Throughout history, women have played a crucial role in shaping and preserving Jewish traditions, beliefs, and communities.
Despite being small in number and having no formal recognition for their efforts, Jewish women have achieved remarkable accomplishments in their community’s economic and social spheres. From supporting their families to leading movements of resistance, change, and survival, Jewish women have been at the heart of their communities during challenging times.
In the anthology on antisemitism, “Jews Have Horns,” authors Wilbur and Sara Pierce also highlighted the role of women through real-life accounts and survival stories from World War II when Jews were being annihilated and deported from their own homes.
These women—wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters—fought to save themselves and their loved ones from execution and imprisonment. Based on the stories of these survivors, as told by Wilbur and Sara, we can extract insights about the role women played in preserving Jewish doctrine and culture.
Keeping Traditions Alive
In Judaism, women traditionally have been the primary caregivers, bearing children, raising them, and teaching Jewish values. Even during times of persecution and exile, they fulfilled this responsibility, ensuring that Jewish customs and traditions were not forgotten.
They lit Shabbat candles, cooked traditional meals, worked as a Red Cross worker, and even made shoes to support their families. These women did everything they could to preserve the Jewish identity, both domestically and economically.
Leaders in the Home
While men often held formal roles as rabbis or community leaders, women provided informal leadership in their homes and neighborhoods. They taught their children about faith, values, and heritage, often sharing stories to ensure the next generation understood their identity.
This spiritual guidance was especially important when Jewish communities faced threats or lacked formal institutions. Women also made difficult moral decisions, guiding their families through harrowing circumstances. Their influence was instrumental in unifying the Jewish community during times of crisis.
Economic Contributions
Jewish women also contributed significantly to the economic life of their communities. Many ran businesses or supported their families financially, providing stability and assistance to others in need. Their independence often funded community projects or supported families during hard times.
Jews Have Horns also highlights these efforts through the stories of pre-war Warsaw, where a Jewish woman owned a boutique that serviced the elites and Jews alike. The book’s co-author, Sara Pierce, herself embodies the spirit of women making equal contributions to economic and social life.
Resistance and Survival
Even after losing their livelihoods and families to the Holocaust, Jewish women demonstrated extraordinary courage and resourcefulness. They smuggled food, forged documents, and helped others escape. Some joined underground resistance groups, risking their lives to fight oppression.
Many women made difficult choices to protect their families, such as disguising their identities or seeking help from allies. Their courage saved lives and preserved Jewish culture and traditions.
Advocating for Change
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Jewish women became leaders in movements to modernize and reform Judaism. They pushed for equal participation in rituals, access to education, and leadership roles in synagogues. These efforts created a more inclusive Judaism, paving the way for gender equality.
This period of change showed how women could challenge traditional roles and advocate for a future where their voices were heard.
Rebuilding After the Holocaust
After the Holocaust, many Jewish women worked tirelessly to rebuild their communities and reconnect with their heritage. Those who had hidden their identities during the war often returned to Judaism, teaching their children about their faith and traditions. Their determination ensured that Jewish culture could thrive again.
Jewish women have always been central to the growth and survival of their communities. They have shown incredible strength as keepers of tradition, leaders, contributors, and advocates for change.
Jews Have Horns, by Wilbur and Sara Pierce, recounts these efforts through real-life encounters, historical narratives, and little-known facts about Jewish resilience.
Through their stories, Wilbur and Sara honor the legacies of the women who lived and died to keep the stories of their community alive.
