Is it Halachically Permissible for Women to Study Gemara?

Greetings,

It is prohibited to teach women Gemara; however, if they study on their own, there is no prohibition, and they will receive reward as those who fulfill a non-obligatory mitzvah.

Nevertheless, it is permissible to teach women Pirkei Avot because it includes matters of ethics and good conduct.

Sources: The very rule that it is forbidden to teach women Torah She'Be'al Peh (the Oral Law) is explained in Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah (Section 240, Paragraph 6). Indeed, in the book Shulchan Gavoha, part Yoreh De'ah (Section 240, Section 19), it is written that self-study of Torah She'Be'al Peh by women is also prohibited. This is similarly stated in the book Nehora De'oraita (Essay 3, Chapter 10, Section 3). And likewise, it was ruled in Shut Shevet HaLevi, part 6 (Section 140) and part 8 (Section 201).

However, in Shut Maharil HaChadashot (Section 41), it is written that it is specifically forbidden to teach his daughter, but if she learns by herself, she has reward as one who fulfills a non-obligatory mitzvah with good intention. This is also stated by their own opinion in the book Avi Ezri (Laws of Torah Study, Chapter 1, Law 13) and in Shut Tzitz Eliezer, part 9 (Section 3) and in Shut Ne'edarim part 14 (Section 3, Section 7) and in Shut Mishneh Halachot, part 10 (Section 161). They merit to align with the words of one of the earlier rabbis, namely Maharil mentioned above. See also in Shut Bnei Banim, part 3 (Section 12) and in Shut Neharot Eitan, part 2 (Section 64, Sections 1-2).

According to all opinions, it is permissible for women to study Masechet Avot (and it is even permissible to teach them), as explained in Shut Igrot Moshe, part Yoreh De'ah, part 3 (Section 197) and in Shut Shragah HaMeir, part 7 (Section 26, Section 3). And see in the book Aruchot Rabbenu, part 1 (page 125, Section 20) and in the book Derech Sichah, part 1 (page 285).

With blessings,

Hillel Meirs