Evaluate role and view of women in traditional Judaism and then describe the role and view of Jewish women today with the influences of modernity and feminism. Compare and contrast these two approaches.
Traditional Judaism has shown a bit of apathy towards the overall development of women. In this context, it must be cited that, in the sphere of education the scope of flourishing for women had been a limited in an orthodox manner. It must be noted in this regard that, "There has been a tradition of Torah teaching and learning by and for men" ("Judaism and Women", 2012). This hints on the concept of male chauvinism which reigned supreme in the domain of traditional Judaism. But this is just one side of the story and there is another side going through which one can learn how women have been glorified in traditional Judaism for their contribution to the protection of the Jewish nation and to the spread of education and learning. For an example, Esther has always been considered as the savior due to the danger she underwent for the sake of the nation, "and her declaration of a day of celebration and feasting, was the act of a woman who had carried out a dangerous mission and felt a need to perpetuate the mission, not only in the deepest social and national sense but also as something of profound significance to her own life" ("Judaism and Women", 2012). The historical context of Esther might point towards an early phase of Jewish feminism.
Modernity and feminism did change the sphere of Judaism for women and paved the way for the Jewish women to become self-sufficient, learned, and to convey their authority in terms of interpreting the Jewish holy texts like the Torah. In this regard, the example of NehamaLeibowitz must be given. A pioneer in the realm of Jewish religious studies and Jewish education, Leibowitz issued her renowned "gilyonot" on the weekly Torah portions ("Judaism and Women", 2012), and the Jewish community allowed her to render such commentary on the most important religious scripture of Judaism hinting on the fact that the modern Jewish community is gradually welcoming the growth and prosperity of women in every those aspect of the social and religious life on which once only the Jewish male had the authority.
References:
Judaism and Women (n.d.). NSW Board of Jewish Education. Retrieved September 10, 2015, from https://www.bje.org.au/learning/judaism/basic/women.html
Ellwood, R. S., & McGraw, B. A. (2014). Many peoples, many faiths: women and men in the world religions. Boston: Pearson.