An attempt to withhold social change through education is described in anthropological fieldwork with ultraorthodox Jewish women, members of a Hassidic sect in Israel. After attending at least 12 years of formal schooling, they continue to study as adults in their limited free time. The meaning and social usage of their literacy are controlled by the men of the community. This article examines whether educated women can behave ignorantly and be treated as ignorant. A model of the social meaning of literacy is presented.