Does Orthodox Judaism Treat Women Differently Than It Does Men?
As the Torah views all people as being important, all people should be treated with respect – as first class citizens. As the Midrash (part of the Torah containing stories, fables, and philosophic advice) says, “I call heaven and earth to witness, whether it be male or female, Jew or Gentile, man servant or maid servant, the spirit of holiness will rest upon him (or her) in accordance with his actions.” The Torah does outline some differences in religious practice between men and women. Sometimes, these seem discriminatory but careful analysis will show, in my view, that they are not. In general, men have more specific commandments to fulfill, some of the most conspicuous of these involving responsibilities in synagogue. Since the primary familiarity of most non-observant (or not yet observant as some like to say) people with Torah observance is the synagogue, a misperception has taken hold in some quarters that the Torah discriminates against women. But what often seem like privileges
