NOT SO EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

IN the traditional world, grappling with Talmud is seen as the pinnacle of Jewish study but historically regarded as unsuitable for women. But a growing number of Israeli institutes are teaching women Talmud, which girls from the diaspora on gap years can take advantage of.

In the UK, the Midrasha at the London School of Jewish Studies offers advanced text study to women, including Talmud for students who want it. But in schools here, boys are far more likely to do Talmud than girls.

Some state-aided coeducational Jewish schools run different Jewish studies courses for boys and girls, prompting some parents to ask whether this could