Though Jewish women traditionally do not occupy public roles, Jewish history has some highly notable exceptions. Devorah the Prophetess acted as leader in Biblical times, and Queen Shlomtzion reigned for 13 years in the Second Temple period and far more mercifully than did her dictatorial husband, Alexander Yanai. In the 20th century, the public role of women became a hotly contested issue, and Rabbi Wein, citing halachic responsa, brings forward not only a timely debate, but does it with a touch of humor.