Women as Ritual Experts: The Religious Lives of Elderly Jewish Women in Jerusalem

Susan Starr Sered (Lecturer, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Lecturer, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Bar-Ilan University)

Women as Ritual Experts: The Religious Lives of Elderly Jewish Women in Jerusalem
Format
Paperback
Publisher
Oxford University Press Inc
Country
United States
Published
1 December 1996
Pages
186
ISBN
9780195111460

Women as Ritual Experts: The Religious Lives of Elderly Jewish Women in Jerusalem

Susan Starr Sered (Lecturer, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Lecturer, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Bar-Ilan University)

This ethnography explores the religious beliefs and rituals of a group of elderly Jewish women, originally from Kurdistan and Yemen, who now live in Jerusalem. Sered visited the women in their homes and accompanied them on trips to holy tombs, local ethnic synagogues, and Judaica classes. She finds that, though mainly illiterate and excluded from formal religious practices, the women are experts in rituals aimed at safeguarding the well-being of their extended families. By analyzing their rituals, daily experiences, life-stories, and non-verbal gestures, Sered uncovers the strategies these women have used to circumvent the patriarchal institutions of Judaism, and how they have developed their own little tradition within and parallel to the great tradition of Torah Judaism.

This item is not currently in-stock. It can be ordered online and is expected to ship in 7-14 days

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.