 |
|
 |
Judaism is a monotheistic religion that places human beings uniquely at the top of God’s creation. Although the book of Genesis describes the creation of the first man, Adam, as the culmination of God’s creative endeavors, it also emphasizes that man was not complete by himself. God looked for a helper suitable to Adam’s needs. When nothing in the rest of creation met this criterion, God took a rib from Adam and made the first women, Eve. In the beginning, man and women appear to be on an equal footing as they both tend the Garden of Eden. This equality ends, however, when Eve gives into the serpent’s temptation and then persuades Adam to follow her example. The consequences of these actions set the stage for the role of women for centuries to come. Men would now rule women, yet women would always want a relationship with men in spite of their dominance.
The first five books of the Old Testament, the Pentateuch or Torah, lay the foundation for Jewish life and religious practice. Although maintaining the dominant role of men (no woman could serve in the priesthood or enter as far into the Temple), it elevated women above the role of mere property and demanded respect and fair treatment of all women. For instance, Deuteronomy 22 describes some of the laws that prevent any man from taking sexual advantage of a woman. In fact, if a man raped a virgin who was not engaged, he had to pay the father a bride price, marry the girl and was further prohibited from ever divorcing her.
Throughout the rest of the Old Testament, women are presented in significant roles of leadership and importance. The book of Judges briefly describes the contributions of Deborah who, much like Joan of Arc, victoriously led her people spiritually and in war. Solomon ended the book of Proverbs with a chapter praising the invaluable worth of a virtuous wife. He describes her role as mother, household manager and entrepreneur.
Modern Judaism defines a Jew as anyone whose mother was Jewish. The role of Jewish women, though not always appearing to be equal to men, is absolutely central to this religion.
|
 |
|
|
