An Unconventional Convention: Women and Judaism

We live just two short blocks from the old New York State National Guard Armory, in Brooklyn. One hardly sees any activity near the Armory. When you do see something, you say something, as suspicion inclines you to call the authorities.

Just the other night, as I was rummaging through the refrigerator, I noticed something strange out the window. There was a resplendent lavender brightness radiating from the timeworn fortress that reworked an otherwise unlit winter skyline. Not knowing better, one might dream up a secret government experiment, or surmise the existence of a new Area 52. However, the historic castle-like building was actually hosting a royal reception.

For one remarkable evening, the former home of cavalries and infantries was transformed into a banquet hall to host the world’s largest detail of women. These three thousand ladies comprise the Shluchos in the army of Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries.

Judaism regards the Jewish woman as the “mainstay of the household.” There is no component more central to the foundation of a Jewish home than her. In a week where our Torah reading speaks of building a house for G-d, it was electrifying to witness these women-emmisaries, who are transforming this world into a home for G-d.

Last Shabbos, I hosted a young Jew who complained of the “inferiority and disadvantage of women in Judaism.” He picked the wrong week to state his position, as thousands of Orthodox women who serve as leaders across the world filled the neighborhood for their annual Shluchos convention. These are individuals building schools, circles, and communities while demonstrating each day the superiority of their gender.

It is said that behind great men stand great women, perhaps this is because they are placed in order of size of distinction.

To contact the author you can email getzy@scjw.org