A Woman's Place

Posted on 1:23PM October 24, 2004 | Email This

by Jordana Schoor

“A woman’s place is in the home.” Today, this maxim has an entirely new connotation: a woman’s domain is not exclusively in the home, but it is certainly a place where she can express herself and her love of and commitment to Torah.

Many advances in women’s public roles in Jewish life have been noted: female leaders serving as teachers, scholars, congregational interns and yo’atzot Halakha have been canvassed across the press. However, little mention is made of the many “quieter” ways women improve their religious lives. This neglected area, of a more intimate nature, is to be noted for its effect on the spiritual growth and contribution of women.

Stemming from the desire to be involved, to educate their sons and daughters about voluntary devotion to God, or simply an instinctive modeling of a beautiful system, women have creatively found their voices in their homes. The voices are not only answering amen or facilitating mitzva observance, but women are actively involved. Friday night services have been extended--women bless their children, recite Ribbon kol ha-olamim, make ha-motzi, offer a dvar Torah or lead a zimmun (in the absence of three men.) Rosh Chodesh groups meet with divrei Torah, bridal showers become chesed events or siyumim, and children no longer need wait for their fathers to come home to study Gemara. If “a woman’s place is in the home,” then women are bringing home Torah in an unprecedented manner.

These changes, perceived as evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, are to be celebrated. Without causing a public stir, these intimate innovations leave an indelible mark upon family, friends, and most importantly, upon the women themselves. The voice of the woman is heard loud and clear, singing glory to God and His Torah.