Abstract

Rabbinic Judaism is often described as an exclusively male-dominated and patriarchal religious system. However, the structure of the core of this patriarchal religious system is deeply feminine, with a strong relational dimension. Torah studies, which only men had access to, are secondary in character: a life lead according to the commandments is necessary but not enough. God does not force humankind to subordination, but he gives answers to voluntary gifts. Man gives voluntarily, God answers voluntarily. The right relation to God is not forced, determined or manipulative, but it builds on reciprocity and response.