Celebrate the Differences

The brain and heart are equally central to the body’s health and homeostasis. Nevertheless, each has its own function. Similarly, man and woman are equal in importance and in their contribution to Jewish life and continuity. But they have different roles.

There are many mitzvahs which both man and woman are obligated in; these mitzvahs are like the blood which both brain and heart need equally. But in order for the man to fulfill his unique mission, and for the woman to fulfill hers, each must be free of certain responsibilities that the other has. This is why certain mitzvahs are given only to men, and others are given only to women.

At the same time, neither is “missing out” on the benefit of the other’s mitzvahs, for, as the Arizal explains, when one of them fulfills their unique obligation, it’s considered as having been fulfilled by both of them.