The Roles of Men and Women in Judaism

This section explores the roles of men and women in Judaism. In Judaism, the roles of men and women have been a subject of interpretation for centuries, with different branches offering varying perspectives based on religious texts and modern-day views. The Jewish teachings on gender roles often stem from the creation narrative in Genesis, but also include other parts of the Torah and Jewish law that have been interpreted in different ways by various Jewish traditions.

Equality in Creation

Many Jews point to the creation story in Genesis 1:27 as evidence of the inherent equality between men and women. The verse states:

“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness... So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

This passage suggests that men and women were created at the same time and are both made in God’s image, which many Jews interpret as indicating that they have equal status before God. This idea is central to the belief that men and women should be treated with equal respect and dignity.

The Issue of Gender Roles

However, the concept of gender equality is complicated by another passage in the Torah. Genesis 3:16 states:

“Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”

This verse, often referred to as part of the story of the Fall of Man, is interpreted by some Jews as evidence that men and women have distinct roles, with men being placed in a position of authority over women. This has been a key passage used historically to justify gendered roles in Jewish law and society, with men being seen as the primary breadwinners and leaders, and women as caretakers of the home and family.

For example, in traditional Jewish communities, men are often responsible for public prayer, leading the synagogue service, and making important family decisions, while women are expected to focus on the domestic sphere, raising children, and ensuring the spiritual well-being of the family. This interpretation has influenced how gender roles are viewed in more conservative Jewish communities.

Progressive Views on Gender Roles

In contrast, Liberal and Reform Judaism offer a more modern interpretation, emphasising that the Torah should be reinterpreted in light of contemporary values, including gender equality. Both branches assert that men and women are equal in all aspects of life, including religious practice and leadership.

For example, Liberal Judaism permits the ordination of female rabbis and allows women to serve as leaders in the synagogue. In some Reform synagogues, female rabbis lead services, deliver sermons, and perform religious duties just as their male counterparts do. This reflects a shift away from traditional gender roles, where men were seen as the sole religious leaders.

In fact, female rabbis have made significant contributions to Jewish communities around the world. In 1972, Sally Priesand became the first woman to be ordained as a rabbi in the United States, and many Reform and Liberal Jewish communities now have female rabbis leading their congregations. This highlights a growing acceptance of gender equality in religious leadership roles.

Gender Roles in the Home

In traditional Jewish communities, there is often a clear division of roles within the family. Men are generally expected to focus on work and the external affairs of the family, while women take on the roles of managing the home, caring for the children, and maintaining family traditions, such as preparing meals for Shabbat. However, even within these communities, the exact roles of men and women can vary depending on the level of Orthodoxy and the interpretation of Jewish law.

In more liberal Jewish families, these roles are often more flexible, with both men and women sharing the responsibilities of raising children, managing the household, and working outside the home. For example, in some Reform and Masorti Jewish families, both partners may work full-time, and domestic chores and child-rearing responsibilities are divided equally.

The Role of Women in Jewish Rituals

Another area where gender roles come into play is within religious rituals. In Orthodox Judaism, women are generally not permitted to serve as rabbi, cantor, or lead minyan (prayer quorum) because of traditional interpretations of halakhah (Jewish law). Women are also traditionally not allowed to read from the Torah in the presence of men, nor can they be counted in a minyan. However, there are exceptions, and some Orthodox communities have adapted to allow women greater participation in synagogue services, such as women-only prayer groups or Torah readings.

In Reform and Conservative Judaism, women can participate equally in religious rituals, and women are encouraged to take an active role in leading prayers and reading from the Torah. For example, women can be called to the Torah for an aliyah (the honour of being called up to read from the Torah) in Reform synagogues, just as men can.

Examples of Women in Jewish Leadership

There are numerous examples of women in Jewish history who have held significant roles within their communities. Golda Meir, Israel’s first female prime minister, is an example of a Jewish woman who broke through political barriers and took on a leadership role. Additionally, Judith Plaskow, a Jewish feminist theologian, has written extensively on the roles of women in Jewish life and has been instrumental in challenging traditional views of gender in Judaism.

In some modern Jewish communities, women are also taking on leadership roles in various spheres of Jewish life, such as serving as executive directors of Jewish organisations, community organisers, and educators.

The roles of men and women in Judaism are viewed differently across the various branches of the religion. Traditional interpretations, based on verses like Genesis 3:16, suggest that men and women have distinct roles, with men holding leadership positions in both religious and domestic spheres. However, Liberal and Reform Judaism have worked towards interpreting the Torah in a way that supports gender equality, allowing women to take on religious leadership roles and to share equally in domestic responsibilities. These changes reflect the evolving understanding of gender in the modern world and show that Jewish thought and practice can adapt to the needs and values of contemporary society.