Kabbala, Redemption & Femininity
The Lubavitcher Rebbe greatly encouraged strong Jewish education
for women. He once commented that one of the reasons for the large-scale
assimilation of the Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe around the turn of the
last century was the fact that the mothers were unable to answer the "Why?"
questions of their children. They had great faith, but insufficient education.
Sometimes he would deliver special addresses in the main Lubavitch
shul just for women. At those times, the women would sit downstairs. Any
men who wished to listen had to crowd into the Women's Section upstairs.  | | " Our generation will be redeemed in the merit of righteous Jewish women..." | | |
Moreover, as early as 1960 the Rebbe emphasized the great
responsibility of the Jewish women in our generation to bring the Redemption.
Just as the generation of Egypt was redeemed in the merit of the righteous
Jewish women, so too, our generation will be redeemed in the merit of righteous
Jewish women. He accentuated that as a preparation for Mashiach, each woman
should strengthen Torah values and love of all Jews in her household.
The following is an extract of two of the Rebbe's talks to Jewish
women. It is based on the pamphlet (published by Sichos in English)
"Women as Partners in the Dynamic of Creation."
WOMEN, REDEMPTION, AND HAPPINESS
The very concept of redemption is intrinsically related to women. In Kabbalistic terms, it is explained that the sefira of
malchut ("sovereignty") reflects the feminine dimension. During the periods
of exile, malchut is in a state of descent and does not receive direct
influence from the other sefirot. Metaphorically, this condition is
described as a woman in an enforced state of separation from her husband.
Conversely, in the Era of the Redemption, "a woman of valor [will be] the crown
of her husband" (Proverbs 12:4; see also Jeremiah 31:21 and commentaries).
The higher source of malchut will be revealed, the direct bond between
malchut and the other sefirot will be reestablished, and malchut
will become a source of vital influence, renewing the totality of existence.
These concepts have been reflected throughout Jewish history. The
Talmud states that "In the merit of righteous women, the Jews were redeemed from
Egypt." Similarly, the Sages associated subsequent redemptions with the merit of
Jewish women. We have been promised (Micah 7:15), "As in the days of your exodus
from Egypt, I will show you wonders." The Holy Ari emphasizes that the future
redemption will follow the pattern of the Exodus and, thus, will also come as a
result of the merit of the righteous women of that generation. Since the
generation of the ultimate redemption will be a reincarnation of the generation
of the exodus from Egypt, the future redemption will reflect the pattern of that
archetypal redemption.
A Home for a Family: A Sanctuary for G-d
The present day emphasis on the education of Jewish women, over and
above the various socio-economic reasons for such a change, must be seen as one
of the steps which both heralds and hastens the coming of the Redemption. | | " A woman's study...should also include the Torah's mystic truths..." | | |
In this connection, it must be emphasized that a woman's study of
Torah should not be superficial. She should probe deeply into Torah study
without reservations or qualms about the restrictions that applied to studying
certain subjects in the past. Moreover, this study should also include the
Torah's mystic truths.
The greater role played by women within the world today should be
mirrored in the activity of every woman within her own home. It is largely
through the efforts of the woman of the house that every home is transformed
into "a sanctuary in microcosm" (Ezek. 11:16), a place where G-dliness
is revealed in a way which parallels and leads to the
revelation that will permeate the entire world in the Era of the Redemption.
In the Talmud, Shabbat is called "a microcosm of the world to
come," and, conversely, the Era of the Redemption is referred to as "the Day
which is entirely Shabbat." It is the woman of the house who introduces the
atmosphere of Shabbat by lighting its Shabbat candles. Thus, it is the women who
usher the light of Redemption into the world. The visible light which the
candles generate reflects how every mitzvah and, in a wider sense, every
positive activity a Jew performs, such as a friendly word or an act of kindness,
increases the G-dly light within the world.
Women as Catalysts of Liberation
In the Egyptian exile, it was Miriam who communicated the prophecy
that a redeemer would emerge. Further, when her mother was forced to place Moshe
in a reed basket in the Nile, Miriam "stood at a distance to see what would
happen to him." Our Sages explain that, in addition to her apprehension for her
brother's future, she was also concerned about the fate of her prophecy. How
indeed would the redemption come about? | | " The women broke out in song and dance, giving thanks to G-d with spirited rejoicing..." | | |
In a metaphorical sense, this narrative is relevant to all Jewish
women, those living at present and those whose souls are in the spiritual realms
(see Jer. 31:14). Concerned over the fate of the Jewish people, they anxiously
await the Redemption: Ad Matai! Enough already! How much longer must the
Jews remain in exile?
Celebrating in Advance
The anxious anticipation for the redemption felt by Miriam - and by
all of the Jewish women - was paralleled in its intensity by their exuberant
celebration when, after the miracles of the Red Sea, the redemption was
consummated. After the men joined Moses in song, the women broke out in song and
dance, giving thanks to G-d with spirited rejoicing which surpassed that of the
men. Indeed, as they prepared to leave Egypt, the women were so confident that
G-d would perform miracles on behalf of the Jewish people in the desert that
they took small drums with them so they could rejoice when the time came! [ed.
note: Many women are buying tambourines for the anticipated occasion!]
Although we are still in exile, the confidence that the Redemption
is an imminent reality should inspire us with happiness. The experience of such
happiness demonstrates the strength of our trust in the promise of the
Redemption, and the expression of this faith will, in turn, hasten its
realization.
Visitor Comments: 1
Anonymous, 9/5/2007
It's wonderful to connect<
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