Page "Tallit" Paragraph 25

In contemporary Orthodox Judaism, there is a debate on the appropriateness of women wearing tzitzit which has hinged on whether women are allowed to perform commandments from which they are exempt.

According to Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik the issue depends on the intention with which such an act is undertaken, e. g. whether it is intended to fulfill the actual commandment, to bring a person closer to the Almighty, or for political or protest purposes.

Other commentators hold that women are prohibited generally, without making an individual inquiry.

The view that women donning a tallit would be guilty of arrogance is cited as applying to attempts of making a political statement as to the ritual status of the genders, particularly in the Modern Orthodox community, are generally more inclined to regard contemporary women's intentions as religiously appropriate.