A tribute to our Jewish women

I have not posted for a while. Yes  I compiled some new posts. Yes I could have posted about the chaotic thunder and intentional ill behaviors of the world that would take years of deprogramming to undo the years and years of hateful and violent dogma.

However, I decided to focus on that which is truly good: The Jewish Women.

Women, especially in Israel have been holding up the fort, humbly and more intensely since October 7, 2023.

Many are doing double duty. Many have spouses on the frontlines, many have been on the frontlines themselves, many are recovering from wounded bodies and souls, and they… carry on… valiantly.

Some have been advocating for the hostages too and some unfortunately are victims who are bearing witness to the world.

I often think of a book that refers to the Voice of Sara, in a book that I peered over a very long time ago.

Sara was our first Jewish mother, our first matriarch to be followed by Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.

They had to foresee and guide the vision of the Jewish future.

Strong Jewish women are exemplified by figures from religious texts, history, and modern society.

From our biblical matriarchs to Deborah, to political leaders such as Gold Meir. To groundbreaking scientists like Gertrude Elion to influential humanitarians and activists like Anne Frank and Emma Lazarus.

And today we Have Rachel Polin, Adam Berger, our spokeswoman Noa Tishby, and others.

Jewish Women who are known for their courage, resilience cleverness, leadership, and contributions to their communities and the world.

Lets not forget historical figures;

Queen Esther… Deborah the prophetess and judge… Rachel wife of  Akiva… Ruth the Moavite… Miriam sister of Moses

and others

Modern leaders :

Henrietta Szold.. Golda Meir — “Iron Lady”… Bella Abzug.. Ruth Bader Ginsberg… Hannah Senesh.. Judy Herman, Rosalind Franklin..

and so many others.

More historical figures:

Bella Katz of Levon… Dona Gracia Mendes Nasi… Rebbetzen. Deborah Leah… Tamera Bryson… Lady Judith Montefiores… Solika Hajoul — “ Tzadikah”… Sarah Shenirer…. Sarah Katsenellenbogen (a relative!)… Dr. Gisela Perl (a Dr in Auschwitz )…. And to me our brave Holocaust survivor… our mother and matriarch: Rabbanit Morah Yaffa Sheyndel Munk Née Donath zt”l !

Aliza Lavie wrote a book called: Iconic Jewish Women. Her previous book was called: A Jewish Woman’s Prayer Book. I just watched her in an interview with a Rabbi Pines. She described that while she was in a synagogue in the old ghetto in Rome, Italy, she discovered that on every shabbat they recite an ancient prayer from an old Roman Hebrew prayer book. It was the first time she had heard it. It speaks of: He who blesses Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel and Leah will bless every bat Yisrael, every daughter of Israel, and will bless this synagogue.

Wow, how beautiful! A different variation on parents blessing for their daughters!

She also said that prior to October 7th , the secular and more observant women were not as unified, but there has been a spiritual awakening, and a spiritual unity. Challahs are being baked, tefillot — prayers being recited everywhere, even in hostage square… all by the women. They were seeking holy moments in a difficult and unknown time both in Israel and globally.

I also came across a group called: “ Women of valor. Women of war. This was started by Shifra Soloveichik. She is a filmmaker, observant, was a soldier, and became a pregnant widow from the war. She created this to spotlight unheralded women with extraordinary stories during one of the most difficult moments in modern Jewish History. she saw this as an opportunity to lift up the Jewish women of Israel.

Eshet Chayil — the women of valor.

We should be singing this to every single woman  in Israel (and for every Jewish Woman) . they are the heroes quietly, humbly carrying the wight of burdened families, juggling military lives, jobs, and home. How many women were widowed tragically by Octobers 7th and the multi front wars?!

So many have watched angels pass before them, taken away prematurely.

Many families have been impacted very hard by the war.

Yet a new sun is rising.

”Hazorim B’Dima B’rina Yiktzoru”- They who sow tears shall reap with songs of joy

Jewish women shape history with wisdom and bravery.

It is the Jewish women who will bring the Redemption.

They bear the pillars of inspiration and rise up in difficult times.

So let us sing to the Jewish women who truly care, who carry so much with strength and authenticity.

We see you… we recognize each and everyone of you. We thank you.