Michal Raucher – The Conversation

Orthodox Jewish women attend an event celebrating the completion of the 7½-year cycle of daily study of the Talmud, the central text of Jewish law, on Jan. 5, 2020, in Jerusalem. AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov

April 30, 2026

Three women sit for Israeli Rabbinate’s exam, amid growing recognition for Orthodox Jewish women’s religious leadership

Michal Raucher, Rutgers University

Three women sat for an exam administered by Israel’s Rabbinate, the latest sign of growing recognition for women’s religious leadership within Orthodox Judaism.

Orthodox Jewish women attend an event celebrating the completion of the 7½-year cycle of daily study of the Talmud, the central text of Jewish law, on Jan. 5, 2020, in Jerusalem. AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov

November 19, 2025

Orthodox Judaism is making space for women’s religious leadership – even without traditional ordination

Michal Raucher, Rutgers University

A court decision allowing Israeli women to take the Chief Rabbinate’s exams is the latest sign of growing recognition for women’s religious learning within Orthodox Judaism.

Opportunities are expanding for Orthodox Jewish women to formally study Jewish texts. This event in Jerusalem celebrated women who completed the 7 ½-year cycle of daily study of the Talmud. AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov

December 14, 2021

Orthodox Jewish women’s leadership is growing – and it’s not all about rabbis

Michal Raucher, Rutgers University

Religious leadership roles for Orthodox Jewish women are expanding, including community scholars and guides on Jewish law.

Ultra-Orthodox women have become the primary breadwinners in their families. Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images

May 17, 2021

Ultra‑Orthodox Jewish women are bucking the patriarchal, authoritarian stereotype of their community

Michal Raucher, Rutgers University

A Jewish studies scholar discusses the societal changes that women are leading in ultra-Orthodox communities.

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