Halachic Articles
Qeri’at ha-Torah by Women: A Halakhic Analysis by Mendel Shapiro
Mendel Shapiro offers a comprehensive review and analysis of the halakhic issues raised by women’s participation in qeri’at ha-Torah (public Torah reading) in a traditional minyan of men. The author argues that the only tenable halakhic objection to women’s aliyot in such a service is the one raised by the Talmud—that the practice violates kevod ha-tsibbur (the dignity of the congregation)—and that there are certain circumstances where women’s aliyot should be permitted.
Rabbi Berman explores the halachic issue of “Kol Isha”, the sexual quality ascribed to a woman’s voice by the Rabbis of the Talmud. Rabbi Berman raises objections to the various stringencies that developed in the Rabbinic tradition based on this concept.
Congregational Dignity and Human Dignity: Women and Public Torah Reading By Daniel Sperber
Since the principle of kevod ha-beriyot overrides that of kevod ha-tsibur in classic halakhic argumentation, this article argues that in congregations where women genuinely wish to have greater participation in the synagogue service and an inability to do so causes them hardship, women should be called to the Torah and read their portions should they desire.
Aliyot for Women by Rabbi Monique Susskind Goldberg
In most Conservative synagogues in Israel and abroad, women are offered aliyot to the Torah and read it, while in most Orthodox synagogues only men read and are offered aliyot to the Torah. This booklet’s purpose is to study the sources which deal with aliyot for women, and clarify the halakhah on this issue.
