Feminist Jewish Philosophy: A Response

This article is an examination of the ways that feminist and feminist Jewish theorists and philosophers, in executing their perspectives and commitments—in terms of justice, gender, embodiment and relationships—offer new insights into how important philosophical issues can be understood, engaged and mediated. The point of departure is Hava Tirosh-Samuelson's insistence that while a conversation between feminist philosophy, Jewish philosophy and Jewish feminists is essential, contemporary male Jewish philosophers have failed to address these potential dialogue partners. The article begins with a discussion of the nature of the overlapping spheres of philosophy, Jewish philosophy, feminist philosophy and feminist Jewish philosophy. Particular issues raised by feminist Jewish philosophers are examined, and at the conclusion a stream within post-Freudian psychoanalysis is advanced as a new resource for feminist Jewish reflections on our concrete and multi-faceted life with others.