Emily Weiner
Jews in the Modern World
Blog Entry
September 10, 2013

What were the lives of elite Jewish women like in the 16th century Ottoman Empire?

The lives of elite Jewish women in the 16th century Ottoman Empire was very good. The article noted quite a few elite women. They had much more freedom than other woman. One elite woman noted was Esther Kyra, also known as Lady Esther. She became wealthy due to connections she had in the palace. She had power such as in diplomacy, where she acted as a go-between for palace women and foreign embassies. Elite woman were known as “Kyras” during this time. The Kyras of this time were very political and were able to participate in many government activities. They were able to promote appointments of regional governors as well as military administrators. These women were overall extremely active in Ottoman diplomacy. Another example was Dona Gracia Mendes, who was actually from a converso family in Portugal. Due to becoming a widow, she took over her husband’s job as a banker. The article mentioned that woman in general of the Ottoman Empire were able to take over any family business after the loss of their husbands. These women lived much more glamorous lives as the article states.

What were women’s religious practices and how did they learn about them? What religious beliefs did Jewish women hold?

Typical religious practices and beliefs held by woman had to do with the upkeep of their home. Women had the responsibility of making sure to keep their home as a proper Jewish home and raise their children that way as well. Most of the knowledge of these women came directly from their mothers as well as mixed Judaic tradition as well as folk belief. Most of their religious beliefs had to with the domestic part of Judaism, such as making sure their home was kosher, and providing activities for the Jewish holidays. The article mentioned, “Women’s belief systems, while based in Sephardic Judaism, revolved around general Middle Eastern and Mediterranean folk religion” (Sezgin, 223). They had many mystical beliefs as well, such as their belief in the evil eye and heating lead in water to break bad luck. They believed a wide variety of folk practices, which they could not break.