A critical look at the history and culture of women of the Yishuv and a call for a new national discourse.

This fascinating interdisciplinary collection of essays brings gender issues to the foreground in order to redress a profound imbalance in the historiography of the Yishuv, the Jewish community in Palestine, and in the early years of the State of Israel. Although male discourse still dominates this field, some initial studies have begun to create an authentic and multifaceted Hebrew-Israeli voice by examining the activities and contributions of women.

This research has led to a number of basic questions: What was the reality of life for women in Jewish society in Ottoman and Mandatory Palestine (Eretz Israel), and in the early years of the State? What was the contribution of women to the renewal of Israeli society and culture? What is the place of gender perceptions in the study of the new local identity? The original articles in this anthology forge an innovative response to one or more of these questions, and reflecting the state of research in the field.

Ruth Kark, Professor of Geography at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has published extensively on the historical geography of the Middle East and Palestine/Israel.

Margalit Shilo is Associate Professor in the Martin (Szusz) Department of The Land of Israel Studies and Archeology at Bar Ilan University.

Galit Hasan-Rokem is Max and Margarethe Grunwald Professor of Folklore at the Departments of Hebrew Literature & Jewish and Comparative Folklore at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.


"Scholars, students and readers interested in the history of the Yishuv and women studies will welcome the appearance of this new excellent collection of essays. Ruth Kark, Margalit Shiloh and Galit Hasan-Rokem have done an excellent editorial work, compiling a rich collection that brings together some the most updated research on the role of women in Pre-state Jewish society."
- Yaakov Ariel, Professor of Religious Studies, University of North Carolina

"This is a fascinating, well-researched, and intellectually challenging book which prompts a complete rethinking of many long-held 'truths' about a crucial period in Zionist history. It testifies beyond doubt to the central role played by women in the development of the Yishuv, and therefore makes a very important contribution to the scholarship in this area. At the same time, this remarkable book is also accessible (and even a compelling read) for all lay people interested in this topic. A most impressive accomplishment."
- Dr. Nora Gold, Visiting Scholar, Centre for Women's Studies at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto