I love balance, and I want to hear every side, and really listen to each story.  I posted a video about Natalie Portman speaking at a women’s march about her experience as a thirteen year old actress, and how she felt she couldn’t be herself.

One of the responses pointed out how in observant Judaism there is a way of modesty and dress. Unfortunately the culture of abuse of power, the norms of our society, and a woman to constantly have to be on guard is the real challenge, not how she dresses or presents herself. This was my answer in response:

I respect and understand your response, but as a Jewish woman who grew up secular, and felt very comfortable with who I was, and dressing how I wanted, her words go beyond observant Judaism and modesty. She is talking about that as a 13 year old people felt comfortable sending her suggestive fantasies, that is what the me too movement is about, changing the culture, changing what is the norm, even modest Jewish girls unfortunately get inappropriately fantasized, approached, and abused.

I am uncomfortable sharing my feelings, because it is very personal, and also what I am about to share below not everyone may like, but I feel it is important to see all sides.

I do not like extremes, and the next two topics address issues that most people are fully on one side or the other. I feel that all I can do is keep on listening and presenting both sides. In the State of the Union, Trump had two reactions, people that completely agreed, or fully disagreed. What I find the most powerful is how now I am hearing all voices speaking loud and proud, and fighting for and with each other. I saw this article today, and I am happy to see something positive coming from this administration, besides recognizing Jerusalem as the capitol of Israel.