Okay, let me clarify. In the turn of the century, Jewish females were forbidden to study the Torah (first five books of the Old Testament). That was the rule. Despite this law, Yentl was bound and determined to study.
In order to study, she had to pretend to be a man, to go to Yeshiva. She was never a "man". She was just a woman who dressed, and to a certain extent "acted" like a man SOLELY to go to Yeshiva. If females were allowed to go to Yeshiva, she would've remained a woman.

I totally agree with you. Barbra had wanted to be an actor, but when people said she was a good singer, she pursued that too. She is a phenomenal actress and an even more amazing singer.

I just think it takes a lot of suspension of belief to believe Babs is a young man, sort of like everyone believing Clark Kent is not Superman. I still like the movie though, because I've always liked Barbra's vocal and acting work in most every thing she does. She one of the few singers who can actually act! Some of the songs may be a little cheesy, almost like she's trying very hard to redo the success of "Funny Girl", otherwise, she's great!

why does it matter? Let them have their own opinion.

Why don't you like it? Do you not understand it?
Lorelai:The government will close that day.Barbra Streisand will give her final concert again.

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