Answers for Wednesday October 9th Reading

How did the introduction of girls’ and women’s education in the schools of the Alliance Israelite Universelle change the lives of women living in the Ottoman Empire?

The students of the Alliance Israelite Universelle studied Hebrew, Jewish history, and the bible. They were also able to participate in religious activities and ceremonies. They became westernized in the sense that they familiarized themselves with European fashion, literature, and manners. While becoming Westernized, however, they remained Jewish, keeping to Jewish customs. In addition to teaching Jewish females, the alliance also added workshops to the schools. In these workshops, the girls could learn a profession. The girls’ schools consisted of one teacher, for both writing and reading English and the requirements of learning sewing, machinery, and embroidery. The entire purpose of the Alliance Israelite Universelle was to give young Jews a moral education with good ethics, while westernizing them. More specifically, the purpose of educating girls was to enable them to become more than just housewives. It was to help them use their minds and become learned members of society.

How does Rabbi Uziel argue in favor of women’s suffrage?

Rabbi Uziel brings up the point that it is unfair to obligate women certain things, but not allow them the right to elect the person mandating such things. Women accept and obey all the laws placed onto them by authority, but they have no say in who becomes someone of authority. He argues that women, like men, are enlightened and take part in negotiating, buying, selling, and managing affairs. Although halakha says “Do not place a woman in kingship,” it does not say anything about placing a woman as a delegate or agent. Therefore, he argues that a reasonable person would not deny personal rights to women.