure is
the most sensible way to view religion. Birth, to a certain extent,
determines role. This is not fair or unfair. It's just life.
I hope that you work out the issues with your daughter. Good luck!
Ira Rosen