Is our religion sexist?

If by “sexist”, you mean “of the opinion that women are inferior to men”, then no, Judaism is not sexist. If by “sexist” you mean “of the opinion that men and women are different – psychologically, spiritually and mentally”, then yes, Judaism is.

Let me explain. Judaism, has given different sets of obligations for men and women. Women are exempt from some of the commandments in which men are obligated, and vice-versa. (Of course, there are many commandments that both men and women are commanded to do equally.) These differences stem from the fact that men and women are fundamentally different in the way they think, feel, and relate to others and the Other. If you don’t believe this to be the case, go get a copy of “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus” at your local library. The author, John Gray, found a hip way of saying what Judaism has been saying for millennia: Men and women are different, from their biology on up.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Raffy Davidovich

(Editor – To read further on this topic, see here.)