I want to honor three inspiring Jewish women.
As May is Jewish American Heritage Month, I want to honor three women whose Judaism shines through all they do: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and “Velveteen Rabbi” blogger Rachel Barenblat.
As I contemplate the leadership of Ginsburg, Sandberg and Barenblat, I’m reminded of advice from my parents. They told me what to discuss — or not to discuss — at dinner tables: politics, religion and money. A part of me understands where my parents were coming from; the three topics are flashpoints. But there has to be an element of “picking sides.” Which is precisely why the three women make a difference — a positive difference, and have influenced me and countless people around the world.
As an associate justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg wields pure wisdom. She speaks through perseverance and independence as an advocate for equality for any and all people. Her intelligence and passion amplify her beliefs.
Ginsburg attended Cornell University, graduating at the top of her class, and was a wife and mother before entering Harvard Law School. She later transferred to and graduated from Columbia Law School. What a pioneer — she was one of only nine women in her class at Harvard. Since her elevation to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1993, through the various court cases she argues, she emulates the Jewish value emet — truth in Hebrew. Her devotion to seeking justice for others inspires me. She is a fierce symbol of civil rights and the movement for women’s equality.
Then there’s Sheryl Sandberg. She laid down an enviable template for business success for Jewish women. She created a group called Women in Economics and Government while she attended Harvard. She worked for the government early on, but she later moved to Silicon Valley and transitioned to her role with Google and Facebook. I most admire Sandberg for founding LeanIn.org to empower women to enter the work force and accomplish all goals they set for themselves. For Sandberg, it’s all about women (and men) pivoting to realize their dreams.
Rabbi Rachel Barenblat, through her blog “Velveteen Rabbi,” shares love and lessons through poetry, Torah commentary and different types of posts. Barenblat goes beyond the traditional interpretations of Torah to make them relevant to modern issues. One of the most beautiful things she does is help her readers feel more connected to God in a personal way. My favorite article by her is “I Carry It In My Heart.” In this piece, she discusses the terms “love” and “beloved,” and the passion we have when we use them. She explains the correlation between our relationship with our family and friends and our relationship with God; both filled with immense love and connection. Barenblat exemplifies how reform Judaism is constantly adapting to fit with the times. Her role as a woman is pivotal to this evolution, and her words deserve to be read all over the world.
Now, what about politics, religion and money — those three supposedly “unmentionables”?
Women like these three should be talked about at the dinner table and in everyday conversations. Ginsburg, Sandberg and Barenblat invest themselves in helping others and making the world a better place. They make “Tikun Olam” (repairing the world) imperative for my generation and for future generations to spread that through our daily actions.
May we follow in their footsteps and perform acts of Tikun Olam ourselves — just like Ginsburg, Sandberg and Barenblat.
Are politics, religion and money really ‘unmentionable’ at the dinner table?