Osnat and Her Dove: The True Story of the World's First Female Rabbi

This is the story for young children of the first female rabbi, born in Mosul (in modern-day Iraq) in 1590. Her father was a rabbi who built a yeshiva to teach Jewish law, and allowed his curious daughter to learn as well. When Osnat grew up, her father told her she would soon need to be married, but she objected: “If I have a husband, he’ll expect me to do chores, and I won’t have any time for Torah study!” Her father agreed it would be a waste of her mind, and told all suitors they would have to excuse Osnat from doing chores to marry her. Most refused. But one man, Jacob, agreed, and they married.

When her father died, Jacob tried to take over the yeshiva but couldn’t keep up. Osnat began to teach the students as well. When show more Jacob passed away, Osnat took over the whole yeshiva. The men called her Tanna’it, a title given only to the most respected teachers. They also believed she performed miracles.

In an afterword, the author reports that a few of her writings have been preserved, and that she is still remembered locally as the first female rabbi and the first female Kurdish Jewish leader.

Colorful illustrations by Vali Mintzi evoke classical painters like Chagall. show less

The little known story of the first female rabbi, Osnat Barzani, a Kurdish Jew whose knowledge of the Torah and leadership of a yeshiva in ancient Iraq broke gender barriers. "Osnat and Her Dove is an inspiring story of a young Jewish hero, filled with wonderful cultural, religious and historical detail. It's a testament to the power of knowledge

Gr 2–4—In language reminiscent of a fairy tale, this loose biography relates the little-known story of the first female
rabbi, Osnat Barzani, a Kurdish Jew whose knowledge of the Torah and leadership of a yeshiva in ancient Iraq
broke gender barriers.

Truly wonderful story!!

Enlightening; I didn't know there were ever *any* female Rabbis. Includes author's note.