Throughout history, Jewish women have embodied chutzpah—boldness, resilience, and the audacity to break barriers. From politics to science to the arts, their stories have shaped communities and changed the course of history.

The new book “Chutzpah Girls: 100 Tales of Daring Jewish Women,” by Julie Silverstein and Tami Schlossberg Pruwer, brings these stories to life, highlighting Jewish women whose contributions have often been overlooked. Each profile in the book is not written as a traditional biography but instead zooms in on a defining moment of challenge—a moment when each woman had to push past limits, take a stand, or defy expectations.

Adding to its unique storytelling approach, every story in “Chutzpah Girls” is accompanied by an original portrait created by a Jewish female artist from around the world, bringing these narratives to life in bold and vibrant ways.

For Silverstein, the book was born out of a deep need to correct an imbalance in how history remembers Jewish women.

“Jewish women have faced double discrimination, both as women and as Jews, yet they have played pivotal roles in shaping our communities, history, and future,” Silverstein said.

Her co-author, Schlossberg Pruwer, emphasized that the book isn’t just about looking back—it’s about inspiring future generations.

“We wanted to highlight their courage, resilience, and boldness—not just as a celebration, but as a call to action for young Jewish girls (and boys) to see themselves as part of this unbroken legacy of strength,” Schlossberg Pruwer said.

While the book spans centuries and continents, many of these “Chutzpah Girls” have deep connections to St. Louis, leaving their mark on the city through their activism, achievements, and leadership. Here are five Jewish women featured in the book whose influence on St. Louis is undeniable.

Five true stories of daring Jewish women

“Chutzpah Girls” was born out of a deep need to correct an imbalance in how history remembers Jewish women.

“Jewish women have faced double discrimination, both as women and as Jews, yet they have played pivotal roles in shaping our communities, history, and future,” Silverstein said.

Her co-author, Tami Schlossberg Pruwer, emphasized that this book isn’t just about looking back—it’s about inspiring future generations.

“We wanted to highlight their courage, resilience, and boldness—not just as a celebration, but as a call to action for young Jewish girls (and boys) to see themselves as part of this unbroken legacy of strength,” Pruwer said.

Henrietta Szold (1860 – 1945) – Inspiring Zionism through Hadassah

Henrietta Szold’s legacy ties her to St. Louis through Hadassah, the Jewish women’s Zionist organization she founded.

Szold, whose work empowered countless women to engage in Zionist efforts, brought Hadassah’s annual convention to St. Louis in 1937 at a time when Zionism was gaining momentum in the United States.

Her contributions extended beyond advocacy to include establishing hospitals, schools, and social services in Israel. Szold’s efforts at the St. Louis convention left a lasting impact, motivating local women to support the cause and participate actively in Jewish leadership​.

Golda Meir: Rallying for Israel’s Future

Years after Szold, another woman of chutzpah came to St. Louis with a purpose. Golda Meir, then Golda Myerson, visited the city in 1948 and 1949 to rally support for the newly established State of Israel. Her mission was to inspire the local Jewish community to contribute to Israel’s growth and security during its formative years.

“Szold defied expectations in an era when women were excluded from leadership, creating Hadassah and revolutionizing healthcare in pre-state Israel,” said Silverstein.

“Golda Meir didn’t just lead—she built. From fundraising across America for Israel’s independence to becoming its first female Prime Minister, she never let convention stand in her way,” said Schlossberg Pruwer.

Meir’s heartfelt speeches resonated deeply with St. Louis’s Jewish community, who responded with financial and moral support.

Barbra Streisand: Early Stardom in Gaslight Square

In 1961, a young Barbra Streisand brought her distinctive talent to St. Louis’s iconic Crystal Palace in the Gaslight Square district. At just 18, Streisand performed alongside the Smothers Brothers in a show that would become part of local lore. Her unique style, vocal prowess, and unapologetic personality were evident even in these early performances, which left audiences buzzing about her potential.

The Crystal Palace, a venue known for nurturing rising stars, was the perfect stage for Streisand to showcase her talent before skyrocketing to fame​.

“She refused to conform to Hollywood’s expectations, breaking barriers for Jewish women in entertainment, using her voice—literally and figuratively—to reshape the industry,” said Silverstein.

Susan Polgar: Championing chess in St. Louis

A grandmaster with remarkable achievements, Susan Polgar has called St. Louis home in recent years, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a hub for chess in the United States. Known as one of the first women to break into the traditionally male-dominated world of chess, Polgar became an essential part of the chess community in St. Louis.

Her involvement has helped elevate the city’s chess culture and inspired young players to take up the game. Polgar’s influence, including her thoughtful reflections on popular portrayals of chess in media, resonates with the spirit of chutzpah—changing perceptions and breaking barriers through sheer will and skill​.

Roya Hakakian: A voice for freedom

In 2023, Jewish Iranian-American journalist and writer Roya Hakakian took the stage at Saint Louis University’s Atlas Week to deliver a keynote address on the importance of freedom.

Having experienced firsthand the changes brought by the Iranian Revolution, Hakakian spoke movingly about the loss of freedoms she witnessed in her home country, using the tragic story of Mahsa Amini as a rallying point. Her message to the audience was clear: never take freedom for granted.

Carrying forward the spirit of chutzpah

Each of these women, featured in “Chutzpah Girls,” left a lasting mark on St. Louis, inspiring the Jewish community and beyond with their courage, vision, and unwavering dedication to their causes.

“Jewish women are powerful. Always have been. Always will be. These stories are not just history—they are a roadmap for resilience, leadership, and unapologetic Jewish pride,” said Schlossberg Pruwer. “I hope young Jewish girls and boys see themselves in these pages and know that they, too, can take up space, speak their minds, and shape the future with chutzpah.”

Look for more “Chutzpah Girls” stories every two weeks, in the Morning Light.

You can purchase your own copy of “Chutzpah Girls” online at Korenpub.com and Amazon.