What is the Jewish Understanding of a Woman's Role in Marriage?

Question

We have three religions, a bit related historically.

Islam seems to say,

"Men are superior to women on account of the qualities with which God has gifted the one above the other, and on account of the outlay they make from their substance for them. Virtuous women are obedient, careful, during the husband's absence, because God has of them been careful. But chide those for whose refractoriness you have cause to fear; remove them into beds apart, and scourge them: but if they are obedient to you, then seek not occasion against them: verily, God is High, Great!" (Quran, 4:34)

St. Paul seems to say,

"Let the woman learn in silence, with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to use authority over the man: but to be in silence." (1 Timothy 2:11-12)

What is Jewish religious law regarding a woman's role in marriage? Actually curious, not trying to inflame.

By the way, I understand there is controvery regarding Islam's treatment of women and what those versus mean.

I also understand there is controversy regarding Christianity's treatment of women and their role in marriage.

I have read the various posts on those religions. So I'm just trying to educate myself now regarding something I really no nothing about.

Peace.

Answer 1

scratch that

this website gives a lot of information on the subject of the role of women in Judaism in general
http://www.jewfaq.org/women.htm

this gives all views
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Role_of_women_in_Judaism

I would like to condense it but nothing in Judaism this serious is ever simple to answer the best i can do is give you sources and not try to simplify and leave out a critical detail

Answer 2

Try reading Proverbs 31, starting about verse 18 I think, familiarly called "The Woman of Noble Character", which describes the various roles of women. You might be suprised at what the women of that day did ... they were landowners, business owners, overseers to the household (usually consisting of servants as well). There are even web sites now dedicated to these particular verses, where women openly ascribe to it's teachings.

Answer 3

I'm not Jewish, but I felt compelled to address your misconception about what Paul writes regarding women and marriage. The quote you give has NOTHING to do with marriage; it's his instructions regarding the women in ONE church, not in all of them. If you read carefully, in other churches, Paul permitted women to prophesy, teach and preach.

The role of the woman in a Christian marriage is to be a helper to her husband. She is just as worthy as the man, both spiritually and in all other aspects. Although the wife is to submit to her own husband, most folks reading that passage overlook what is written right above it: that men are to submit to their wives, too. The goal is an harmonious marriage, where both partners are loved and valued for the different qualities they bring.

Peace.

Answer 4

Women have the role of teaching the children, being the bedrock of the family, but also (usually, there are exceptions) obeying the husband. Read the last 22 verses of Proverbs.

Answer 5

Paul's understanding of marriage isn't anti-female. She is subject to her husband as her husband is subject to God.

Let's put it this way; we are bound by the law of the land and we are not above it. We are SUBJECT to the laws of the Constitution as well as national and state laws. Just because we are a subject under something doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad relationship so to speak.

Answer 6

Try this article and this site in general:

http://www.aish.com/societywork/women/Men_and_Women_A_Jewish_View_on_Gender_Differences.asp

and this:
http://www.aish.com/societywork/women/Feminism_and_Judaism.asp

cheerio

Answer 7

I SAY SCREW RELIGIONS AND DO WHAT YOU WANT!!! UNLESS IS A PAPER OR RESEARCHT HAT YOU ARE DOING THEN i HAVE NO IDEA BUT iM SURE IS ABOUT THE SAME KIND OF TREATMENT!!!!