Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Gender and Religious Leadership: Women Rabbis, Pastors, and Ministers

Women have shaped Judaism and other religions through their leadership in many different ways. This volume analyzes the historical context, current developments, and personal experiences of women in religious leadership that have redefined not just the role of religion, but also the way women understand themselves. Review Gender and Religious Leadership blends scholarly articles and reflective essays to tell the story of women's ordination as rabbis. It is an important resource for both scholars and lay readers who want to understand the trajectory of women's leadership in modern Judaism, as well as other faith traditions.--Dvora Weisberg, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion In an age blessed by talented women taking leadership roles in religion (finally), we need thought leaders who can assess the paths already taken, and the portals yet to cross in the future. In Gender and Religious Leadership, a strong cadre of scholars assembles the examples of how women have broadened religious vitality and responsiveness across denominational and faith lines. This is first rate scholarship addressing an issue of vital importance.--Bradley Shavit Artson, Roslyn and Abner Goldstine Dean's Chair, American Jewish University This volume offers a skillful insight into the currents of research on female religious leadership. Historical investigation sits alongside engaged perspectives of activist-scholars, making this a lively collection of contributions arising from the lived experience of academic and professional life.--Hannah Holtschneider, senior lecturer in Jewish Studies, University of Edinburgh About the Author Hartmut Bomhoff is senior research fellow at the Abraham Geiger College, University of Potsdam. Denise L. Eger is an international Jewish leader and social justice activist and founding rabbi of Congregation Kol Ami (West Hollywood, CA). Kathy Ehrensperger is research professor of New Testament in Jewish perspective at the Abraham Geiger Kolleg, University of Potsdam. Walter Homolka is professor of Jewish theology at the University of Potsdam and coeditor of the Encyclopedia of Jewish-Christian Relations.