Joey Ross- Question from 9/9 and 9/11

4. What new rituals did Safed Kabbalah create?

Safed Kabbalah created many new rituals that eventually became important in Judaism. Tikkunim was the name given to these new rituals. The first type of tikkunim were performed on nights of holidays i.e. Passover and Yom Kippur. For example, on the 7th night of Passover, the tikkun commemorates the Israelite's crossing of the Red Sea and escaping Egypt. The Tikkunim on Yom Kippur is to remember Hoshanah Rabah and utilizes kabbalistic writings when examining life and death and its a time to repent our sins. Additionally, The "Tikkunim Hazot" was a daily night ritual with the purpose of mourning the exile of Shekhinah and pray for redemption of Shekhinah and Israel.

4. What kinds of occupations did women engage in?

Women were involved in many different jobs in the Ottoman Empire. The jobs that the women held were almost always a direct correlation to their social status in the community. There were a few exceptional Jewish women who were the royal women of the sultan’s family. They would bring silks, pearls, gold bracelets, etc. back to the palace. Additionally, they would bring back news from the outside world. This job was not common at all, the most famous example being Esther Kyra. Some women were involved in commerce, where they would sell jewelry and other luxury goods to elite women. Also, some elite women had real estate interests and some worked in politics. Less well off women tended to work in family business at home or in workshops. Often times it would involve sewing, making lace, or producing custom made clothing. Lastly, the poorest of women would work as servants in the homes of wealthy Jewish families.