Women’s Rights and Religious Ritual – Part II

How does a Rabbi explain to women why he won’t shake their hands? And why can’t we find a similar way to avoid embarrassment—our own and our female laity’s?

The notion of equality and egalitarianism calls for equal representation of all people in all areas of life. Yet the Torah explicitly exempts women from a number of mitzvah obligations, many of which are highly visible in the synagogue and community setting.
Part I-Understanding the Exemption: Does this exemption apply only to those mitzvos whose fulfillment is restricted to particular times? Does the unique calling of a Jewish woman impact the scope of her mitzvah obligations?
Is there any substance to the claim ascribing this dispensation to the woman’s “higher level of holiness”? Is this sourced in traditional Torah scholarship?

See also Part II-Mystery of The Mitzvos

What is the origin of this practice and what is the opinion of contemporary halachic authorities?

Married women cover their hair because ‘seiar b’ishah ervah’. Where in the Torah do we find such an idea? Explore the history and practice of this intriguing halachah.

May a female singing hopeful be
trained by a male voice instructor? This paper analyzes a whole host of halachic
issues that are essential to deciding this question. These include a
discussion of the isur of kol isha; the problematic nature of an
occupation that requires direct engagement with those of the opposite gender,
including doctors, schoolteachers and others; the isur of yichud
and its applications, and a number of halachic precedents to facilitate a sound
conclusion.

For much of history, women were relegated to the home, leaving the pursuit of education to their male counterparts. Today, institutions for higher Torah education for women and girls dot the globe. How did Torah study for women evolve?

Study the background, history and halachic issues relevant to Torah education of women and girls.