I believe he is Mizrachi, so there is some progress for women within that community.

When I say not tolerated, I think that world is not strong enough to express the response you will receive. Bear in mind that the concept of women having a Torah education comes exclusively from the Ashkenazic world with the advent of Bais Yaakov, now culminating with with Avi Weiss conferring smicha on a woman. On a whole, Sephardim have not developed an education system for their daughters and where they have done so, it is response to their shame relative to BY schools being available for Ashkenazim.

There is also the much more traditional role you’ll be expected to fill in the Seph world. I hope you like being kept in the kitchen.

My father was Russian Jewish, my mother is central and south eastern european.
Neither of them religious. Where do i fit in. Is there a simple name out there for me instead of saying I am of russian, jewish, and european decent?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!

I am still attempting to make this decision. I know it would mean a completely different way of looking at life. Right now the only shuls close to me are Ashkenazhi and I do not plan on moving any time soon. Most likely if I would become involved with Sephardim it would be after I make aliyah and even then it probably would be after an Orthodox conversion.

If you yourself say Judaism is more than a religion, and is a lifestyle… then the Sephardi world is doubly so. The Sephardi `olam is more defined by ethnic lines than religious practice. (Fitting, as Sephardim take an open approach to individual observance while closely guarding traditions.) Family ties are a strong determinant of identity. In order to REALLY become Sephardi, you don’t just adopt the minhag – you have to totally immerse yourself in the community, and become part of the family.

And just to give you an update – the Sephardi world of today is more inspired by the AriZa”L than the RaMBa”M.

In other words, if you want to be Sephardi, I hope you like Arabic music. And couscous. Or kibbeh.

I understand that there are very few religious women who would don tefillin/tallit.

Yes, I understand that women are exempt – but that doesn’t mean EXCLUDED – from certain time-bound mitzvot. I am single with no children so I am not bound by house duties. If I was married and/or had children, I would probably not even think about performing these mitzvot.

My Hebrew is probably best defined as a combination. I am currently trying to learn the Yemenite pronunciation.

I am not saying that Ashkenazim have not had great sages and viable rulings. I just find a stronger connection with the Sephardi world – especially Maimonides.

I am think about converting Modern Orthodox but only if I want to go with the Ashkenazi path. It is my understanding that it is more difficult to convert via Sephardi because they tend to not accept potential converts as readily. Again, this is just something that I have heard so I don’t want to make a decision based upon what I heard without hearing it right from the Sephardi themselves.

No, I am not currently connected with a Sephardi community. This is just simply something that has been on my mind. I may actually wait to convert until after I make aliyah.

I am not sure what you are referring to but Sephardi Jews do indeed light Chanukah candles. It is my understanding that they eat more dairy than fried foods which is actually okay with me.