About the book
The rule that exempts women from rituals that need to be performed at specific times (so-called timebound positive commandments) has served for centuries to stabilize Jewish gender. It has provided a rationale for women s centrality at home and their absence from the synagogue. Departing from dominant popular and scholarly views Elizabeth Shanks Alexander argues that the rule was not conceived to structure women s religious lives but rather became a tool for social engineering only after it underwent shifts in meaning during its transmission. Alexander narrates the rule s complicated history establishing the purposes for which it was initially formulated and the shifts in interpretation that led to its being perceived as a key marker of Jewish gender. At the end of her study Alexander points to women s exemption from particular rituals (Shema tefillin and Torah study) which she argues are better places to look for insight into rabbinic gender.
Editions of Gender and Timebound Commandments in Judaism
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781107035560
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781107479173
Read an Excerpt
The rule that exempts women from rituals that need to be performed at specific times (so-called timebound positive commandments) has served for centuries to stabilize Jewish gender. It has provided a rationale for women s centrality at home and their absence from the synagogue. Departing from dominant popular and scholarly views Elizabeth Shanks Alexander argues that the rule was not conceived to structure women s religious lives but rather became a tool for social engineering only after it underwent shifts in meaning during its transmission. Alexander narrates the rule s complicated history establishing the purposes for which it was initially formulated and the shifts in interpretation that led to its being perceived as a key marker of Jewish gender. At the end of her study Alexander points to women s exemption from particular rituals (Shema tefillin and Torah study) which she argues are better places to look for insight into rabbinic gender.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gender and Timebound Commandments in Judaism about?
The rule that exempts women from rituals that need to be performed at specific times (so-called timebound positive commandments) has served for centuries to stabilize Jewish gender. It has provided a rationale for women s centrality at home and their absence from the synagogue. Departing from dominant popular and scholarly views Elizabeth Shanks Alexander argues that the rule was not conceived to structure women s religious lives but rather became a tool for social engineering only after it underwent shifts in meaning during its transmission. Alexander narrates the rule s complicated history establishing the purposes for which it was initially formulated and the shifts in interpretation that led to its being perceived as a key marker of Jewish gender. At the end of her study Alexander points to women s exemption from particular rituals (Shema tefillin and Torah study) which she argues are better places to look for insight into rabbinic gender.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Gender and Timebound Commandments in Judaism?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Judaism > Judaism life and practice
Where can I read a sample of Gender and Timebound Commandments in Judaism?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781107035560
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Gender and Timebound Commandments in Judaism?
Elizabeth Shanks Alexander
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Gender and Timebound Commandments in Judaism is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781107035560) and paperback(ISBN 9781107479173)