Can a Woman Be a Shochetet? A Look at Jewish Tradition and Halakha
The role of a shochet (שוחט), a ritual slaughterer, is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, ensuring the kosher status of meat through proper shechita (שחיטה, ritual slaughter). Historically, men have predominantly filled this role. However, an important question arises: Can a woman be a shochetet (שוחטת, female shochet)? This blog explores the halakhic sources, historical perspectives, and practical considerations surrounding this issue.
Halakhic Foundations: The Talmud and Early Authorities
Jewish legal texts explicitly state that a woman can perform shechita. The Mishnah (משנה, Hullin 1:1) clearly states:
"Everyone may perform shechita, and their shechita is valid, except for a deaf-mute, a mentally incompetent person, and a minor, lest they spoil the slaughter."
The exclusion here is based on cognitive ability, not gender. The Talmud (תלמוד, Zevahim 31b) elaborates further, stating that women can slaughter even sacrifices, and the Rambam (רמב"ם, Mishneh Torah, Laws of Shechita 4:4) confirms:
"Anyone who is knowledgeable in the laws of shechita and has practiced under expert supervision . . . is qualified to slaughter—this includes women and slaves if they are experts."
The Tur (טור, Yoreh De’ah 1) and Shulhan Arukh (שולחן ערוך, Yoreh De’ah 1:1) follow suit, reiterating that women are fully eligible to be shochatot (שוחטות, plural of shochetet) and their shechita is valid l’khathila (לכתחילה, from the outset).
If Halakha Permits, Why Aren’t There More Shochatot?
Despite the clear halakhic ruling, cultural norms have led to a dearth of female shochatot in recent centuries. Several explanations for this have been given:
The Influence of Eldad Ha-Dani (9th Century) – An early medieval source, Eldad HaDani (אלדד הדני), who claimed to preserve traditions from the lost tribes of Israel, asserted a number of unusual laws, including that women were disqualified from slaughtering. However, these rulings were generally dismissed as stringencies and not in line with the normative rabbinic teachings.
The "Fear Factor" – Some Rabbinic authorities, culminating in the Simlah Hadasha (Alexander Sender Shorr, 18th century), suggested that women might become anxious or faint during shechita, thus invalidating the process, and they would even be so lightheaded or careless as to claim nonetheless that they slaughtered properly. However, gross generalizations or stereotypes from a previous era cannot categorically disqualify women.
The Power of Minhag (Custom) – The Rema (רמ"א, Yoreh De’ah 1:1) notes an opinion not permitting women to slaughter. He attributed this to minhag (מנהג, custom) rather than a halakhic restriction.
Historical Cases of Female Shochtot
Despite minhag-based restrictions in some regions, historical records show numerous examples of women who practiced shechita in various countries in Europe and Yemen. We have the most evidence of shochatot in Italy. Apparently, this was due to the living conditions - Jews habitating or vacationing in small rural communities where every hand was needed - and/or the open attitude of the local Rabbinate. There is evidence of female slaughterers from the 15th to the 20th centuries including:
In the 16th century reshuyot (permissions) were given to two women to slaughter by Rabbi Yitzhak ben Immanuel de Lattes.
The Pahad Yitzhak (Rabbi Yitzhak Lampronti, 18th century) records cases of women who were granted formal rabbinic permission to slaughter.
In the 1930s in Florence, two women were recognized as qualified shochatot, including Dr. Malka Cassuto, daughter of Rabbi and Professor Umberto Cassuto.
Modern Considerations and Practical Implications
Given the halachic permission and historical precedents, should women be encouraged to train as shochatot today?
Jewish Law (Halakha) Supports It – There is no halakhic reason to bar a knowledgeable and trained woman from practicing shechita.
Changing Gender Norms – As more women enter fields previously considered “men’s work,” including Torah study and rabbinics, there is no reason that the doors to learning shechita shall be closed.
Practical Training – Organizations like the Sacred Slaughter Institute and other kosher shechita training programs could consider welcoming female students who meet the same rigorous standards applied to men.
Conclusion: Women Can Be Shochatot
The Torah and halakhic tradition clearly permit women to serve as shochatot and historical examples confirm that they have done so. While minhag in some communities discouraged women from taking on this role, an unfound minhag does not override halakha.
In today’s world, there is no reason why a woman who is committed, knowledgeable, and properly trained should not be permitted to serve as a shochetet. Restoring this lost tradition could allow for greater involvement of women in kosher food preparation and open new avenues for Jewish women to engage with mitzvot in deep and meaningful ways.
The Sacred Slaughter Institute for Shechita Studies welcomes serious students—both men and women—who wish to learn this sacred skill with halakhic rigor and spiritual integrity. If you’re ready to take the next step, explore our training program and discover how you can become part of this vital tradition.