1998 National Jewish Book Award finalist
Pamela S. Nadell mines a wealth of untapped sources to bring us the first complete story of the courageous and committed Jewish women who passionately defended their right to equal religious participation through rabbinical ordination.
"Lucid and engrossing. . . . with authoritative research and sometimes heart-breaking examples."
-Francine Klagsbrun, Lilith
"Nadell's work makes a significant story more familiar and contributes to the broader history of women's efforts to fully participate in religious leadership-struggles that continue in many religious traditions."
-Booklist
"The definitive study of 'the road to women's ordination' in Judaism."
-Jonathan D. Sarna, The American Jewish Experience
" . . . [A] telling that is both indispensable and gratifying. . . . Nadell's historical expertise is well matched by her narrative skills. Scholars and the general public owe her a collective gesture of gratitude."
-Norma Baumel Joseph, Concordia University
"Pamela Nadell has uncovered an important and little-known story essential to an understanding of the changing roles of Jewish women. A fine work of historical scholarship and a compelling read."
-Paula Hyman, Gender and Assimilation in Modern Jewish History