The Biblical narrative is usually very terse and cryptic. Over the millennia, Jewish scholars often painted a patriarchal picture with women ‘in their place.’ Yes, ancient Middle Eastern society was patriarchal, but matriarchs had power as well. Yes, kings ruled, but the king’s mother had major influence over him. Powerless women existed, but so did female prophets and judges. The narrative describes real people, with human weaknesses as well as strengths. There are love stories and lust stories, as well as stories of the dangers of favoritism, greed, and envy. This book puts these women—some are role models—into the context of an ancient society, bringing them imaginatively from the sidelines onto center stage.
Table of Content
Introduction
1. Sara
2. Rebecca
3. Rahel and Leah
4. Powerless Women: Dina and Tamar
5. Miriam and Tzippora: Sisters-in-Law
6. Deborah the Judge
7. Ruth
8. Chana
9. David’s Wives: Michal, Avigayil, Bathsheba
10. Esther
11. Addendum: Reclaiming the Heroic Jewish Judith
About the author
Sara Reguer is Professor of History in the Department of Judaic Studies at Brooklyn College. She earned her Ph.D. from Columbia University in Middle East history. She has published on a variety of topics, both scholarly and popular, including articles on Winston Churchill during World War I.
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