You did a double take, didn’t you? Hehehe…you thought I said Buju.
Sorry. You must be thinking of another Jewish blogger. I said Bujo…
If you’re still with me and asking, “But what is Bujo,” let me direct you to this article that states: ”Bullet Journal® (aka Bujo) is a mindfulness practice designed as a productivity system. It will meet you wherever you are to help you write a better life. All you need is pen and paper.”
Nu? Sound familiar? It certainly is in keeping with my latest publication that speaks to being more mindful, more productive, more like the Eshet Chayil (Woman of Valor) that you aspire to be. More than that, it is in keeping with the Jewish practice of Mussar. The tradition encourages us to refine ourselves, to cultivate a connection to our higher being.
According to this My Jewish Learning post, Rabbi Elya Lopian said that the ancient ritual of accessing, and incorporating, virtue-based ethics is “teaching the heart what the mind already understands.” Meditation is certainly one form to transcend to a better sense of self. Another method is through journaling.
The paperback version of From Meidelach to Matriarchs: A Journal provides space for your thoughts, notes, and yes, even art work. I thought I was being so clever! I imagined readers adding sticky notes with motivational reminders and inspirational pictures from magazines or Pinterest…
However, many of you Wonder Women have asked if the journal is available as an eBook, because, you know, you are busy, you’re on the go! Honestly, I was stumped! How would you be able to activate the “right side of your brain”—the creative part of you that likes to use colored pencils and doodle while you draft your thoughts, make your lists, and plan out strategies—on your phone, tablet, or Kindle reader?
We don’t want to push our ideas on to customers, we simply want to make what they want.”
Laura Ashley, designer and businesswoman
It only makes sense to give the customer what they want, so I’m setting out to publish an eBook version as you’ve requested. It will have the same content—the history of 100 Jewish women and the questions and/or prompts for you to consider—however, as you might have guessed, it won’t have the “space” for your thoughts. You’ll have to provide that by keeping a note pad or notebook close at hand.
I will leave it to you to doodle away and add color or cutouts for your inspiration. That’s a happy compromise, I believe, and I’m confident that you’ll enjoy the experience! Because, at the end of the day…
Miss Caroline Bingley provides a definition of a “lady of quality” in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. However, in trying to call attention to Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s lack of social graces (the young lady would rather read, than play cards. Heavens!) Miss Bingley miscalculates and misses her mark. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy sees past the thinly veiled attack and offers a rejoinder of his own.
All this she must possess,” added Darcy, “and to all this she must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading.”
Pride and Prejudice~ Jane Austen
Without a doubt, Jane Austen was familiar with Proverbs 31. After all, she was the daughter of a Anglican rector. No doubt, she drew inspiration from the words that described a Woman of Valor. In fact, Austen’s own brother made certain to memorialize her using a quote from the same passage.
She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness”
Proverbs 31:26
Miss Elizabeth Bennet is known to be witty—a nicer way of saying sarcastic—and quick to judge. Certainly, the opposite of speaking with wisdom and kindness. Like any character worthy of notice, however, she goes through a series of events that spark introspection and change. Austen provides the arc for this character’s spiritual and emotional growth.
When Miss Bennet arrived at Netherfield, Mr. Darcy observed her skirts covered “six inches deep in mud…her hair, so untidy, so blowsy!” Instead of censuring her for her lack of grace as Miss Bingley was quick to do, Mr. Darcy saw a woman whose mission that day was to attend to her sister, Jane, who had taken ill. Clearly, the young lady had no improper pride; she was not there to exhibit or to lay claim to her many accomplishments. Later, when the party gathered in drawing room, he saw a young lady who would not be swayed by peer pressure. Elizabeth Bennet stood her ground against Miss Bingley and read a book, rather than play at cards.
In the 1995 version of Austen’s novel, Lizzy is asked to perform at the piano during a visit to Pemberley. She had no great talent, and often admitted her failure to practice. Lizzy does play, however, and the room is delighted. It is probably one of the most beloved scenes of the series. The admiration on Mr. Darcy’s face says it all. Throughout the novel, he was known to be a man who despises cunning and deception. He cannot, therefore, fail to notice Lizzy’s strength of character, her kindness, her vivacity, and grace.
It’s my belief that, in showing the character’s ability to reflect, to admit her own failings, and to seek to come up a bit higher, Austen created an Eishet Chayil —a Woman of Valor.
There are many in Austen’s fan base that have crafted devotionals inspired by the author’s work and personal life. I hope to add to the flavor, so to speak, by offering my own take on Women of Valor with this motivational journal.
The words “Fear not” or “Be not afraid” are written in the Torah over twenty times. We see the same refrain at least thirteen times in Psalms. There are twenty-six opportunities to read these encouraging words from the Prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah—not to mention the other, thirty-plus times we are commanded: “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.” (Exodus 14:13) The Torah’s brilliance is highlighted by the fact that we are not only instructed not to be afraid, but we are also told: “Do not be discouraged.”
Is that asking too much of us, weak and stiff-necked as we are known to be? Even the most faithful, the most courageous person, may stumble and lose their way. Fear is a natural component of our DNA— and not necessarily a bad emotion. After all, we need to be alert and aware of our surroundings. Discouragement, as we are told in this post, is another matter. We lose faith, we lose hope—we become overwhelmed.
The whole world is one long narrow bridge, so it is essential not to make oneself afraid. “
Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav
Given the times, our community needs to reflect on our past and be inspired. More than ever, women today need to acknowledge: We are standing on the shoulders of giants! We need to emulate their strength, courage, and compassion and match it with our own. We need to remember who we are!
What is the worst thing Satan can accomplish? To make a person forget that he or she is a child of God.”
Rabbi Shelomo of Karlin
My book, “From Meidelach to Matriarchs: A Journal~ Jewish Women of Yesteryear to Inspire your Today” showcases one hundred women. Women from various eras. Women from diverse backgrounds. Women with different political opinions. Women of Valor. I share a brief snippet of each individual’s history and then provide prompts or questions for the reader to consider. This is a safe space for the reader to jot down their thoughts.
Each vignette is fascinating in its own right, rich in historical and social detail, however, what I loved and appreciated the most, and I believe is the true value and achievement of this publication, are the questions posed in the journaling section, encouraging the reader to think and reflect, and to analyze the historical and contemporary issues related to each story.”
I encourage you to read this book. Use it as a resource. Use it help you focus your thoughts, your prayers, your goals and aspirations.
The time set aside for some quiet contemplation is for you, alone—don’t worry what others think or how your opinions might not fit in with the crowd.
I see this journal as an opportunity for spiritual growth. It is an opportunity to resonate with those that came before us, to take the baton forward and to symbolically stand alongside the women that paved the way. It is a reminder that, each day, we are given an opportunity to do better—to live better.
The many sins most people commit are not great crimes. The great crime is that we are all capable of change/reform every day and we do not do it.”
Rabbi Simcha Bunam of Pzhysha
I hope you give this book a chance. Spread the word! And let me know what you think!
Yeah! The day has arrived! Today is Publication Day! And because it is Publication Day…there have been a few hiccups.
Hopefully, Amazon will get it straightened out by tomorrow.
And because of those pesky algorithms…
Daily Journal for Jewish Women, Daily Journal for Jewish Women, Daily Journal for Jewish Women, Daily Journal for Jewish Women, Daily Journal for Jewish Women, Daily Journal for Jewish Women, Daily Journal for Jewish Women…
Just a little humor, folks. I guess I’ve had too much pumpkin pie…
I hope you check out the new book. I’m excited to hear what you think!
Publication Day is fast approaching! Do you know what to expect when you purchase a copy of “From Meidelach to Matriarchs: A Journal~ Jewish Women of Yesteryear to Inspire your Today” ?
I’ll let you in on the little secret… This book will introduce you to one hundred amazing women. You will learn a bit of their story and then address some thought-provoking questions. Perhaps introduce is the wrong word—let’s just say that I didn’t know some of these ladies. Have you heard of: Sadie American, Tikvah Alper, Anita Brenner, Claudia Douek, Shamsi Hekmat, Miriam Michaelson, or Hannah Sen?
That’s the whole point of this book! Meet one hundred inspiring, courageous, trail-blazing women. Jewish women of our recent past. Jewish women who have opened doors for the rest of us. Jewish women who have spoken up. Jewish women who have put their foot down and said, “I’m not having it.”
Jewish women to reinforce our identity, our pride, our purpose.
Coming soon on Amazon. Look for the release on Thanksgiving Day! With love,
I’ve been writing about my upcoming release for a few weeks now. I’ve called it a Daily Journal, a Daily Devotional, even a Motivational Journal. I talked about expressive writing, introspection, and guidance for your spiritual journey. Are you asking yourself, “So, what is it exactly?”
With Publication Day fast approaching, I thought I’d share an example of just one of the ladies showcased in From Meidelach to Matriarchs: A Journal~ Jewish Women of Yesteryear to Inspire your Today.
Let me introduce you to Annie “Londonderry” Kopchovsky ~ 1870-1947
Annie was born in Latvia to Beatrice and Levi Cohen. When she was five years old, her family immigrated and settled in Boston. At the age of eighteen, she married Simon Kopchovsky. She had three babies within four years, yet, indomitable Annie held down a job selling advertising space for Boston newspapers. In 1894, two men placed a bet on whether a woman could travel the world alone on a bicycle. Annie was quoted as saying, “I didn’t want to spend my life at home with a baby under my apron every year,” and she submitted her name for consideration.
The mother of three—Annie had no previous cycling experience—was accepted to take on the challenge. The rules required that the contestant finish her journey within fifteen months, start off penniless, and earn $5,000 along the way. Annie put her advertising skills to work. She hung a sign on her bike advertising the Londonderry Lithia Spring Water Company. That is how Annie “Londonderry” was officially born.
Although she sailed for large portions of her journey, she fulfilled the requirements and cycled alone with a pearl revolver for protection. She returned home just under the allotted time to collect the $10,000 prize. In 1895, Annie became the first woman cyclist to travel around the world. Soon after, the family moved to New York. She wrote an article for “New Woman” that stated, “I am a journalist and ‘a new woman,’ if that term means that I believe I can do anything that any man can do.”
Now, just as I have done in the journal, I will share some questions for you to ponder:
Question Number One:
“A Jew must know that when he goes from one place to another, he is not going on his own, but he is being directed from Above.” (The Baal Shem Tov) Was Annie on a mission for G-d? Do you feel the Hand of G-d directing you?
Question Number Two:
A Chabad post postulated that, like a bike, our lives are also made up of multiple parts—most importantly, two parents and G-d. We do are best in the balancing act we call Life. But while we’re enjoying the ride, we must keep in mind that it’s not all our own doing. We must always remember who sustained us, molded us, inspired us to keep on pedaling. Who’s riding in tandem with you?
Question Number Three:
What does Annie’s story teach us about breaking barriers?
Question Number Four:
What are other “take-aways”? In other words, are you inspired to jot down any other thoughts that have come to mind?
So there you have it! An example of what you can expect when you pick up your own copy.
I’ve provided you with one hundred fabulous women. We will meet the meidelach, young women just getting started and trying to figure things out, and the matriarchs who are shouldering the burdens of life and leading by example. I will share a brief snippet of their stories, one woman for the next one hundred days. One hundred opportunities to inspire your thoughts, your creativity, your philanthropy, your Jewish observance or your Jewish identity.
What do you think? Are you interested? Are you up for the challenge?
As a great fan of Jane Austen, it is not hard to imagine that I devour all sorts of material about the author and her life. Jane was the daughter of an Anglican clergyman. Her novels, as well as her personal correspondence highlight her connection to her faith. In reading fan-fiction, and following like-minded authors who are fans of Austen’s work, I’ve come across the practice of keeping a devotional. To be honest, I had to do some research on the subject. I thought it might just be a Christian practice. But, as I worked on my latest project, From Meidelach to Matriarchs: A Journal~ Jewish Women of Yesteryear to Inspire your Today, I found that I crafted something definitely Jew-ish.
Everyone likes to go their own way~ to choose their own time and manner of devotion.”
Jane Austen
Keeping a devotional journal is a way to reflect on your principles and what’ve you’ve gleaned from religious practice, readings, lessons, etc. It can help you focus on certain topics. It can help you track your progress while you set out on a spiritual journey.
Use it to:
Reflect, write down your thoughts, and applythe lessons
Write a prayerof your own
Set spiritual goals
Get creative
Here are three samples of non-Jewish authors who’ve done just that with their own Jane Austen devotional journals:
I know what you’re thinking. You’re already coming up with excuses.
Excuse #1: It doesn’t sound quite… kosher.
Some people pray and recite psalms and proverbs on a daily basis. Others say the words that in their hearts and minds. Some people attend services every week. Others only go to synagogue during the High Holidays. As Jews, we have rituals such as our morning prayers, tefillin, and blessings of thanksgiving. We do charitable work. We light our Shabbes candles. A devotional journal can be another ritual or tool in our spiritual connection.
Excuse #2: Ugh! I’m not interested in Jane Austen.
News flash: This journal is actually not at all related to Jane Austen.
Excuse #3: You’re too busy for another commitment.
What if you change your mindset and think of this as a self-care moment—a special treat, like a mani-pedi or meeting a friend for tea? What if you choose to use this journal, not only for its entertainment value, but to nourish your neshama, your Jewish soul? Here are some suggestions that you might find helpful:
Make an Appointment~ This is your time to reconnect
Decide on a timeframe~ Set a realistic amount of time aside. 15 minutes?
Choose a Place~ Set up a cozy nook, have a pen, highlighter, etc. handy
Be flexible ~ Life happens! Be kind to yourselfand adjust as necessary
Publication day is fast approaching! Stay tuned and follow this page for release updates.
The last blog post discussed the concept of expressive writing and my hopes for publishing something unique and thought provoking. This project is not a historical fiction based in Russia or Argentina. It’s not a Regency Romance in keeping with my love for Jane Austen. My sixth publication is a daily journal about—and more importantly, for—Jewish women. It will provide a bit of structure and a comfortable environment to reflect upon historical accomplishments, religious identity, moral questions, life cycle events, and so much more.
If you were to search for a daily journal on Amazon, the results would be staggering. As a matter of fact, in recent years the market has been overwhelmed with these so-called low content publications. These books have minimal, or even, no content— just pages of empty lines waiting to be filled with the consumer’s own thoughts. The author provides a quote or a simple phrase as motivation, but that’s about it. I’ve crafted something a bit different.
Technically, my project is considered medium content. There is some repetition in that I have provided space for you, the consumer, to write. However, rather than offering a quote or prayer as inspiration, I have provide a brief synopsis for each of the one hundred women showcased in the journal. After each snippet of history, there are three thoughtfully constructed questions to help you navigate through your thoughts and strengthen your resolve, your point of view—your faith.
Another factor that differentiates my project from other journals is that it’s specifically geared towards Jewish women. Naturally, everyone is welcome to enjoy it and learn from it. I believe any person of faith would find the journal an enlightening and useful tool. That being said, the P.O.V. for this project (Point of View—that’s me trying to show off my author’s vocabulary) is unapologetically Jewish. Jennifer Wulff, Certified Spiritual Director, believes that, “Expressive journaling becomes a sacred and holy space, where you can explore your deepest questions and strengthen the connections between yourself and the Divine.” Now, more than ever, it is important to find our own voice. To look back with pride and to look forward without fear. To be comfortable in our own skin.
Shoyn! (as my bobe used to say) Enough already! I promised a cover reveal. So, here it is:
Nu? What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Publishing Day is fast approaching! I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Last week, I was prepared to share some happy news with this audience. Last week, I wasgoing to reveal my latest project with all the enthusiasm and (anxious) hope typical of a would-be author. However, last week, we were trying to absorb the horrific news coming from Israel. We were trying to understand how these barbaric acts were taking place—after we Jews had pledged NEVER AGAIN. I typed the words “we Jews”— not the world. That was not a typographical error. That was intentional, because apparently “the world” hasn’t joined us in pledging NEVER AGAIN. The world doesn’t seem to understand the history of Eretz Israel (the Land of Israel).
I’ve decided to share some history today. I don’t consider myself an academic and I’m certainly not a professional historian. The information I’m sharing comes from various sites found on the Internet. I encourage you to do your own research, but this is what I believe to be true.
Nearly 3,000 years ago: The people known as the Philistines had become extinct. This Aegean (Cypriot) tribe had no connection to the modern-day Arabs that call themselves Palestinian. They have different ethnicities, different languages, different culture.
Around 1000 B.C.E: King David ruled the region known as Canaan.
Around 931 BCE: King Solomon built the first holy temple in Jerusalem. The kingdom was divided: Israel to the North, Judah in the South. “Ninety-two percent of the Bible place names are in the mountains of Israel in what the Bible calls Judea and Samaria and the world calls the West Bank.” ~B. Brim, scholar at Elon Moreh.
The Book of Genesis shows that Abraham entered Israel through Shechem, and that the hills of Judea and Samaria were the stomping grounds for his descendants through Isaac and Jacob.
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were buried in Hebron, a bustling city in the Judean hills.
Joseph, who lived and died in Egypt, was buried in Shechem, in the hills of Samaria (Joshua 24:32)
The book of Exodus shows that the ark of the covenant, before being placed in the temple in Jerusalem, rested in the Samarian city of Shiloh
Around 722 BCE: The Assyrians invaded the region.
568 BCE: Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, destroying the first temple
132 CE: The Romans exiled Jews from their homeland; and, in an attempt to discourage patriotism, renamed the region Syria-Palaestina, combining the names of two ancient kingdoms long since dead: Assyria and Philistine.
Future conquerors (Persians, Greeks, Muslims, Arabs, Turks, Egyptians, etc.) would refer to the area by the name of Palestine (Philistia, Palestina, Filastin, Mandatory Palestine, etc.), but it always denoted a place and not a people.
1517-1917: The Ottoman Empire ruled the Holy Land.
1917: The British offered the “Balfour Declaration” in support of the establishment of a Jewish homeland. Over 80 % of the region’s population were Muslim/Arab. “Before the Balfour Promise, Palestine’s political borders as we know them today did not exist, and there was nothing called a Palestinian people with a political identity as we know today,” historian Abd Al-Ghani.
1918 (after WWI): The region becomes known as British Palestine.
1922: The League of Nations approved the Balfour Declaration. The Arabs who lived in the area opposed it. These people were from, or were descended from, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, etc. Very few Palestinian Arabs were indigenous. Most arrived with the Muslim conquests of the 7th century.
1937: The Peel Commission offered a plan for peace. The Arabs rejected it. “There is no such country as Palestine! ‘Palestine’ is a term the Zionists invented! Our country was for centuries part of Syria.”~ Arab leader, Auni Bey Abdul-Hadi.
1944: President Roosevelt opposed a pro-Zionist resolution in Congress in fear of provoking Arab nations. He had previously showed his disdain for Jewish refugees, referring to their pleas as “Jewish wailing” and “sob stuff.”
1947: The United Nations approved a two-state plan. The Arabs rejected it.
1948: Israel was officially declared an independent state. The following day, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon invaded. A temporary armistice agreement gave Judea and Samaria to Jordan (now called the West Bank) and the Gaza Strip to Egypt.
1967: Six-day War: Egypt, Jordan and Syria attack. Israel takes control of Gaza, the Sinai Peninsula, the West Bank and the Golan Heights.
“Why is it that on June 4th 1967, I was a Jordanian and overnight I became a Palestinian?”~Walid Shoebat, a former PLO terrorist
“The Palestinian people have no national identity. I, Yasser Arafat, man of destiny, will give them that identity through conflict with Israel.” ~ Yasser Arafat
“There is no such thing as a Palestinian people, there is no Palestinian entity, there is only Syria. You are an integral part of the Syrian people, Palestine is an integral part of Syria. Therefore it is we, the Syrian authorities, who are the true representatives of the Palestinian people.”~ Syrian President Hafez Assad
1973: Egypt and Syria attacked Israel on Yom Kippur.
1979: Militant Islam ousted the shah of Iran and the Pahlavi dynasty. The U.S. embassy and 52 American were held hostage for 444 days. President Carter’ s belated response ended in disaster. Since then, the Islamic regime has ruled Iran.
1979: President Carter set up the Camp David Accords with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. Israel began to withdraw from Sinai. Sadat was assassinated by Islamic militants for working with the Israelis.
1981: Israel annexed the Golan Height. Although the area was deemed essential to security and national defense, the action was condemned internationally. The United Nations Security Council suggested that Israel withdraw from territories occupied during the Six-Day War, in exchange “of the termination of all states of belligerency and recognition of Israel as a sovereign state by the Arab states.”
1987: Hamas was established by members of the Muslim Brotherhood and factions of the PLO at the beginning of the intifada.
2000: President Clinton met with Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat. The negotiations were rejected by the Arabs. In December of that same year, a proposal called The Clinton Parameters was presented to both parties. The document suggested, among other points, that a Palestinian state would be created, comprising between 94–96% of the West Bank and the entire Gaza Strip. Israel would annex land, including settlements. The PLO rejected the proposal.
2005: Israel disengaged from Gaza. They offered it to Egypt They did not want to accept responsibility. They offered it to Jordan. They did not want to accept responsibility. After the withdrawal, the “Palestinians” were given control over the territory, except for the borders, the airspace and territorial waters.
2006: President Carter published a disturbing and controversial book entitled, “Palestine: Peace not Apartheid.” Years later, Carter apologized for his views.
2006: Terrorists infiltrated the Israeli side of the border through a tunnel they dug near the Kerem Shalom land crossing. During the attack, tank commander, Lieutenant Hanan Barak, as well as Staff Sergeant Pavel Slutsker, were killed. Wounded, Gilad Shalit was taken hostage to Gaza. He would remain there until 2011.
2007: Hamas was elected as the Palestinian government. The population of Gaza is now under their control. Hamas began storing weapons, tunnels, etc. under homes, schools, hospitals, and mosques. Israel approved a series of sanctions that included power cuts, restricted imports, and border closures in self-defense.
2008: Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s plan included placing Jerusalem’s Old City under international control and would cede almost 94% of the West Bank for the establishment of a Palestinian state. The Arabs reject it.
2008: The IDF began dropping leaflets, making phone calls, and commandeering local radio and TV stations. They called for civilians to evacuate buildings where weapons were stored and/or where tunnels have been dug. They were instructed to the center of towns and to not act as shields for Hamas. This was not the first, or the last, time the IDF would take these measures.
2009: President Obama met with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan. He embraced the hard line Islamist as a “friend” and “partner.” Obama traveled to Egypt and condemned Israeli “occupation” of the West Bank (Judea and Samaria). “The situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable.”
2011: President Obama formalized ties with Egypt’s once-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood.
2012: President Obama bypassed Congress and sent $1.5 billion to Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood.
2014: Three Israeli teenagers disappeared in the “West Bank” (Judea and Samaria). Prime Minister Netanyahu accused Hamas. On June 30, 2014, the boys were found dead outside of Hebron.
2015: President Obama struck a deal with Iran. “We released seven terrorists who had helped Iran with their nuclear program, and we agreed not to prosecute another 14 terrorists for doing the same thing,” said Senator Ted Cruz. “That’s 21 terrorists helping Iran develop nuclear weapons that they intend to use to try to murder us.”
2016: On his last day in office, President Obama’s administration approved $221 million for the Palestinians.
2018: Protestors and supporters in the Gaza Strip attempted to cross the border into Israel, sending incendiary kites and balloons into the area.
2021: Tensions in Jerusalem boiled over and led to the greatest escalation of violence since 2014. After clashes between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters left hundreds injured, Hamas launched rockets into Jerusalem and southern and central Israel, prompting air strikes from Israel in response.
January 2023: A Jerusalem synagogue was attacked, leaving numerous dead.
April 2023: A woman and her two daughters were killed in a “West Bank” (Judea and Samaria) attack.
September 2023: President Biden sanctioned giving $6 billion to Iran. The following month, Deputy national security adviser Jon Finer would say, “that the United States believes Iran is “broadly complicit” in Hamas attacks in Israel.”
October 2023: Biden’s administration deleted the president’s post calling for restraint after Hamas viciously attacked Israel. The president later denounced the attacks, but American congressional representatives continued to put pressure on Israel, insinuating that they were to blame.
Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar called Israel’s response to the attacks “war crimes.”
Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaibsaid that U.S. aid to Israel was akin to “funding to support the apartheid government.”
Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez focused on the “oppression and occupation” more than the barbaric attacks of Hamas
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Israelis and Jews around the world with decisiveness and with a clear vision. “The enemy will pay an unprecedented price. In the meantime, I call on the citizens of Israel to strictly adhere to the directives of the IDF and Home Front Command. We are at war and we will win it.”
I originally drafted this up a couple of weeks ago, but I couldn’t bring myself to share it due to the horrific situation in Israel. Reading enlightening work shared by other authors, and coming across requests for uplifting posts, I’ve decided to take make this a public piece.
In recent years, journal writing, or engaging in expressive writing, has been proven to have a positive impact on the participant. It helps us be more mindful, to be more grateful. It helps improve focus and alleviates stress. But studies have shown that simply writing onto a blank page doesn’t necessarily produce positive benefits. As with everything else, it’s the intention that matters. It’s about introspection and connection.
That’s where my new project comes in.
As many of you know, I am drawn to the success stories of days gone by. I’ve been working on creating a daily journal that will allow us to get acquainted—or reacquainted, as the case may be—with the women of yesteryear.
We’ll meet the meidelach, the young women who were just getting started and were trying to figure things out. We’ll meet the matriarchs who shouldered the burdens of life and led by example.
Here’s the plan: I will share a brief snippet of their stories, one woman for one hundred days. One hundred opportunities to inspire your thoughts, your creativity, your philanthropy, your Jewish observance or your Jewish identity. Let’s not focus on politics or other ideologies that may only serve to cause division. Let’s focus instead on the uniting factors.
There is an Eshet Chayil (a Woman of Valor) in every one of us.
My suggestion would be that the reader take a few minutes to learn about one woman each day—just one. Truly think about her, where she came from, what she accomplished. Reflect on the barriers she had to overcome. Does her experience resonate with you? Allow yourself to be inspired. There will be prompts to jot down your thoughts and additional space to scribble a few notes, ask G-d for guidance—put things into perspective. I will include a page where you can track your observations at the end of this journey. There is no pressure, no judgement. That’s the beauty of this journal. No one needs to know; it’s just between you and the Woman of Valor that lives inside you.
How does that sound? Does it appeal to you? I hope you will enjoy it and share it with your family, friends and loved ones. I can’t wait for Publication Day! This will be an enlightening resource or a lovely gift for all Jewish women. Here are a few suggestions:
Mirta Ines Trupp~ Author 