As I was on my way to work this morning, after making sure that the challah dough was rising, the chicken soup defrosting, the hot water urn filled and ready to be plugged in, the table set and the candles ready, I wondered what I would write about this week for my “Greetings”. As always, the Torah reading of the week, in this case Shmot, contains timely lessons for generations past and future.
In particular I would like to focus on the role the women played in not only setting the stage for the unfolding history of the Am Yisrael but actually producing, directing, encouraging and nourishing the nation and its leaders. The “Nashim Tzidkaniyot”, נשים צדקניות, the righteous women, are the unsung heroes behind the ultimate redemption of the Jews and yetziat mitzrayim, יציאת מצרים, the exodus from Egypt.
There is a famous quote attributed to Canadian screenwriter Nia Vardalos which says “The man may be the head of the household. But the woman is the neck, and she can turn the head whichever way she pleases.” ...
