The Madwoman in the Rabbi's Attic: Rereading the Women of the Talmud

Winner of the 74th National Jewish Book Award and the 2024 Rabbi Sacks Book Prize

Women in the Talmud are generally marginal and almost always anonymous - the daughters, sisters, and wives of prominent rabbis. The Madwoman in the Rabbi's Attic explores the stories of the exceptions, the six named heroines of the Talmud: Yalta the shrew, Homa the femme fatale, Marta the prima donna, Heruta the madonna/whore, Beruria the overreacherix, and Ima Shalom the angel in the house. As their epithets suggest, every one of these women appears to embody an antifeminist archetype. Yet in each case, a careful rereading reveals that there is a lot more to the story than initially meets the eye; that the heroine is far more complex than she first seems; and that the rabbis had rather surprising - so as not to say proto-feminist - views of marriage, sex, childbirth, and what it means to be a woman in the world. In presenting us with archetypes that systematically break down, the Talmud imparts profound moral teachings about how to read the characters of a text and, ultimately, how to regard the people in our lives.

Gila Fine is one of the great Talmud teachers of our time. It's vitally important that the Jewish world hear what she has to say. - Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

A fascinating look at the women who make their own way in the world of the rabbis. Fine masterfully peels away the patriarchal veneer of their stories to reveal their hidden light. - Rabbi Dr. Binyamin Lau

A dazzling exploration of the portrayal of women throughout history - from Greek mythology to Hollywood movies - bringing the talmudic text to life for the contemporary reader. - Dr. Aliza Lavie

Gila Fine's sophisticated use of literary and cultural theory produces novel readings of talmudic stories. Her exquisite prose, profound analysis, and comprehensive knowledge of rabbinic texts make each chapter a delight to read. - Professor Jeffrey Rubenstein

In The Madwoman in the Rabbi's Attic, Gila Fine uses her considerable creativity, originality, and fine literary skills to elucidate talmudic tales, making them more poignant and meaningful. - Dr. Erica Brown

An original feminine reading of the Talmud, restoring the lost voices of women to the great Jewish conversation. - Dr. Ruth Calderon