The Origins of the “Arbaat Yamim” - The Four Days

Abstract

This modern feminist midrash has its roots in the biblical narrative of Jephthah’s daughter. It projects into the future an ideal of Jewish women ritualizing in a four day celebration commemorating this biblical account. It envisions a wholly new Jewish women’s ritual. Though the narrative element of this new exegesis and practice can stand alone the accompanying commentaries are essential to an appreciation of the text.