Women of Valor in Parshat Shemot – Emunah, Empathy & Redemption

The Light Within the Darkness of Galut

As we begin Sefer Shemot (the Book of Exodus)—often called Sefer HaGeulah (the Book of Redemption)—we enter the story of our nation’s exile in Egypt. While it opens with darkness, oppression, and suffering, Shemot also offers us a deep message of hope, resilience, and faith, particularly through the lens of the righteous women whose actions carried the seeds of redemption.

"These Are the Names"—Every Soul Counts

The parsha begins: "V'eileh Shemot"—"These are the names..." Rashi asks why the Torah repeats the names of Yaakov’s children after already listing them in Parshat Vayigash. He answers: Hashem loves each Jew deeply, and counts them like stars—each one precious and unique.

This seemingly simple list reminds us that even as we descend into galut (exile), we are never forgotten. Every soul has a name, a purpose, a mission. Our "shem"—our name—is more than a label. It reflects our essence. The Sages teach that parents receive Ruach HaKodesh (Divine inspiration) when choosing a name. It's our spiritual calling.

When the darkness of exile begins, the Torah anchors us with this message: You matter. You are seen. You are part of Hashem’s eternal plan.

Faith and Fortitude: The Righteous Women of Egypt

The Sages famously teach:"B’zechut nashim tzidkaniyot nigalu Yisrael mi’Mitzrayim"—"In the merit of righteous women, our ancestors were redeemed from Egypt."

Shifra and Puah: Midwives of Courage

Shifra and Puah (identified as Yocheved and Miriam) stand as pillars of emunah (faith) and bitachon (trust). Confronted by Pharaoh’s decree to kill every Jewish baby boy, they defied him without hesitation. The Torah says: "Vatirena hamyaldot et HaElokim"—they feared only G-d.

Their names reflect their nature:

• Shifra "beautified" the babies, dressing them with care.

• Puah "bubbled" with joy, laughing and comforting newborns.

In a time of terror, they radiated hope and dignity. Their defiance wasn't just resistance—it was a spiritual revolution.

Their reward? Hashem built them “houses”—the dynasties of Kehunah (priesthood), Levi’im, and royalty. Measure for measure.

Bat Pharaoh: Reaching Beyond Limits

Another beacon of light is Bat Pharaoh, Pharaoh’s own daughter. While surrounded by Egyptian cruelty, she sought holiness and truth. When she saw baby Moshe crying in the Nile, she stretched out her arm—and Hashem miraculously extended it so she could reach him.

Her emunah was so powerful that she believed, "If I try to do a mitzvah, Hashem will help me." That one act of compassion changed the course of Jewish history.

The Common Thread: Empathy and Connection

What united these extraordinary women? Beyond faith and strength, it was their empathy—their willingness to carry the pain of others.

This is what the Sages call:"Nosei b’ol im chavero"—carrying the burden with your fellow.

From Shifra and Puah to Bat Pharaoh, these women felt for others. They comforted, protected, and uplifted—one soul at a time.

True Greatness Is Empathy

There’s a powerful teaching from Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel zt”l of Yeshivat Mir. When asked what separates man from animal, he didn’t say intelligence or speech. He said, simply:

“A human being can care for another. That is the difference.”

This empathy defines true humanity—and it’s the foundation of redemption.

"Sheker HaChen v’Hevel HaYofi…"

The famous verse from Mishlei—“Charm is false and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears Hashem, she is to be praised”—reminds us that fear of G-d and love for others endure forever. The Sages connect each phrase to generations of selflessness and unity.

The Turning Point: Moshe’s Empathy

Even Moshe Rabbeinu was chosen not for his brilliance or leadership, but for his care for others. He left Pharaoh’s palace to see his brothers’ suffering. He defended a slave. He saved Yitro’s daughters. And most tenderly—he chased a lost lamb, gently lifted it, and whispered: “If I had known you were tired, I would have carried you sooner.”

Hashem saw that and said:

“One who cares for sheep will care for My people.”

Redemption Begins with Connection

Parshat Shemot begins with the letter “Vav”, which means "and"—signifying continuity and connection. Our redemption depends on being connected:

• To our emunah

• To each other

• To our inner light

A Story of Ahavat Yisrael: From Conflict to Salvation

In a Yerushalayim apartment building, a bitter dispute broke out when one family installed a fence. The neighbor above them feared burglars could use it to climb. Tensions escalated.

A third-floor neighbor, distressed by the division, quietly paid for an additional fence for the first-floor apartment. Peace was restored.

Months later, a fire broke out in the third-floor home. The only escape? Climb down using the very fences the man had funded—for someone else.

His selfless act, once done to protect others, saved his own children. When we lift others, Hashem lifts us.

Women of Faith Will Light the Way

The women of Shemot teach us how to live in exile:With faith, courage, empathy, and action.With strength in darkness, and a refusal to give in to despair.

Let us be women of valor.Let us rise like “Vatakom Od Laylah”—standing strong even in the night.Let us be a light in exile, and help bring the geulah one step closer.

Wishing you a peaceful, meaningful Shabbat. With love from Yerushalayim. (2021)