Down-trodden ultra-orthodox women slaving in their kitchens – drowned by vast uncontrolled families – ruled over by stern, misogynist men hiding behind beards and black clothing – trapped by arranged marriages – subjugated by fundamentalist Jewish courts … I dare not go on, because if she reads this, my wife will really laugh too much for her own good.
These insane fables about the orthodox Jewish woman are far more ridiculous than the ubiquitous Jewish mother or mother-in-law myths. Real Judaism’s feminism is more powerful and liberating than any which has emerged, entirely justifiably, in the last two centuries. Man’s inhumanity to man is often mentioned – but his inhumanity to woman has been really utterly ignored. This is because he has created an entirely false set of standards and behaviors against which to measure success. It really is not ‘a man’s world’. Yet, modern feminism has fallen into the trap of fighting for rights to be just like men. This is ridiculous. Look at men! Which sane woman really wants that?! Real Judaism never allowed this and indeed insists on precisely the opposite.
The Boss applied her lazer-sharp intellect to Real Judaism and began to examine the evidence. Indeed, the singular and truly great women she met astonished and greatly impressed her. Here were truly-emancipated women not forced to complete with men, nor be compared to them. These were women who ran their worlds and steered their families through every situation. Here were women who could indeed fulfil the unique abilities of women whilst taking an equal part in every aspect of life.
Now you need to know that the Boss was offered places at both Oxford and Cambridge to read one of the most over-subscribed subjects – philosophy; That is unusual. After Oxford she also did law, came top in the country in the Finals and eventually became a backroom mastermind for the Government legal department – writing out the briefs which the idiots in wigs had to bray about in court.
This young lady not only calls a spade a spade, she hits you with it – in her subtle, gentle and genteel manner. She relies on excruciating logic, absolutely no emotional blackmail and drilling right down to the irrefutable proof. She rejected plastic Judaism, like all of us, but embraced Real Judaism, when at last she met it.
I mention her because the above myths about the oppressed orthodox Jewish woman are really laughable. You will learn all about our redoubtable, utterly-liberated women as we progress. It is important to emphasise that we honour and rely on women. ‘Mummy’s always right!’
When talking about modern feminism, discussions often revolve around gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the historical role of women. But what if Real Judaism already embodies a ‘real feminism’—one that liberates women from any comparison to men’s ridiculous behaviours. Even more so, the expectation is that women must be better than men in imitating them and competing with them. Ignore them!
Men’s predation and opinions about appearance and behaviour have created thousands of years of oppression and abuse. But such behaviour and attitudes are utterly forbidden in Real Judaism. Men must respect women, not stare at them, only address them with respect and as if talking to a person of significance – unless they are part of the family. Unmarried men and women have absolutely no contact socially whatsoever.
Yes, the really old fashioned values. We are extremely proud of them. Mock if you like. But it works. Remember, you lot are dying out – in a childless, utterly ‘free’, woke hypocritical swamp. Just look how women are still forced to dress when ‘dressing up’. They are not following their free choice. They are given no choice by the evil, titillating, obscene fashion world. Let them dress in suitably modified standard evening dress – with bow-ties!! Just see how many women would agree to that!!
Real Judaism places women, yes, at the heart of family. But it also gives the women the role as queen and major advisor to her spouse. ‘Mummy’s always right’ is the motto. Real Judaism has never ever simply dumped childcare and kitchen duties on the poor down-trodden house slave. Contrary to common misconceptions, Orthodox Judaism and its traditions celebrate women as powerful, capable leaders and decision-makers. This isn’t about modern secular interpretations; it’s about the timeless empowerment found in Torah-based Judaism. Let’s explore how women in Judaism have shaped history, culture, and faith, proving that true feminism thrives within these ancient principles.
Historical Women Leaders in Judaism: From Deborah to Esther
Jewish history is rich with examples of strong, influential women who defied expectations and led their people. These biblical women leaders demonstrate that real feminism is in fact Jewish feminism!
Deborah the Judge: Around 800 years before King Solomon there was the era of the Judges, or Shoftim in Hebrew. Deborah emerged as Israel’s central leader. At a time when the nation was governed by religious figures overseeing pastoral communities and local courts, this so-called “misogynistic” society chose a woman for the helm. Deborah’s wisdom, charisma, and strategic prowess rallied the people against their oppressors. When hesitant male generals insisted she join them in battle, their victory was attributed to “a woman.” This was centuries before figures like Cleopatra shared power in Egypt through dynastic ties alone.
- Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, and Rachel: These matriarchs were the foundations of the Jewish people. Sarah boldly influenced Abraham to expel his other wife, ensuring the lineage’s purity. Rebecca orchestrated events to secure the birthright for Jacob. There would be no Jews or Judaism without them!
- Miriam and Yochebed: Moses’ sister and mother bravely defied all of Pharaoh’s decrees, thus saving the future leader of Israel and standing against Egypt’s might.
- Ruth and Naomi: Through resilience and faith, they overcame adversity, founding the royal line of King David, a royal house that ruled for centuries.
- Esther and other Heroines: Queen Esther saved her people from attempted genocide, while Yael single-handedly defeated the enemy general Sisera. These stories highlight true women’s empowerment in Judaism, where females often guided men back to the “straight and narrow.” It doesn’t say for no reason that we, as the Jewish people, will merit the final redemption due to the righteous women. Not righteous men, but righteous women!
These examples show that women in Orthodox Judaism have wielded power for millennia, long before modern feminist movements. Unlike secular societies that took centuries to recognize female leaders, Judaism has probably the longest tradition of valuing women’s intuition and strength.
The Everyday Empowerment: Jewish Women’s Roles in Family and Society
In real Judaism, the matrilineal descent—where Jewish identity passes through the mother—underscores women’s centrality. Again, the Jewish woman is the “heart and soul” of the home and community. They are busy managing businesses, families, and financial decisions while men focus on Torah study – unless they must bring in an income..
- The Woman of Valor (Eshet Chayil): King Solomon’s poetic tribute in Proverbs 31 praises his mother as a “pearl beyond price.” Every Friday night, Orthodox Jewish families sing this poem at the Shabbat table, honoring the woman as she rests, not labors. This ritual celebrates her as, indeed, the queen of the home, far from stereotypes of a slave or overbearing “Jewish mother.” As to mothers-in-law ….
- Decision making and Independence: Talmudic teachings emphasize respecting wives—never causing sadness, prioritizing her needs (like new clothes), and recognizing her as the temporal leader. “Mummy’s always right” isn’t a joke; it’s a core principle!
- Business and Leadership: For thousands of years, Jewish women have run enterprises and households, ensuring Judaism’s survival. During the Exodus, women refused to worship the Golden Calf, preserving faith when men faltered.
This structure isn’t subjugation; it’s a balanced system where women handle practical matters, allowing men their spiritual focus. It highlight women’s stabilizing role.
True Jewish Feminism vs. Secular Misconceptions
Modern feminism often critiques Jewish traditions as patriarchal, but Jewish orthodox women, often of course brilliant minds and objective intellectuals, see them as liberating. Secular society has debased women by emphasizing external beauty and “freedom” that mirrors men’s flaws, leading to objectification and inequality.
- Dress as Empowerment: In Judaism, a woman’s appearance expresses self-respect and independence, not allure for others. Dressing so as not to show off her appearance for men, elevates her status, freeing her from societal pressures and ogling. This counters millennia of mistreatment, and our present woke world in which many women still must pander to men. Think any wealthy, society celebration and the dress the fashionable woman must wear. Most look as if they are dressed for swimming. – only because of male inspired values.
- Eve as the Life-Giver: From the Torah’s beginning, Eve (Chava, meaning “life-giver”) counters the serpent’s base instincts, symbolizing women’s role in elevating humanity above animalistic urges.
- Avoiding Overreaction: True freedom isn’t behaving “as badly as men” or deriving power from male weakness. Instead, Jewish feminism celebrates women’s inner beauty, strength, and fulfillment in a Torah-centered world.
So by embracing these principles, women achieve genuine liberty—not a reaction to historical subjugation but a celebration of their divinely ordained role.
Real Judaism, the Ultimate Feminism
In summary, the role of women in Judaism is one of profound power and respect. Sarah, Leah, Rachel, Rebecca, Tamar, Yochebed, Miriam, Zipporah, Deborah, Yael, Naomi, Ruth, Esther all changed our history and kept their menfolk on the straight and narrow. The same is true of the modern, everyday matriarchs. Jewish women have driven history and preserved faith. This true Jewish feminism contrasts with modern secular distortions, offering a model of empowerment rooted in tradition, modesty, and true spiritual equality.
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