Jewish Scene
Religious parents: Let girls study Talmud
Kobi Nahshoni
Published: 20.09.12, 13:09
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18 Talkbacks for this article
1. They should learn house keeping and baby care
David ,   Haifa, Israel   (09.20.12)
2. housekeeping
john ,   toronto   (09.20.12)
I think men should also learn housekeeping and baby care. That will make them more empathetic without which it is impossible to serve God. There are no set rules that women are good at only set things, sometimes it is the men who are better at some tasks.
3. Religious parents?
Yehuda ,   Ashdod, Israel   (09.20.12)
But which religion? Judaism, in the very Talmud that these parents want their daughters to learn, states clearly that there is no positive value in teaching women the Talmud.
4. Let Tamud be free choice for girls...
ORA ,   JERUSALEM   (09.20.12)
I think there will be only a few who will chose to learn Talmud,since they wont have any use of it in their married life. Moreover,as most men are not excited at the idea of a wife learning Talmud,they might have difficulties finding a good Shiduh.
5. Not allowed, period
Loyal Jew ,   Israel   (09.20.12)
Torah forbids girls to learn talmud (gemara) and now these moderns come along with their innovations. Shame on them.
6. Boys should learn less
Larry Lennhoff ,   NJ, USA   (09.20.12)
I favor equal access to Talmud study, but I also favor a more balanced curriculum that includes study of Tanach, Mishnah and halachic codes and comentaries. Rather than starting Talmud in 5th grade, children should begin with Mishnayot and codes and only start formal Talmud study in 8th grade or later. Pirke Avot's recommendation says learn Torah at 5, Mishnah at 8 and Talmud at 15. We should educate our students according to those guidelines.
7. What would Devorah, the Shophetet & Neviah say?
Paqid Yirmeyahu ,   Ra'anana, Israel   (09.20.12)
8. wow
(09.20.12)
so basically what you are saying is that the web browser you used to write this comment was invented by primitive conservatives?
9. Options
Sherlock Holmes ,   London England   (09.20.12)
There is no technical reason girls cannot voluntarily study Talmud, but traditionally they have preferred Tanach [Bible] with commentaries and Siddur [prayer book]. If some schools want to integrate a Talmud option into the girls curriculum that should not be a problem.
10. #1 - go back to your cave.
Chaya ,   Bat Yam   (09.20.12)
11. Ridiculous comments
Haya ,   Tel Aviv   (09.20.12)
What ridiculous comments: learn housekeeping and baby care....no positive in teaching women the Talmud....not allowed, period....they might have difficulty finding a shidduch! I can't believe I'm living in the same century with these people. Or on the same planet.
12. What's the matter guys, afraid of the competition?
Raymond in DC ,   Washington, USA   (09.20.12)
"Loyal Jew" can't point to *anywhere* in the Torah where it forbids girls to learn talmud - because neither Mishna nor Talmud existed then. But it *does* say that the Torah should be read publicly before the *entire* public every 7 years. That means the women too. Once upon a time women didn't study the natural sciences, engineering, law or medicine. Today they do, in large numbers. Why should Talmud be any different? Apropos, a handful of women *have* been studying Talmud at Hebrew U, JTS and a few colleges in the US in recent years. As to ORA's suggestion such study "won't have any use" in their married life, one might ask what use is it to HIS married life. Let me guess. Study of Torah is his "occupation".
13. #1
Elon   (09.21.12)
I think that is sarcasm. Pretty sure he agrees with you.
14. Not an issue in America
Charlie Hall ,   Bronx   (09.23.12)
There are many Orthodox schools in America where women learn Talmud. Adult women, too -- my wife attends a daf yomi shiur. This is one area in which Israel is backward and America progressive. Hopefully Israel will catch up soon.
15. double standard
Odelia Miriam Drugu ,   Potsdam   (09.23.12)
@ Yehuda, do you do everything that is written in the Talmud???
16. we should ask
daniela   (09.23.12)
Bruria, Rabbi Meir´swife her opinion. As I understand she was a great Talmud scholar, and it was in her time (and maybe because she was great) that the rabanim decided to ban Talmud for women. She was completelly against this ban.
17. Reply to 3. No value in teaching girls Talmud
Danny ,   London England   (09.23.12)
There is such a view expressed by scholars such as Maimonides, but throughout history there have been exceptional women who have excelled in Talmudics. Rashi's daughters may have penned the Rashi commentary to Tractate Nedarim, for instance. Girls are not encouraged, but they are also not prohibited.
18. Number 11 sense of humour?
Joseph ,   London UK   (09.23.12)
Unlike you I assume some of the views you quote are just expressing a dry sense of humour. I really hope I'm right! Regarding shidduchim one wants a life partner with good health, intelligence, good character, the same level of religous observance and the ability to cope financially. Good looks help! Who cares if the girl chose a Talmud option in high school?
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