The Legal and Religious Status of Jewish Women - Year 9 MVPS

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The Legal and Religious Status of Jewish Women - Year 9 MVPS

"The laws relating to women are many and complex."

Under the laws of Judaism in the time of the Old Testament, the status of women was mainly related to upholding the reputation of the men in their lives; first fathers, then husbands. 

Baldock, J 2006, 'Women and the Law', Women in the Bible, Arcturus, London, p. 58.

Within this context, there were some exceptions and notable individuals. Some of these women have significant religious status, to the point of being named as prophetess, as well as social status, some being named leaders or judges and even Queens. Read more below to start your research.

The legal and religious status of Jewish women around the time of Mary, Mother of God.

Library resources

On the shelves

Collection highlights

eReserve

  • Baldock, J 2006, 'Women and the Law', Women in the Bible, Arcturus, London, p. 58.
  • 'Religion' 2019, 'Women: Our History', Dorling Kindersley, London, pp. 66-67.
  • Unterman, A 1991, 'Divorce', Dictionary of Jewish Lore & Legend, Thames and Hudson, London, p. 64.
  • Unterman, A 1991, 'Marriage', Dictionary of Jewish Lore & Legend, Thames and Hudson, London, p. 128.
  • Unterman, A 1991, 'Matriarchs', Dictionary of Jewish Lore & Legend, Thames and Hudson, London, p. 130.
  • Unterman, A 1991, 'Women', Dictionary of Jewish Lore & Legend, Thames and Hudson, London, pp. 205-206.

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Significant women in the time of Mary, Mother of God.

Deborah
Esther
Jael
Miriam
Sarah

Deborah

Deborah, a prophet, a judge and a leader who stands out for her leadership in confrontation with the enemy (Judges 4:1-16; 5:1-23). She is one of only a few women described as a prophetess in the Old Testament.

Library resources

eReserve

  • Unterman, A 1991, 'Deborah', Dictionary of Jewish Lore & Legend, Thames and Hudson, London, p. 60.

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Web resources

Esther

Esther, a Jewish woman who became Queen to the powerful King Ahasuerus. When her people were unjustly threatened with death she interceded with the King to save their lives (Esther 4 and 5).

Library resources

eReserve

  • Unterman, A 1991, 'Esther', Dictionary of Jewish Lore & Legend, Thames and Hudson, London, p. 73.

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Jael

Jael, who saved Israel by killing an enemy leader (Judges 4:17-24; 5:24-31).

Library resources

eReserve

  • Unterman, A 1991, 'Jael', Dictionary of Jewish Lore & Legend, Thames and Hudson, London, p. 102.

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Miriam

Miriam, sister of Moses and Aaron, who together with Moses led the people through the Sea of Reeds to freedom. She is one of only a few woman in the Old Testament to be called a prophetess (Exodus 15:20-21; Numbers 12:2; Micah 6:4).

Library resources

eReserve

  • Unterman, A 1991, 'Miriam', Dictionary of Jewish Lore & Legend, Thames and Hudson, London, p. 136.

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Web resources

Sarah

Sarah, the wife of Abraham, through whom the covenant was made real (Genesis 12:11).

Library resources

eReserve

  • Unterman, A 1991, 'Sarah', Dictionary of Jewish Lore & Legend, Thames and Hudson, London, pp. 172-173.

AV resources

Web resources