And She Stood Up – והיא שעמדה!

As the Director of Tahel – Crisis Center for Religious Women and Children, I have had the privilege of facilitating support groups for victims of abuse.  During the COVID segregation, this was more difficult and I discovered a new friend in Zoom.  Women from all over the world, joined our support groups via zoom and were able to discuss their feelings and fears.  As Pesach came the women were confronted with so very many feelings concerning their abuse, their loneliness, and their victimization.  Many wondered how they would survive the Seder.

We began a new tradition.  During the Seder, as we stand and  sing והיא שעמדה , we would think of each other.  We would think of every woman who has been victimized and abused.  We would think of every woman who had the courage to stand up and say – “I have been abused”.  We would  think of each woman who has stood up to the pain and the shame that has resulted from her abuse.  Women all over the world are standing up for themselves and for each other.  Women are reaching out and supporting each other.  Women are standing up and demanding that communities recognize abuse and condemn the abusers.  Women are standing up and demanding that laws and courts deal with the abuse.

As we near the Pesach and Seder night, I invite each of you to join in this new tradition that we have created.  When you stand up and sing והיא שעמדה, stand up for all the victims of abuse.  Stand up for them and with them.  Stand up against the injustice.  Stand up and support the victims.  Only then can we begin to seek Redemption.

Chag Sameach,

debbie