The book of Shemot records the events that molded our people into G-d’s Chosen Nation: The Exodus from Egypt, Splitting of the Red Sea, Revelation at Sinai and the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) as an edifice that served as G-d’s revealed dwelling place in our midst.
At each one of these junctures the women played an integral and often primary role. The women were the ones credited with the survival of the family of Jacob during the years of terrifying slavery at the hands of Pharaoh. They were the ones to prepare musical instruments in those trying times confident that great miracles would occur warranting a joyful reaction with music. G-d instructed Moses to offer the Torah to the women first and only after securing their commitment continue on to the men’s club.
Finally, in this week’s parshah, after descending Mt. Sinai with the second tablets and G-d’s complete forgiveness for the grave sin of the Golden Calf, Moses starts the official appeal for the construction of the Tabernacle. Almost predictably, the women delivered their (unsolicited) contributions ahead of the men!
The Tabernacle was intended to be the correction of the scandalous sin of the Golden Calf. Then again, while the men were enthusiastically campaigning for the Idol, the women rejected the idea outright. As atonement, the men were commanded to contribute to the construction of the Tabernacle, but the women joined in voluntarily and swiftly.
My friends, the explanation to this phenomenon is that women are endowed with a deep sensitivity for G-dliness. They have a natural intuition for what is true and proper and are ready to lead the way. Due to their unique mission they are not obligated in various time-bound mitzvoth – yet they are still the driving force in ensuring that the rest of us live up to expectations.
As was the case in the era of the birth of our people, today’s Jewish women are the bedrock of the success story of Judaism today. Ensuring that our children receive the highest quality of Jewish education and creating beautiful memories to last a lifetime, they are cultivating the generation that will greet Moshiach who will usher in an era of global peace and prosperity for all.
It is a pleasure to express my gratitude to the women of the Jewish community for, once again, coming together to make the annual Le Café Chabad a spectacular success. The entertainment was top notch, the food delicious and the room was set elegantly. See photos of the beautiful event here.
May you all continue to be a driving force in the growth and success of our entire community.