| |
The Congregation Orah Saddiqim website aptly states:
ROLES OF WOMEN
In Karaite law,
female witnesses are just as good as male witnesses.
Karaites have never made a distinction between the two -
both witnesses are valid in any legal situation.
Women have always been able to hold leadership roles.
This was true even in the Middle Ages, the height of
misogyny. In the 11th century, in Spain, after the
Rabbanites killed the Karaite leader Sidi ibn al-Taras,
his wife, al-Mu‘alima (which means the teacher), took
over for him as the leading Hakham of the Karaites in
Spain.
From Tehillim [Psalms]we know that women used to sing in
the Beit Hamiqdash [Temple]. Tehillim [Psalms] 46:1,
68:26 are Psalms that were written specifically for
women to sing, and accompany with dancing and the
playing of instruments. Consequently, women in Karaite
Judaism have never been constrained from singing or
speaking in the Beit Kenesset [synagogue]. As one might
conclude from this, women can, in fact, hold the
position of Hazzan [one who leads the prayers]. Again,
no religious role in Karaism is forbidden to women.
|
|
|