Orthodox Judaism and Women's rights

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I have a unique window into Jewish culture in a professional capacity. Specifically women's culture and the requirements on them within the faith.

I have to say it strikes me as quite controlling. There is a lot of rules, and it get into quite intimate areas. For men but women bare the brunt of it. It supposed to be a maternal faith, but in reality it is paternalist.

Particularly talking about ritual purity/family purity rules. Some of this is copied into Islam, but no where near as elaborate.

The stereotype of neurotic mothers whilst a stereotype is understandable under those conditions. Certainly the person I know the best is extremely nervous, and is always telling me how nervous she is and have seen it in others as a trend.

Also Jewish women are also expected to cover up and dress quite modestly, although wigs are also acceptable in some sects instead of head scarves.

I'm not talking about ultra-Orthodox here, just normal orthodox. Ultras can't even begin to imagine.

Anyone else seen this, or has any insight.

Is it normal for instance to have to deliver in person or though courier a piece of white cloth or white knickers with menses/residue on it to a Rabi for judgment on purity?

Would that not be quite a neurotifying experience?

Modern Orthodox isn't like that at all, as far as I can tell. They just dress conservatively. No wigs.

Some merely wear a hat that covers part of their hair.

As far as the more extreme aspects of religious observance for the Modern Orthodox, I think it depends upon their particular congregation. There seems to be some flexibility in this area.

I do feel that the more "traditional" adherents to Judaism have archaic notions pertaining to womens' rights.

Within these adherents, though, are some very outspoken women.

I am aware that they are specific sects. I am of Jewish background myself, and have known people from various sects of Askenazi Jews. I haven't known any Sephardic Jews, though.

I have known Orthodox women who don't wear wigs, yet follow at least most precepts of traditional Judaism. They go as far as to not take elevators or drive during the Sabbath. I guess they wear hats to cover their hair--but I haven't noticed. They sometimes even wear jeans.....but their tops are always conservative and cover much.

I'm a totally nonobservant Jew. I think I would learn much by reading the Talmud, though.

Wouldn't it be nice if I had the leisure to study Talmud and Torah constantly!

The study of Talmud and Torah reaches dead ends unless they are combined with interaction with actual, present-day people.