Tal Ilan

Tal Ilan is currently a professor of Jewish studies at the Free University, Berlin (Germany). She was born in Israel and received all her degrees from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She is a historian who specializes in Jewish women’s history in antiquity.


Articles by Tal Ilan

Helene, Queen of Adiabene

This ancient queen converted to Judaism and is mentioned in both Josephus’ "Antiquities" and rabbinic literature.

Female Personalities in the Babylonian Talmud

Ultimately, these women’s stories are used to supplement the narratives about the men around them.

Rachel: Wife of Rabbi Akiva

How they met and the economic support she offered him.

Em: Female Personality in the Babylonian Talmud

This fourth century woman from the Babylonian Talmud gave halakhic and medical advice.