Can Orthodox Jewish Women Study the Torah?

Yes, absolutely. Under Jewish law, Orthodox Jewish women are encouraged and often participate in the study of the Torah. This study extends far beyond just understanding the commandments applicable to them; it includes deep engagement with texts such as the Prophets and Writings, as well as broader topics of Jewish law and theology.

Laws and Obligations

According to traditional Jewish Law, men have the primary obligation to actively study the Torah every day. For women, while they do not face the same daily obligation, Jewish law still places a strong emphasis on knowledge and practice. Women have the commandment to encourage their husbands to study the Torah, reflecting a reciprocal role in the spiritual life of the home.

However, women are generally discouraged from studying theoretical cases as discussed in The Talmud. This is rooted in the fact that under Jewish Law, a woman is not allowed to sit on a court as a judge. Therefore, she cannot rule on Jewish law or serve as a witness on matters not pertaining to her person.

Education in Orthodox Schools

Orthodox Jewish women often go to religious schools where they engage in intensive study of the Torah, Prophets, and Writings. These schools provide a deep understanding of Jewish texts and law through rigorous academic programs. Furthermore, women are educated on how to actively participate in and lead their homes according to Jewish law.

Many children, including both boys and girls, attend Jewish day schools, or yeshivas, where they study various texts such as the Gemorrah, Talmud, and Mishnah. While boys often stay in Israel for advanced study, girls are also given the same opportunities to study the Torah and Talmud. For example, my two older children, a boy and a girl, both studied long hours in rigorous yeshivot in Israel. There was never any suggestion that women should not study. In fact, my Orthodox synagogue’s retired Rabbi, who is a respected scholar, fully supports women's involvement in Torah study.

Role in the Home

In Judaism, the home is considered the central place where religious practices are carried out. Women play a crucial role in this by educating their children and maintaining the religious observance within the household. They are responsible for the first five years of a child's upbringing and need to understand the laws well enough to put them into practice fully at home.

Beyond this, women are key in establishing and maintaining the religious environment of the home, as Judaism is a 24/7 lived religion. Important commandments such as keeping kosher, observing the Sabbath, and saying blessings before and after meals are all carried out in the home. Girls and women's education in Torah is therefore taken very seriously, as it supports the continuity of Jewish life and observance.

Conclusion

Orthodox Jewish women can and do study the Torah for the same reasons that men do. It is an essential part of their spiritual and communal life. Whether in religious schools, synagogues, or the home, women are deeply engaged in the study and practice of Judaism, ensuring the continuity and vitality of their faith.