Women Who Went Before Blemished Brides: Women’s Bodies and Disability in Ancient Judaism
Dec 5, 2024
Dr. Julia Watts-Belser, a Professor of Jewish Studies at Georgetown, delves into the lives of ancient women with disabilities. She discusses cultural norms around beauty in marriage, examining figures like the Etruscan Seianti Hanunia and the Egyptian Tapamet. Watts-Belser reveals the complex views on disability in rabbinic literature, touching on ancient marriage contracts and the rights they provided women. The conversation highlights the societal implications of disability, intimacy, and the evolution of women's rights in ancient Judaism.
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Episode notes
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Historical Perspectives on Disability and Gender Bias in Ancient Societies
01:49 • 2min
Understanding Disability and Blemishes in Ancient Cultural Contexts
03:40 • 3min
Exploring Jewish Marriage Contracts: A Look at Rights and Protections
07:05 • 1min
Women's Rights and Bodily Representations in Ancient Judaism
08:35 • 20min
Perceptions of Disability in Ancient Marriage
28:39 • 26min
Exploring Disability and Community in Ancient Narratives
54:41 • 3min