Eva Frank (1754–1816 or 1817) is one of many early modern Jewish women who overcame gender restrictions to take on influential roles as spiritual guides and teachers, even while society lagged along behind them. Born Rachel Frank, she was the daughter of Jacob (Jakob) Frank (ca. 1726–1791), a controversial and charismatic messianic figure who attracted a significant Jewish following in Eastern Europe. After his death, Eva took over as leader of the Frankists. She changed her name to Eva (Ewa) when the Frank family converted to Catholicism in 1760.
What challenges might Eva have faced as a woman in a position of religious leadership in this period?
How might the fact that Eva was the child of an established community leader have influenced her ability to challenge gender norms?
Is there a greater likelihood that a messianic movement that rejected many norms of traditional Judaism might create new opportunities for women?
Throughout the tribes of Israel, we faithfully made it known how the holy and wise Nathan of Gaza came here to our camp. He said that he was a prophet, bringing news of the coming of the Redeemer and…
Tzadik is one of a series of paintings that Morris Louis made in the years 1954 to 1958, known as the Veils. These were groundbreaking works that serve as a link between abstract expressionism and…
Nathan of Gaza (also known as Nathan Benjamin ben Elisha Ḥayim ha-Levi Ashkenazi) was born in Jerusalem and moved to Gaza in around 1663. The son of a respected religious scholar, he became a scholar…