Women as the Pillars of Leadership
Good morning. It’s a great honor to be here and speak to you. Above all, because you are the leaders of the world. In Jewish tradition, leadership isn’t solely political or business-oriented. The true leaders are the women, the foundation of the home, the family, and ultimately, the future.
I’m not here to undermine men. As a man, I acknowledge the profound influence women have had in my life. I want to honor my wife, Shandi, and my daughter, Rashi, both of whom are here today. And a special acknowledgment to Tamara, whose efforts have made this gathering possible.
The Role of Women in Jewish History
Throughout Jewish history, it has been the merit of women that has brought about redemption and miracles. Whether in Egypt, during Chanukah, or Purim, Jewish women have always been at the forefront.
My Personal Journey
Allow me to share a bit about my journey. I grew up in New York, in a home steeped in Jewish tradition. My parents, Russian-born, instilled in me the warmth and beauty of Shabbat and mitzvot. Yet, as a teenager, I found myself asking questions. Many of my teachers discouraged questioning, labeling it as rebellious. This didn’t sit well with me. It led me to dig deeper, seeking answers that resonated with my soul.
I discovered that Judaism and Torah have multiple dimensions: the body and the soul. The body represents the mechanical actions we perform, but the soul is the intention and passion behind these actions. Without the soul, what we do becomes robotic and mechanical.
Bringing Torah to Life
To truly live a Jewish life, we must merge the body and the soul of Torah. For example, we all know we blow the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, but how many know why? Understanding the deeper, soulful reasons transforms a mechanical act into a spiritual experience.
The Power of Elul and Tishrei
As we enter the months of Elul and Tishrei, captured beautifully in the book "60 Days," we are on a profound journey. These months are not just about technical preparations for the new year; they are about soul-searching and transformation.
Addressing Modern Challenges
In today’s world, our children face numerous distractions. I recently saw a young boy completely engrossed in video games, his passion evident. But where is this passion for preparing for Rosh Hashanah? We must make our traditions exciting and engaging for the younger generation. This is not just about tradition; it’s about ensuring the continuity of our values and beliefs.
The Story of Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year, is a day of forgiveness and transformation. It marks the day Moshe (Moses) returned from Mount Sinai with the second set of tablets, symbolizing God’s forgiveness after the sin of the Golden Calf. This day teaches us that no matter our mistakes, we can always repair and grow stronger.
Lessons in Accountability
In relationships, whether with God or with each other, accountability is key. Trust is not built on perfection but on the willingness to acknowledge and repair mistakes. This is the essence of the month of Elul and Yom Kippur.
Responding to Current Events
Our brothers and sisters in Israel face constant threats. As they fight physical battles, we must engage in spiritual ones. The recent attacks on October 7th, which coincided with Simchat Torah, remind us of our resilience. Despite the horrors, we stand strong, embodying the message of Yom Kippur: the indestructibility of the Jewish spirit.
Embracing Our Role
As women, you are the leaders, the foundation. Your role is crucial in inspiring and guiding your families and communities. In these challenging times, your strength and resolve are more important than ever.
A Call to Action
Let us take this month of Elul to prepare, to transform, and to commit to strengthening our spiritual and communal bonds. Every mitzvah, every act of kindness, and every prayer contributes to our collective resilience and strength.
May Hashem bless each of you with a year filled with health, happiness, and peace. May we see the complete protection of our soldiers and peace in Israel and the world.
Thank you for your attention. May these words inspire and transform.
