Women in Judaism
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Women: Subservient or Sublime?
As a Jewish woman, I feel that I am subservient to a man, whether it be my father, brother, or husband. In the Torah, it is clear that a woman does not receive an inheritance, may not be the active…
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Women Serving in the Temple
Did women serve in the work in the Holy Temple? If so, in what capacity? Answer: The actual service in the Temple was generally done by the male kohanim and Levites. Women were involved in the building of the Temple,…
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Women Attending a Funeral
My father died last month. My daughter is pregnant with her first child and I would not allow her to attend the funeral. It was my understanding that Jewish lore forbade pregnant women in the cemetery. I am now being…
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A Married Woman Covering Her Hair… in Private?!
I know that married, Jewish women must cover their hair when in front of other men. Yet, why do some women cover their hair in front of their husbands or when they are alone at home? Answer: You are correct…
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Monetary Obligations of a Husband
My husband and I both work, and we have been having some “discussions” regarding the level to which my husband must contribute to household expenses. (Don’t worry, we’re getting marriage counseling.) What are my rights according to Jewish law? Can…
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Women’s Obligation to Learn Torah
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…
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Is Judaism Sexist?
Is our religion sexist? If by “sexist”, you mean “of the opinion that women are inferior to men”, then no, Judaism is not sexist. If by “sexist” you mean “of the opinion that men and women are different – psychologically,…
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Shalom Zachor and Celebrating a Girl’s Birth
Is there any similar ceremony to a Shalom Zachor [customary celebration for the birth of a boy on the Friday night after birth] for the birth of a baby girl? A shalom zachor, by definition, is a party to welcome…
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Women in the Home
What is the importance of women in the home? Why are they more important than men in the home? First of all, both men and women are important in a Jewish home, as both are important in the community. However,…