D'var Torah

Every year when we arrive at the book of Leviticus, my little vegetarian heart thinks: “Oh no, this again?” This week’s Torah portion describes for us the system of sacrifices the Israelites were commanded to use. Describes it in graphic, gory, meaty detail.

I want to read the news without crying; don’t you?

As I planned out WLI’s communications and social media calendar for this month, I felt such excitement at being able to use Women’s History Month to highlight the decade of impact the Women’s Leadership Institute has had in our community.

This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the incredible growth of our organization over the past ten years. Over a decade ago, our founder, Rabbi Elana Kanter, saw the need for more women to be leading the boards, organizations, committees, and culture of our Jewish community here in Greater Phoenix.

Lessons in leadership from the costumes of Purim and the Priests.

As we prepare for the beginning of Women’s History Month, it feels like perfect timing to be heading into the Purim holiday as well. The women of our Purim story are heroic: Vashti, in her defiance and her desire to be seen as more than her looks; Esther, in her courage, her commitment to her people, and her knowledge that she’s been placed in the role she’s in for a sacred purpose.