This expository essay will discuss the topic of women’s rights in Jewish history and whether there was a struggle or a commitment of faith. There are different views and standpoints from Western civilization in the post-modern era on women’s rights, but one must remember the time and place in which the texts of the Hebrew Bible were written. The women’s rights movements that have taken place since then somewhat blur the meaning behind how and why women practice their faith in Judaism. For one to understand women’s right in Jewish history then one must first take off the lens of the westernized culture and women’s liberation.
The Jewish practice a strict and stringent faith. It requires much dedication from both the male and female followers. …show more content…
This stance is one of understanding. This is the best position to take when discussing matters of faith. One must understand these women are not oppressed, but committed to God and the laws he set for them. I see it as practicing a faith on a level most could not commit to. I find it commendable and inspiration to my own faith. These women serve God before anyone but are respectful to their husbands. The feminist in me says to never submit to male authority but the Christian in me says this is the intended way. It is conflicting, making their stories all the more encouraging. A woman that is dedicated to serving God is appealing to men within the religion as well. In the book of Proverbs, chapter 31:10-31 it describes the virtuous woman as “…worth far more than rubies.” In Reading the Old Testament by Barry L. Bandstra there is some insight given into this scripture. Bandstra points out that wisdom is given the personification of a respectable woman whereas follies were given the simile of an immoral woman. Women have the capability of holding huge sway over their partners, even men of the biblical times knew this fact. This explains why the personification of a woman, whether good or bad, was used as a representation of the realities of life. In practice though this deepens the desire for many women to be virtuous and hold the power of good in their families as well as a desire to be seen as a precious commodity. If one was considered prized, then in turn valuable and able to wield more control over life’s events. This scenario played out in the story of Ruth and of Esther. Both women were seen as virtuous and good women. When it came time for Ruth to ask Boaz to be her redeemer this played an important role in Boaz’s acceptance of this responsibility. Again with Esther, the king, Ahasuerus, found Esther to be favorable and in Esther’s time of need the king listened to Esther’s plea, saving the Jews from
The Jewish practice a strict and stringent faith. It requires much dedication from both the male and female followers. …show more content…
This stance is one of understanding. This is the best position to take when discussing matters of faith. One must understand these women are not oppressed, but committed to God and the laws he set for them. I see it as practicing a faith on a level most could not commit to. I find it commendable and inspiration to my own faith. These women serve God before anyone but are respectful to their husbands. The feminist in me says to never submit to male authority but the Christian in me says this is the intended way. It is conflicting, making their stories all the more encouraging. A woman that is dedicated to serving God is appealing to men within the religion as well. In the book of Proverbs, chapter 31:10-31 it describes the virtuous woman as “…worth far more than rubies.” In Reading the Old Testament by Barry L. Bandstra there is some insight given into this scripture. Bandstra points out that wisdom is given the personification of a respectable woman whereas follies were given the simile of an immoral woman. Women have the capability of holding huge sway over their partners, even men of the biblical times knew this fact. This explains why the personification of a woman, whether good or bad, was used as a representation of the realities of life. In practice though this deepens the desire for many women to be virtuous and hold the power of good in their families as well as a desire to be seen as a precious commodity. If one was considered prized, then in turn valuable and able to wield more control over life’s events. This scenario played out in the story of Ruth and of Esther. Both women were seen as virtuous and good women. When it came time for Ruth to ask Boaz to be her redeemer this played an important role in Boaz’s acceptance of this responsibility. Again with Esther, the king, Ahasuerus, found Esther to be favorable and in Esther’s time of need the king listened to Esther’s plea, saving the Jews from