Question: I noticed in Chapter 6 of Pirkei Avot that a lot of the statements of the Sages have to do with Torah study. In what way should women (who do not have a requirement to study Torah) internalize these lessons for themselves?

Answer: First of all, women do have an obligation to study those parts of Torah that are relevant to them—especially halacha (Jewish law), but also practical hashkafa (Jewish philosophy) studies such as Tanach, ethical teachings, and… Pirkei Avot! However, they don’t have the constant obligation to study that men have—no obligation to establish a set learning schedule—for the same reasons they are generally exempt from mitzvos aseh shehazman grama (time-bound mitzvos)—the demands made on them by the needs of children, husband, and home would be too hard to meet if they had the same obligations as men.

Nevertheless, they get reward for each time they study, and they certainly must equip themselves with the Torah knowledge necessary to live an inspired Jewish life in consonance with Jewish law.

Additionally, a mother who takes her children to learn Torah, and a wife who enables her husband to learn Torah, acquires an equal share in their learning. By doing carpool, helping a young child with homework, encouraging a husband to go out at night to learn after a hard day’s work, or making a quiet haven in some corner of their home where her husband can learn, the Jewish woman acquires those spiritual heights that men acquire by Torah learning. As the great Rabbi Akiva said to his students when greeting his wife, “All that is yours and all that is mine [i.e. in terms of Torah accomplishments] is really hers.”

I would like to add, that it is very important for a husband to acknowledge and appreciate what his wife does to make it possible for him to learn – whether he is learning full time or designates set times to learn after work. She must show him respect for his Torah learning, and he must show her respect and appreciation for providing the home and haven that she does. Ideally, this mutual esteem and respect will enable them to raise sons and daughters who love and esteem Torah learning.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Azriel Schreiber

[Editor – See here for an expanded discussion on gender roles in Judaism.]