The holiday of Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, and occurs seven weeks after the start of Passover. The holiday also marks the beginning of the wheat harvest and the bringing of the first fruits. Traditionally, in many Jewish communities, the Tanakh’s (Hebrew Bible) Book of Ruth is read on Shavuot along with the Ten Commandments.
Jewish communities have long produced commentaries on Torah and the Tanakh for new generations to study and interpret. In May of 1978, inspired by the United Nation’s Decade for Woman, the Task Force on Equality of Women in Judaism, part of the New York Federation of Reform Synagogues, wrote the Commentary on the Ten Commandments and the Book of Ruth for the Decade of Women for Shavuot reading. The project was printed by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC) currently the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ).
The Commentary addressed each of the Ten Commandments and interpreted them inside a framework supporting equality for women. The project was rooted in “new insights into the traditional Soncino Commentary from a humanist perspective which reflects our determination as Jewish women of this generation that we, our children, and all future generations be included as full and equal participants in the sacred and secular community.” As an example, the Fourth Commandment, “Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy…. In it thou shalt not do any manner of work, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates…” The commentary on this Commandment goes on to note:
“Notice all who were to be included in the day of rest. But where was the woman of the house mentioned? Commentary tells us that the “Thou” referred to above, is the “head of the house, responsible for all that dwell therein.”
We are also told that the Sabbath was something quite new, which had never existed in any nation or religion – a standing reminder that man can emancipate himself from the slavery of his worldly cares, that man was made for spiritual freedom, peace and joy! I also quote a phrase by C.G. Montefiore who said – “The Sabbath is one of the glories of our humanity.” If that is true is true – is it only “man” who is to be emancipated from slavery of worldly cares? Is it only man who is to enjoy the glories of humanity? Should not woman be included in this day of rest and spiritual freedom? Are not women also human?
The Prophet Isaiah teaches us that the Sabbath is to be a day of joy and delight. Accordingly, one must honor it by putting on one’s best clothing and by enjoying food and drink. At least three meals should be eaten on the Sabbath Day. Women traditionally worked harder than the man because it was forbidden that man and all servants toll on the Sabbath. In addition, we are told that not only children and servants (whether Israelite or heathen) but even the beasts of burden are to share in the Sabbath day of rest. I shall not comment further on the obvious omission. Where is the equality and humanity towards women?
Today, women find themselves entering the labor market to pursue careers, largely because of economics. This should make it possible for husband and wife to share the home responsibilities. But statistics show that not only are women not receiving equality in their jobs—but they are also doing the major portion of the work at home, which is considered “women’s work”! They work many more hours than men—even today.
This should make us stop and think of the direction in which women should travel, in this, the International Women’s Year!“ – Nettie W. Kaplan
A complete version of the Commentary is available below:
