Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz
We find that Devorah (Deborah) was a judge and leader of the army, and other women in Tanach were prophetesses as well as leaders of our nation. Does that prove that women can be public leaders or rabbis?
Rabbi Chaim Mintz responds:
Influential Women
Our nation certainly boasts many women who reached great spiritual heights and accomplished wonderful things, and throughout the generations we have benefited, and continue to benefit, from them. For example, Sarah Schenirer spearheaded the establishment of Torah-true education for girls, and can be credited with saving the religious future of our nation. So, women who are knowledgeable in Torah should certainly follow in the footsteps of these great women and use their talents to teach others.
So… Can a Woman Be a Rabbi?
But this does not mean that a woman – even one who is quite educated – should rule on halachic (Jewish legal) questions. To be qualified to render halachic decisions, a person must study day and night for many years, and delve into the many intricate nuances of halachic details needed to properly master halachah. Even many very learned men do not render halachic rulings, as they are not thoroughly fluent in all the relevant parts of the Torah. As we have discussed often, the holy mission of a Jewish woman is to bring children into the world and use their feminine touch to raise a healthy, wholesome family of God-fearing Jews, not to pore over books for hours on end.
With regard to a woman becoming a practicing rabbi, there is another issue as well. Jewish women are considered princesses, and “kol kevudah bat melech penimah (the dignity of a princess is within),” so it is immodest for a Jewish woman to be a pulpit rabbi and speak in front of the entire congregation.
A Female Leader Behind the Scenes
As for Devorah, Tosafot (Yevamot 45b) writes that she was Divinely appointed, and was an exception to the rule. And even she kept a low profile. As the commentators explain, she did not go out in public, but would advise people who approached her in her private quarters. And even when she led the army, she did not lead like a general, from center stage, but did so from behind the scenes.
And this character of a woman to shy away from the limelight should carry over to her private role as a wife. In a marriage, the woman is passive and the man takes the more active role. A wife is active from behind the scenes, and allows her husband the claim to fame. Yet we know that her role is equally important, as the saying goes, “Behind every man is a great woman.”
Jewish Marriage – A Reflection of Our Relationship With Hashem
This husband-wife relationship also reflects our relationship with Hashem (God), with Hashem as the chatan and us as the kallah. Just as the role of a woman is to remain in the background with the husband at the forefront, Hashem is our leader and we are humble and unassuming in front of Him. And a Jewish marriage also impacts our connection with Hashem. So when a woman does her part and is modest, she strengthens the harmony, and the entire world gains, since Hashem comes closer to us.
In short: A woman’s mission is to raise children, not to delve into intricate nuances of halachah. It is not modest for a Jewish woman to be a pulpit rabbi or a public figure. Devorah was an exception, and even she was only active from behind the scenes.
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