In Praise of Women

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women1Purim is but days away. Central to the story, of course, is the beautiful, young Jewish woman Esther. She uses both her beauty and her wits to outsmart the villainous Haman and save her people.

Jewish history is filled with strong, smart, heroic women, often unsung.

As a tribute to Esther and the March, Women’s History Month, here is a short selection of books -fiction and non-fiction- featuring Jewish women who used their strength of mind and character to overcome problems, fulfill their dreams, or make a mark in the world.

The books are listed in order of publication.

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FIC         Barenbaum, Rachel        A Bend in the Stars (2019) . A romantic adventure featuring a brilliant young scientist in perilous pre World War I Russia.

FIC         Carner, Talia                    Third Daughter (2019) Russian immigrant Batya is tricked into prostitution in Buenos Aires. Based on true events.

FIC         Jio, Sarah                          All the Flowers in Paris: a novel(2019) An emotional, romantic story of love and loss set during WWII.

NFIC      Nadell, Pamela                America’s Jewish Women: a history from colonial times to today (2019) A fast-paced, extensively researched, and well-written narrative.

BIO        Ortiz, Victoria                  Dissenter on the Bench (2019) Dramatically narrated case histories from Justice Ginsburg’s stellar career are interwoven with an account of RBG’s life.

BIO        Shapiro, Dani     Inheritance: a memoir of genealogy, paternity and love (2019) The writer discovers the secrets of her family and her heritage.

JBIO      Sasso, Sandy      Regina Persisted: an untold story (2018)  The story of the first woman rabbi and her fate.

JBIO      Sherman, Jill      Gal Gadot: soldier, model, wonder woman (2018)

FIC         Kadish, Rachel   The Weight of Ink (2017) The interwoven tale of two women of remarkable intellect, set in 1660s  and 21st century London.

JFIC       Krawitz, Susan   Viva, Rose! (2017) Thirteen-year-old Rose takes on the wild west, outlaws, and the strict rules of the early 1900s Texas.

YA741.5Watts, Irene      Seeking Refuge: a graphic novel (2017) Marianne, a young evacuee to England from Germany, uses her resilience to cope with loneliness and uncertainty.

YAFIC    Wiviott, Meg     Paper hearts (2015) In this verse novel based on real events, women in Auschwitz survive in part due to their great friendship and support of one another.

FIC         Rich, Roberta     Midwife of Venice (2012); Harem Midwife: a novel (2014) Set in 16th century Venice, the novel captures the complex lives of  women including Jewish midwife Hannah Levi.

FIC         Cameron, Michelle         The Fruit of Her Hands: the story of Shira of Ashkenaz (2009) A thirteenth-century historical novel about a rabbi’s wife whose love of learning, family and religion perseveres amid rising anti-Semitism in Europe.

J741.5   Deutsch, Barry                 Hereville: how Mirka got her sword (2010); How Mirka met a meteorite (2012)The only thing Mirka wants to do is fight dragons and have adventures.

304.1    Ruttenberg, Danya         Surprised by God: how I learned to stop worrying and love religion (2008) A look at what it takes to develop a spiritual practice.

BIO        Brooks, Andree               The Woman Who Defied Kings: the life and times of Dona Gracia Nasi (2002)Often called the most important woman since Biblical times, 16th century businesswoman Dona Gracia Nasi  saved hundreds of fellow Jews from the Inquisition.

BIO        Trupin, Sophie   Dakota Diapora (1984)An immigrant from Russia, Turpin  lived the  quintessential American pioneer  story with a Jewish twist.

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