The three main streams of Judaism — Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform — differ in a number of ways, not the least of which is the role of women in the religion (for example the ordination of female rabbis). The video and articles linked below offer Orthodox perspectives on this important topic. (They do not necessarily represent the views of AmazingJews.org or Project Star of David.) We’ll present the positions of other streams of Judaism in upcoming editions of this website.
Quote: “In the past 30 years, scores of teshuvot, or responsa (written rabbinic answers to specific legal questions) have been written about women’s issues. The liberal denominations have addressed women’s leadership of public prayer and the entrance of women into the rabbinate and cantorate, while Orthodox responsa have covered issues such as women’s prayer groups and women’s recitation of the mourner’s kaddish.
“Many of these Orthodox responsa address not only the legality of such innovations but also the social ramifications of change. One of the concerns reflected is that innovating tradition — even when it is permissible under Jewish law — could position the community on a ‘slippery slope,’ leading to practices which do conflict with Jewish law.”
— My Jewish Learning
Learn about the role of women in Judaism from Wikipedia. ►
Watch “What the World Gets Wrong About Women in Judaism” [14:16]. ►
Read “Overview: Women in Traditional Jewish Sources” ►
Read “Judaism 101: The Role of Women” ►
Photo: Alberta Jewish News
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