HOW DOES THE UTJ VIEW THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN JUDAISM?
The UTJ affirms that Jewish tradition reserves for men and women distinct religious roles of equal importance. These roles are complementary but not interchangeable. Hence, the UTJ is not “egalitarian” as that term is currently understood, but maintains that Halakhah allows some latitude for women’s participation in synagogue ritual. The UTJ upholds the Talmudic rule (Mishnah Kiddushin 1:7, Bavli 29a) exempting Jewish women from positive time-bound commandments. This rule – and its few legitimate exceptions – are codified by Maimonides (Hilkhot Avodah Zarah 12:3). While women may assume commandments from which they are exempt, voluntary obligations never rise to the level of legal obligations. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 3:8, Bavli 29a) rules that only a legally obligated Jew may discharge ritual obligations for the public. Thus, even women who assume the obligation of public worship thrice daily are ineligible to serve as prayer leaders of men. The Codes concur (Maimonides Hilkhot Shofa
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- HOW DOES THE UTJ VIEW THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN JUDAISM?
