However, from the fourth century B.C.E. on, Judaism started to be influenced by Greek culture, which regarded women as inferior.​—See the box “Discrimination Against Women in Ancient Writings.”

For example, Greek poet Hesiod (eighth century B.C.E.) imputed all mankind’s ills to women. In his Theogony, he spoke of “the deadly race and tribe of women who live amongst mortal men to their great trouble.” This idea gained ground in Judaism early in the second century B.C.E. The Talmud, compiled from the second century C.E. on, gave this warning to men: “Do not converse much with women, as this will ultimately lead you to unchastity.”