Shabbat Shira – connecting women: Honouring Miriam and the power of Women’s voices

This year's United Synagogue’s theme is 'Connecting Women', celebrating the power of women to build strong relationships and create vibrant, supportive communities.

As the saying goes, “behind every successful man is a strong woman” or the song “this is a man’s world, but it would be nothing without a woman or a girl”. How true are these statements? You decide.

How different would the story of Adam be without Eve? Moses without Miriam or Bitya? Or, the story of Avraham without Sarah? Mordechai without Esther; or the courageous Yehudit? (Truly the template for the first female Mossad agent – in my opinion!). Would the male biblical figures have achieved their greatness without these extraordinary women? The answer is probably, no.

Why? because every woman mentioned in the Torah had a purpose, had a task that was assigned for them to "get the job done" - no matter how small or dramatic the task was, it needed to be done by a woman (i.e Sarah laughing when she was told she would bear a son at the age of 90 - which led to naming her son 'Yitzchak'). Hashem connects everything and everyone with a purpose. 

Shabbat Shira (Shabbat of song), is celebrated during the Torah portion of Beshalach, marking the miraculous crossing of the Red sea and the triumphant song of the Israelites. This Shabbat, we also spotlight Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, whose leadership and courage resonate deeply with themes of underestimated ‘girl power’.

Miriam’s story is one of empowerment. From safeguarding baby Moses on the Nile to leading women in song and dance after the Red sea parted, Miriam exemplified the strength, wisdom, and resilience of women in our tradition. Her role in the Exodus narrative reminds us of the indispensable contributions of women throughout history – which sometimes do not get the recognition they deserve.

As we honour Miriam’s legacy, we also recognize the enduring strength of women today.  We honour all the women who, like her, help guide and support their communities, bringing light and hope in both challenging and joyful times. We honour you.

This Shabbat at Finsbury Park shul, we will be doing something unique that has not been done before in United Synagogue shuls for Women’s Shabbat. - Join us this Shabbat to find out how we will be “connecting women”.

Shabbat Shalom from Maytal - ChairWOMAN :)