During these dark and unsettling times in the world, I hope this message provides some light to help to lift your spirits.

This week we celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8th and next week we will celebrate Purim, March 16-17.

Have you ever noticed that both celebrations have some connection? The determination and the attitude of the women. Both International Women’s Day and Purim commemorate a historically oppressed population that became empowered and thrive.

International Women’s Day seeks to bridge gender inequality for a more inclusive society. This day was first observed during a march in NYC in 1908, where women demanded shorter work hours, better pay, and voting rights. We can find the principles of International Women’s Day in the Torah. Female Jewish leaders like Miriam, Sarah, Queen Esther and Vashti from the Purim story, all stood for the liberation of the oppressed.

Vashti refused to obey the decree of King Achashverosh – she stood up for her dignity. The King looked for another Queen. Esther, the cousin of Mordechai a Jewish leader, maintained her Jewish identity very quietly, until Hamman (booo) signed the decree to eradicate the Jewish people. This is when Queen Esther led the rebellion and in doing so, she saved the Jewish people.

The important message from this story is that we should become the leaders who seek to create an inclusive and equal society and as Jewish people, we should be proud of all the women who have courageously stood up against oppression.

I would like to share with you something that in 1979 Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a Colombian novelist, once wrote in a Spanish Magazine EL Viejo Topo.

Gabriel Garcia Marquez – El Viejo Topo -1979

Wishing you and your loved ones an early Chag Purim Sameach, may this year Purim bring much needed joy, light and happiness.

Do you have an event you'd like to publicize to the greater Jewish community? Please let us know so we can include it in future emails.