Women in Judaism: emancipation and tradition in focus!

Women in Judaism: emancipation and tradition in focus!

On March 19, 2025, an important exhibition entitled "Marc Chagall - The Holy Scripture" will take place in the modern gallery in Saarbrücken, which is organized as part of the purim festival. This festival is reminiscent of the inspiring history of Queen Esther, a key figure in Judaism that fought for her people. The lecture by Cantor Benjamin Chait will deal intensively with the representation of female figures in Chagall's art and highlights central topics such as the meaning and dignity of women in Judaism as well as the influence of women on Jewish life and religious tradition.

The exhibition is part of a comprehensive calendar of events in Saarbrücken, which includes culture, sport and leisure activities. In addition to art, the conversation -oriented event "Midrash - interpretation of Jewish texts in conversation" will also throw the light on the role of women in Judaism. This will take place on Sunday, November 6th, in the Jewish teaching house at Friedrichstrasse 31. The project coordinator Anastasia Quensel will lead the event and focus on exceptional women in Jewish texts that act as role models and leaders.

role of women in Judaism

The topics of both events reflect the deeply rooted challenges that women meet in Judaism. The traditional Jewish understanding of religion strictly separates gender roles, with men often responsible for prayer, while women mainly take care of the household and children. This separation is underpinned by the Halacha, the Jewish Religious Act, classified women as "gender" and gives them lower religious classifications. As a result, women in Orthodox communities are excluded from time -bound prayers.

historical perspectives

The roots of Jewish feminism go back to the 19th century when women like Hedwig Dohm and Bertha Pappenheim began to question the social rights of women. Pappenheim founded the "International Council of Jewish Women" in 1912 and resolved the rights of women. Regina Jonas, who was the first rabbin of the world in 1935, symbolically stands for the emancipation of women in Jewish faith.

Although only a few rabbisers are listed in Germany, movements such as "Bet Debora" and "Women of the Wall" have a great impact on the discussion about prayer equality and the role of women in Judaism. These organizations and initiatives try to break up clichés and to promote pluralism within the Jewish currents.

It remains to be seen which new perspectives and discussions will open the events on March 19 and November 6th in Saarbrücken. The deep roots of women in the Jewish faith and their persistent endeavors to equivalence are certainly topics that will continue to remain of great importance in the future.

The email can be used for registration for the event in the Jewish teaching house.