Women’s History Month and the holiday of Purim both occur in March this year. Coincidence? Or perhaps a rich opportunity to reflect upon the bravery and determination of the heroine in the story of Purim, Queen Esther?
Esther, chosen from a beauty pageant to reign as the bride of King Ahasuerus, hides her Jewish identity at first. Only upon discovering Haman’s evil plot to destroy her entire community does she bravely step forward, knowing only she can stop this from happening. Esther’s action exemplifies one woman’s courage in the face of potential death, standing up for what she believes; and in the process, saving other Jews.
Perhaps we can consider Esther, so many centuries ago, as the very first civil rights feminist, bravely challenging Haman in a clearly male-dominated village. Therein lies the very heart of Women’s History Month.
In 1898, ahead of the Second Zionist Congress, prominent leader Theodor Herzl declared that women should have a right to vote in institutions created by the Zionist society in the Land of Israel. Years later, 25 women served on the Yishuv’s first Constituent Assembly in 1925.
In 1951, three years after establishing the state of Israel, the First Knesset passed the Women’s Equal Rights Law. Eleven women participated in the First Knesset, a mere but significant 9% when we consider that the very same year in the United States, only 10 women served in both houses of Congress. We have come so far, but a long road still lies ahead.
When we think of other integral Jewish women woven within the tapestry of our history, certain names tend to spring forth: Miriam, Deborah, Ruth, Sarah, Rachel and, of course, Golda Meir. Yet many lesser-known courageous Jewish women also contributed, such as Lady Judith Montefiore. In the 1700s, she and her husband traveled long and often arduous distances to alleviate the suffering of Jews around the world.
Perhaps you know of strong Jewish women who have served as role models within your own families. If so, take a moment this month to thank them for their strength, their devoted work, and maybe even for changing the course of history.
