Jewish women’s varied roles span the spectrum from prayer, study and leadership, despite the traditional gender stereotyping in some sectors of Judaism. Externally and internally, Jewish women have achieved an unprecedented level of equality, thanks to the strong emphasis on gender equality in the 1690 CE Code of Jewish Law. Ethicist Michael J. Broyde explained that “halakah (Jewish law) requires full legal equality between Jews of all genders.”
Today, Jewish women are highly diverse in terms of religious observance, occupation, class and ethnicity and Jewish texts universally recognize the importance of education and learning as one of the furthest and highest forms of piety. Women have the same religious obligations as men and are allowed to take part in activities where previously only men were allowed to participate, such as sitting on Jewish courts, practicing professions, studying Torah, and leading services. The increasing academic study of Jewish women has also led to a new appreciation of their active and unique contributions in the past.
From antiquity to modern day, Jewish women have played an essential role in the history of Judaism. Women have contributed to society in many ways, including the advancement of Jewish education, art and literature, and Torah study. Women often provided spiritual guidance and teachings, as rabbis and scholars, and were influential figures in the synagogue, synagogue politics and Jewish organizations. Women were also actively involved in interpreting and applying Jewish law, in order to ensure that it provided gender equality in areas such as inheritance and marriage.
In terms of religious observance, Jewish women are responsible for reciting prayers, observing the festivals and the laws pertaining to family purity; but are not obligated to do so. Women have challenged the traditional view of gender roles for centuries. During the 19th century Enlightenment, women promoted the cause of women’s rights and pushed for greater societal acceptance of female education and female participation in religious and communal life. Unfortunately, women were largely excluded from the modernizing trend and still continue to fight for acceptance and equality in orthodox synagogues.
In the Hasidic and Modern Orthodox movements, women’s roles have increasingly embraced communal leadership, engaging in activities far more visible than the study of religious texts. For instance, Rachel Adler, a Jewish-feminist scholar, author, and theologian is well-known for her active involvement in influencing religious legal standards. Adler actively fought to remove gender based discrimination in ritual practice and religious expression, while also defending traditional values. She also advocated for a more equitable religious world by speaking in favor of rabbinic ordination for women and more equitable religious practice. More recently, Orthodox female rabbis have appeared, however women still do not hold the same positions of power and influence as men do.
Jewish women are able to contribute to other areas of Jewish life, such as political and social activism or organizing events. Female activists have organized social campaigns like the establishment of Talmud Torahs, support for the State of Israel, and the rescue of Jewish women from Nazi concentration camps during World War 2. They have also played instrumental roles in the founding of Jewish organizations, such as the National Council of Jewish Women, the Mizrachi Women’s Organization, and Hadassah.
Jewish women’s roles are as diverse as their backgrounds. They continue to defy traditional gender roles, as well as build and expand upon the faith’s religious, political, and social traditions. The future of Judaism relies heavily on the religious and moral leadership of women, as they are often the driving force of the faith.
Influence of Jewish Women in Modern World
The influence of Jewish women in the modern world is wide-reaching and far-reaching. Jewish women have broken barriers and defied gender stereotypes, becoming leaders in the public, private, religious and political spheres. They have brought their awareness, values and perspectives to virtually every field of endeavor, making a lasting mark on the world we live in. Successful women in business, science, politics, education and culture have all contributed to the growth, progress, and advancement of their respective fields. In today’s global society, the perspectives and voice of Jewish women are powerful and leading indicators of a greater, more successful future for the Jewish people.
The profile of a successful Jewish woman today is quite different from that of earlier generations. The contemporary Jewish woman is no longer confined to traditional Jewish roles of raising children and keeping a home. She is now free to expand her horizons- working as professionals and entrepreneurs, exploring a wide range of opportunities. High achieving Jewish women are trailblazers in law, medicine, finance, academia, the arts, sciences, technology and many more. Jewish women have become stellar leaders in the public and private sectors, influencing the outcomes of laws, policies, and decisions around the world.
The challenges facing Jewish women remain formidable. Noted psychologist Jean Girgis notes, “Jewish women must tread carefully as they find their place in a modern world steeped in gender-based challenges and tensions. Gender-based discrimination still exists in both Jewish and secular societies, and Jewish women often find themselves navigating a subtle, yet pervasive web of bias and expectations that keeps them from achieving their full potential.”
Addressing the disparities between the genders is essential in creating a more equitable environment for all. There are various ways that can be done to aid in the quest for equality. Organizations such as GuideStar’s Women in Philanthropy program and the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) are committed to advancing the rights and welfare of women and children and their voices are becoming more prominent in the philanthropic world. Jewish women are starting to be recognized for their efforts, achievements, and influence in the Jewish community.
Role of Jewish Women in Israel
The role of Jewish women in Israel has changed dramatically in the last twenty years. With the introduction of the Equality of Rights Law in 1988, Jewish women saw a marked shift in their roles in politics, economics, and the military. The law mandates that all members of the government and those seeking public office have equal rights and privileges under the law. The law also enabled women to receive a variety of grants, become fully integrated into the Israeli military, and encouraged the participation of women in all civil service jobs.
In the political arena, Jewish women in Israel have made considerable gains by attaining more power, influence, and influence within government. Women were elected to public positions, such as the Knesset, and now currently comprise roughly a quarter of its members. In addition, women are increasingly becoming involved in the domestic and international sectors of the Israeli economy, thanks to the support of new educational and financial initiatives, such as complementary education programs, small business and tech incubators, and venture capital support.
Within the military, Israeli women are increasingly visible and increasing in number. In 1965 women were given the right to enlist, and since then the number of Israeli women serving has grown from 10 to nearly 55; with women currently holding 10% of all positions. Jewish women also have the highest rates of service among all religious groups, a testament to their dedication to their country’s security.
Education for Jewish Women
There is a consensus that education for Jewish women of all ages and backgrounds is a major factor in achieving gender equality within the Jewish community. Education provides the opportunity for growth, progress and the development and maintenance of strong relationships. It is through education that Jews develop a shared sense of values, history, and culture, not just within the community but spanning generations.
The National Council of Jewish Women has long espoused the value of education and has served as a leader in the Jewish education movement. The Council has provided a plethora of resources dedicated to this cause, including study sessions, instruction, and discussion groups. Through their tireless advocacy, the National Council of Jewish Women has encouraged the development of a strong educational infrastructure and has created access to educational materials and resources across the United States and internationally.
In addition to the resources provided by the NCJW, many other organizations and schools dedicated to the cause of Jewish women’s education have sprouted up. These range from secular programs to women-only seminaries and yeshivas, which provide instruction in Jewish law, along with vocational and academic training. Organizations such as the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance and Daughters of the Jewish People provide support for Jewish women seeking higher education, as well as advocacy and mentorship.
Hebrew Language
Despite the historical importance of the Hebrew language among Jews, there has been a decline in the numbers of people who speak the language, especially among younger generations. This has prompted many organizations and programs dedicated to the promotion and revival of the Hebrew language. Organizations such as the International Association of Hebrew Parents, Hebrew at Home, and the Center for Jewish Peoplehood have emerged with the mission of restoring the Hebrew language to its former glory.
Specifically, the Center for Jewish Peoplehood works to ensure the vital connection between Jews and Hebrew, as well as to promote the use of Hebrew language and culture. The center partners with Jewish organizations, schools and institutions to provide a wide range of Hebrew language resources and curriculum, as well as to promote Jewish education initiatives. Resources such as the Be’er Mayim Program, which provides free basic Hebrew language instruction to teens, have been an instrumental source of support for Jewish women who are looking to increase their Hebrew language proficiency.
Gender in the Tanakh
The importance of examining gender roles in the Tanakh, or Hebrew Bible, has been long overlooked. The Tanakh tells the story of Jewish civilization, from the origins of the Jewish people to their struggles for spiritual and physical survival. It is not just an historical record, but also a valuable source of insight into ancient Jewish beliefs and psychology. Consequently, by examining the way gender is portrayed in the Tanakh can give us a better understanding of how gender roles were perceived in the ancient world, and how they continue to shape our modern lives.
In the Tanakh, women are depicted as wise and powerful. It speaks of women receiving prophets, assuming leadership roles in government, challenging oppressive legal structures, and advocating for the rights of the oppressed. Women in the Tanakh had an active role in their society, despite the limits of the historical period in which it was written. The authors of the Tanakh often included female characters, elevating them to important positions and validating their influence on society.
This portrayal of strong female characters in the Tanakh provides an important reminder of the fact that women are capable of leadership, creativity and of making a difference in their communities. It also stands in contrast to the way in which gender issues are often portrayed in modern media, which can also serve to perpetuate gender stereotypes. Examining this type of literature is therefore crucial in understanding the evolution of gender roles over time and promoting greater gender equality in present times.
