Q&A: A Wife as the Breadwinner.
A Wife as the Breadwinner.
Question
Hello Rabbi,
A Haredi woman who says this:
I want to take on the burden of earning a livelihood so that my husband can sit and grow in Torah study, which I value.
Is that logical and reasonable in today’s world?
Is it proper behavior for this crazy burden to fall on her because of the importance of Torah study?
Personally, I think yes—when she wants it. Of course, everything in proportion. But I mean the general approach.
If possible, please expand on the topic as much as you can.
And not in the style of: if that’s what she wants, then good for her.
Thank you very much.
Answer
If that’s what she wants, then good for her.
Discussion on Answer
It makes sense to educate about the importance of Torah. But she can also study, and he can stay home. Or they can split it between them. Certainly if he isn’t some exceptional genius, there’s no justification for her to suffer so that he can learn all day.
And one more point: a Haredi woman makes such a decision on the basis of very partial information. After all, she’s forbidden to study, and she is sustained by the indoctrination they feed her without her having the ability to criticize it. So her decisions aren’t really well-founded. But of course, if that’s what she wants, then good for her.
That was a bit too cruel.
What I meant by expanding was: is it also reasonable to educate girls this way?
That this is how we ensure the growth of Torah study?