Public intellectual Helen Andrews sparked debate with her recent speech, "Overcoming the Feminization of Culture," delivered at the National Conservatism Conference in September. The speech was later published as an article titled "The Great Feminization." In her remarks, Andrews defined feminization as the tendency to prioritize feminine interests over masculine ones, emphasizing traits such as empathy over rationality, safety over risk, and cohesion over competition. She argues that these traits manifest in institutions where women are numerically dominant, contributing to what she describes as "wokeness" and "cancel culture."

Andrews referenced Bari Weiss' resignation letter from the New York Times in 2020, where Weiss faced ostracism for her social connections. She noted that the newsroom had shifted to a female majority in 2018, which she claims altered the dynamics to favor emotional harmony over open debate. Andrews' views have generated controversy, as she suggests that increasing feminization in society leads to extreme empathic attitudes replacing rational decision-making in policy-making, ultimately undermining societal confidence.

She also pointed out that this trend of feminization extends beyond individual institutions to national policies. For instance, she criticized government funding for international programs like "Gender-Just, Low-Carbon, Rice Value Chains in Vietnam," suggesting that empathy is being directed more towards international issues than domestic concerns.

In the Jewish community, Andrews noted a similar trend, particularly in non-Orthodox synagogues, where female leadership is on the rise. A recent study by the Atra Center for Rabbinic Innovation found that 58 percent of rabbinical students identify as women, while 51 percent identify as LGBTQ. This demographic shift has led to a change in focus within these communities, according to Leil Leibowitz, who wrote about the "disappearing male rabbi" in a September issue. He observed that the 2023 class at Hebrew Union College, a seminary for Reform Judaism, was 75 percent female.

Leibowitz described a shift in priorities within non-Orthodox synagogues, where emotional engagement is emphasized over traditional practices. He noted that spiritual growth is increasingly centered on nurturing relationships and self-care rather than adhering to religious commandments. One male interviewee expressed frustration with his Conservative synagogue, describing it as a mix of a progressive political rally and a therapy session, lacking substantial Jewish content.

Rabbi Daniel Gordis, a centrist Zionist, also voiced concerns about the growing anti-Zionism within Conservative Judaism, prompting him to leave the movement. He criticized Rabbi Jill Jacobs, who leads Truah, for focusing more on international human rights than on the well-being of Israelis. Gordis argued that rabbis should prioritize caring for Israel over its adversaries, reflecting a broader tension within the Jewish community regarding the balance between social justice and traditional values.