Dear Friends,
In our Torah reading this week, Parashat Yitro, we continue to tell the story of the Exodus from Egypt. The Israelites make it to Mount Sinai and they receive the Ten Commandments. The Exodus from Egypt becomes one of the most symbolic experiences, a defining moment, and an inspiring story in Judaism’s tradition. According to the Talmud, we owe it all to the merit of righteous women for making it happen.
The Talmud teaches us בשכר נשים צדקניות שבאותו הדור נגאלו, that the Exodus took place due to the merits of righteous women of that generation. The Talmud then continues to point out that throughout history women -- from Miriam and Yocheved in Egypt prior to the first Passover, to Esther in Persia during the reign of King Ahasuerus, to Judith in the land of Israel at the time of the Maccabees -- have been responsible in every generation for bringing about our redemption.
I have been thinking a lot about this text, as I am excited this week to celebrate Sisterhood Shabbat. While both men and women can be members of Tifereth Israel Sisterhood (you should all become members!), throughout the generations Sisterhood has come to represent how strong, bright, and courageous women can come together to inspire, to support, and to help Judaism, the Jewish community, and Tifereth Israel flourish.
Through the merit of Sisterhood, and the many righteous women of every generation, we will continue to flourish. I want to thank Sisterhood for not only leading us and inspiring us this Shabbat during our services, but for everything you have done, and will continue to do, to ensure that we, as a Jewish community, continue to flourish for generations to come.
Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Josh Dorsch
