Q&A: Sources for the ruling that a woman called up to the Torah recites the blessings, according to the medieval authorities
Sources for the ruling that a woman called up to the Torah recites the blessings, according to the medieval authorities
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I am looking for unequivocal sources among the medieval authorities (Rishonim) who hold that a woman may be called up to the Torah and recite the blessings in a quorum of men.
Unfortunately, I cannot find any discussion by the medieval authorities of this question, and it seems to be an accepted presumption that “there is no dissenting opinion” that a woman is indeed forbidden to be called up to the Torah and recite the blessings because of the rule of congregational dignity.
Is that really the case?
Answer
Why would there be other opinions? The Talmud says it is forbidden because of congregational dignity, and I do not see why the medieval authorities would disagree with that.
If this is very important to you, you can look in articles that dealt with it. I remember an article by the Frimer brothers, who conclude that it is forbidden (not justifiably, in my opinion), but they collect a great many discussions and views. That is certainly a good place to start.
I have now also found a survey here: https://toravoda.org.il/%D7%9E%D7%A1%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%95%D7%9E%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%9C%D7%A2%D7%9C%D7%99%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%A0%D7%A9%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%9C%D7%AA%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%94/
Discussion on Answer
The Frimer brothers’ article is a response to Rabbi Sperber’s remarks.
Take a look at Rabbi Daniel Sperber’s book On the Path of Jewish Law on this very issue.