Tikva Frymer-Kensky
Tikva Frymer-Kensky (1943-2006) was a renowned Jewish biblical scholar and a pioneer in the field of feminist biblical studies. She earned her Ph.D. in Assyriology and Sumerology from Yale University and was a professor at the University of Chicago Divinity School. Frymer-Kensky's work focused on the intersection of Assyriology, biblical studies, and feminist theory, contributing significantly to the understanding of women's roles in biblical and ancient Near Eastern contexts.
Her scholarship was marked by her ability to combine rigorous historical and philological research with insightful feminist analysis. One of her most influential works, 'Reading the Women of the Bible', received a Koret Jewish Book Award and was acclaimed for its accessible yet scholarly exploration of female figures in the Hebrew scriptures. This book, along with her other works, has been influential in both academic circles and more popular audiences, bridging gaps between different fields of study and approaches.
Beyond her academic contributions, Frymer-Kensky was deeply committed to Jewish education and feminist activism. She was involved in various educational initiatives and served on the editorial board of several scholarly journals. Her work continues to inspire scholars and students in the fields of biblical studies, feminist theology, and ancient Near Eastern studies, maintaining her legacy as a leading figure in these disciplines.