The Secret of Jewish Femininity

by Tehilla Abramov

For women by a The laws of family purity, interwoven with philosophic insights.

Genres: Jewish, Judaism, Marriage, Womens, Nonfiction

168 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

a conversational overview of the laws of "taharas ha-mishpachah" ("family purity")..

i would consider it helpful to someone who is trying to decide for herself is this is an area of her life that she wishes to be observant (of the halachah) but is not ready to sit and read through several volumes of legal rulings on the matter...

[Sarah Casady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapter of vignettes followed by a chapter of halacha. Vignettes were usually interesting. Some blamed an inability to conceive on not following halacha correctly.(usually due to lack of reviewing taharat hamispacha). I think the importance of reviewing could be done in a different way as this seemed insensitive to those struggling with infertility.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread this book this week, I purchased it about two years ago at the suggestion of my kallah teacher. It was a great review of the halachos in a light, positive manner, and it left me feeling inspired and empowered. It’s an easy read and a great way to review without feeling like you’re doing homework.

[Hadassah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book, a perfect first book for any Jewish woman about to get married or already married to learn about the Jewish way of 'Taharat Hamishpacha' - to bring more sanctity and joy into your marriage according to Jewish law.
Anecdotes and personal stories make this very readable.

[Ari · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am of two minds on this one. On one hand, the halachah is simply laid out and things that I was embarrassed to ask are explained in detail. Caveat here, too, though: author doesn't cite many sources, so it's hard for someone looking to educate themself to follow the trail to further knowledge. I found the presentation blatantly sexist in some parts, and condescending overall to anyone looking to educate themselves in the law (just ask your Rav, don't bother trying to learn this...really?!). Case in point: story about observant-and infertile- woman who failed to show a questionable emission to her Rav. Once she did, it was determined she'd been doing it wrong all along and as a reward for submitting to authority, she was blessed with a pregnancy. I can't even begin to explain the issues I have with this. The audience is narrow, and I feel like with a broader view the author might have a better chance of appeal. In fact, there are women actually observant (or truly looking to become so) in these matters who do work outside the home, and who do seek further education. Recommended, but very selectively: more as a practical reference than a work in totality.

[Oriyah N · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was familiar with the halachot(Jewish laws) in general, so this just kind of provided a summary of the details. Because of my prior knowledge, the stories didn't really speak to me at all. I personally felt that they were unnecessary in my case. But the halacha was certainly presented in a pretty clear and concise manner.

I'm looking forward to the artscroll book on the same topic. For long term reference, it seems to be a better choice. For initial study, though, this one is probably much better.

[Mando]

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62...

[Tzippy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too fluffy for my tastes.

[Elaine Revis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Condescending and blatantly sexist justification of women's continued subjugation, couched in religious "law."