Jewish studies is a field that has, by force of tradition, been dominated by the work of male scholars with a focus, more often than not, on the his-story of Judaism. Yet women have played a vital role in many aspects of Jewish culture. In this exciting revisionist look at women in Jewish tradition and culture, the author, one of France’s only female Rabbis, ventures into new territory in the form of a comprehensive dictionary.

Featuring a wide array of entries related not only to women of the Bible and the Talmud such as Esther, Eve, Rachel, Rebecca, Lilith and The Queen of Sheba, it also includes major themes linked to women in general such as incest, adultery, polygamy, homosexuality, contraception, abortion, inheritance and even sexism in language. This fascinating dictionary also explores ways in which Judaism has adapted to modern times, sharing with us a vision of tolerance and openness within the faith that allows women to be considered on equal par with men.