Torah of the Mothers: Contemporary Jewish Women Read Classical Jewish Texts

Plot

This interesting but important book brings together writings by 23 Orthodox Jewish women, Torah scholars all, but none of them rabbis or feminists, as in more liberal divisions of Judaism. In certain ways, these essays do not differ much from other contemporary Torah commentaries here, as in similar works, are close reading of Torah and applications of its meaning to modern life. Yet these women are aware of the complexity and irony of their situation, as they reflect on themes such as the exile of the Shekhinah or the search for authentic identity. The collection should be thought provoking for thoughtful Jewish readers of all persuasions.