Women in Judaism Flashcards
What is the position of women in Judaism determined by?
The Hebrew Bible, rabbinic literature, and socio-cultural factors in which Jewish community lived. Classic Jewish sources such as rabbinic literature contain quotes that may be seen as derogatory of women. But some scholars maintained that the position of women in Judaism is not as lowly as many modern people think.
How are women portrayed in the Bible?
Women are portrayed as both equals and subordinates to men.
- Genesis 1: 26-28 tells us that both male and female were created simultaneously in the image of God
- But Genesis 2:4-25 maintains that woman is a secondary creation, formed from man’s body to fulfill male needs for companionship and progeny.
How are women portrayed in rabbinic literature?
- rabbinic tradition is far more comfortable with a tradition of male priority in Genesis
- within the rabbinic literature, women re described as a separate people
Describe the circumstances of women as resulting from rabbinic literature.
- women were isolated from a access to public authority and power
- women sexual appeal was considered a source of danger than can lead to social disruption
- outside of the synagogue, rabbinic Judaism advises limited contact between men and women who are not married to each other
- like ancient Near Easter society in general, the rabbinic tradition also controls women’s sexual activity
According to rabbinic tradition, could a man properly recite the Shema while he hears a woman’s voice?
no
What was a result of the thinking in the rabbinic tradition regarding women?
This thinking led to a physical barrier between men and women in the synagogue.
What does the majority of the control in rabbinic Judaism have to do with?
relations between men
What is the logic of men’s sexual control and the law that supports it?
- a man is executed for having intercourse with some’s wife, because he has committed a crime of theft against a man
- a man is not executed for seducing or raping a virgin, not because of the difference in what the man did but because of the difference in who “owned” the right to the women’s sexuality
the latter pays a bride price to her father and marries her
What is the negative roles of women in rabbinic literature the produce of? Describe.
- the negative roles of women in rabbinic literature are the produce of socio-cultural values in which Jewish community lived and interacted
- when agricultural work and childbearing were central to Jewish society, the role of men and women was relatively egalitarian
- but when the political state emerged and religious life was institutionalized, women were increasingly excluded from the public and lost access to community authority
How is marriage regarded in Judaism?
Marriage and sexual relations in Judaism are regarded as a natural and highly desirable state for human beings. The Bible encourages everyone to marry and raise children
Why are sexual relations encouraged within Judaism within the sanctified bounds of marriage?
Both for the purpose of reproduction and for the pleasure they bring to the couple
What is the Ketubah?
In Judaism, marriage is sanctified with a contract, called the Ketubaj
What is the purpose of the Ketubah?
to protect the economic rights of the wives.
What happens in the case of divorce or if the husband died before the wife in Judaism?
in the case of divorce or the the husband died before her, should would receive a ‘bride price’ from the husband’s estate
Why does the Ketubah not have much official power in today’s modern world?
Since the legal obligations of spouses are set by the laws of the state.
True or False: Jewish communities still value the practice and sign the Ketubah when they get married.
True
Where can a Jewish wedding take place?
almost anywhere
Why is a rabbi resent at the wedding?
to make sure that the marriage contract (ketubah) is property prepared and appropriate procedures are followed
What is the chuppah?
During the ceremony, the couple stands under a chuppah (a wedding canopy). The Chuppah symbolized the home that the couple will create.
What does the wedding ceremony conclude with?
- the breaking of the glass.
- the sound of shattering glass is greater with joyful shouts “mazel tov’ (congratulations!) throughout the wedding place.
What does the glass breaking ritual symbolize?
- the destruction of the Jewish Temple
- the remainder that even in happy time, one must be aware that life also brings sadness and pain
- other suggested that it reminds the couple that life and love are fragile and must be protected
How is divorce viewed in Judaism?
- Divorce is regarded as a legal institution
- Despite its legality, divorce is strongly discouraged
How does the Bible describe divorce? (who has the authority, consent, and conditions).
- the Bible gives the power of divorce to the husband who would then present the divorce decree, called a ‘get,’ to the wife
- as a rule, mutual consent is required before the divorce takes legal effect
- the text of the ‘get’ often stipulates a financial settlement and provisions for the return of property that rightfully belongs to the wife
What is the Agunah: a woman chained?
- there are cases that put women in a very unfortunate situation
- women and no authority over a gets stipulation: a husband could refuse to grant his wife a get even when ordered to do so by rabbinic court
- a wife could also find herself ‘chained’ if her husband had left on a journey and not returned, had died and not be found, or had mentally incapacitated
What happens to a woman who is ‘chained’?
Women who are chained cannot remarry; if she were to have a child with another man, the child would be considered a mazer, that is, a child of forbidden relations.
Describe the Jewish bloodlines according the the Halavah (the material in Talmud of legal nature).
- the Halavah: the mother’s status a s a Jew determines the status of her children to be a Jew by birth
How do Orthodox and Conservative view bloodline?
A child is Jewish only if the mother is Jewish either by birth or by conversion in an Orthodox or Conservative synagogue.
How do the Reforms and Reconstructionist view bloodlines?
Do not consider the Halakah’s concept of matrilineal binding. A child is consider a jewish person if either parent is Jewish, as long s the child is raised as a Jew and adopts a Jewish identity.
True or False: Conversion has always been a matter of contention in Jewish community around the world.
True
True or False: Converts were accepted since the beginning of Jewish history. Wives of Jewish leaders were converts.
True
Describe rabbis rejecting potential contest three times.
Rabbis often rejected potential converts three times, and if they remained adamant in their desire to convert, they would then allow them to begin the process
True or False: A conversion is accordance with the process of a denomination is not a guarantee of recognition by another denomination.
True
How does gender equality differ between Jewish denominations? (answer for Conservatives, reforms, and reconstructionist)
- The Conservatives, Reforms, and Reconstructionist ordained women to the rabbinate. Female participation in synagogue worships are allowed.
How does gender equality happen with Orthodox women?
Orthodox women cannot become rabbis, cannot make quorum (member of a minyan), and cannot be called to read from the Torah in synagogue service. Many women participate int eh study of the Torah.
True or False: The contention and dialogic process of a woman’s role continues in Jewish communities.
True
What is the Orthodox and Conservative attitude towards gays and lesbians?
Maintain that male homosexual intercourse is unacceptable
How do the Reforms and Reconstructionist view gays and lesbians?
Advocate full equality and accept both same-sex marriage, including ordination of gays and lesbians as rabbis
True or False: the Bible makes no reference to Lesbianism
True
How does rabbinic tradition view gays and lesbians?
- Rabbinic tradition considers it (lesbianism) a minor offence; not a serious transgression as male homosexuality
- Rabbinic perspective: a sexual act is penetration by the male; in the absence of penetration, lesbianism cannot violate the law.
