Photo Credit: Jewish Press

Indian Ridge middle school in Broward County, Florida, has initiated an innovative program. The school’s project on female empowerment is an attempt at educating young women, giving them the skills needed for handling the slings and arrows life can bring. Reports of girls suffering from disastrous cyber-bullying incidents, body image issues, and eating disorders – along with the troubling teen suicide rate – have apparently spurred parents and educators to take action.

The recent holiday of Purim, however, debunks the idea that all females need to be given coaching in the art of moxie. The megillah tells the tale of a young Jewish orphan, Esther, and her success at thwarting the genocide of the Jewish population of Shushan. Esther was beautiful. She was so attractive that King Achashveirosh made her his queen, but she was also tough and brave, and had a huge dose of grit.

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Esther was able to facilitate the teshuvah of her people and witness a (hidden) miracle from Hashem and she did this all with an aplomb that belied her youth and lack of political savvy.

Yes, it’s true. Jewish women are noted for their valor. Our matriarchs, mothers, grandmothers, and sisters throughout the ages were role models of strength and courage. Kol hakavod (all the honor) to their female empowerment. The Yiddishe mama has always been one feisty lady!

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Shelley Benveniste is South Florida editor of The Jewish Press.