“A woman of valor who can find? For her worth is far beyond rubies.”
Slow your roll there, Proverbs! This isn’t “Where’s Waldo.” An Eishes Chayil, a woman of valor? In Jewish history, ya can’t miss ‘em!
See? There’s the prophet Miriam, a drum in her hand. She’s singing a song of freedom that echoes across time so loudly that we can still hear it.
Look, there’s Judith. She’s defeating our enemy Holofernes…with his own sword! Heroic.
Pop over to Babylonia. Yalta is destroying 400 barrels of wine, as an act of radical protest against the patriarchy. Iconic.
Peek into the Beit Midrash. Beruriah is there, outlearning all the men. Absolute GOALS. Across time and space, we find women of valor, raising us on their shoulders. Battling Bella. Hannah, the warrior poet, behind enemy lines. Ruth, in the Supreme Court.
In my own life, Jewish women imbue my spirit with their merit. Blair, adventuring across the icy wilderness. Shoshanna, of the righteous fight against fundamentalism. The learned women like Rabbanit Michelle, who illuminate Judaism past and present with such wisdom.
Janet.
My mother. The first Eishes Chayil I knew. I see you; I thank you. I’m standing on your shoulders.
Miriam Anzovin is the creator of the #DafReactions series on TikTok and the first artist-in-residence at Moishe House. www.miriamanzovin.com
