Chaim starts by mentioning that it’s “International Women’s Day”, and that it makes him think of the heroic women who have shaped the nation of Israel.
He mentions the Prophetess Deborah from the Book of Judges. He also mentions Esther (as it is almost Purim) and the “virtuous woman” spoken of in Proverbs 31 starting in verse 10.
Chaim also mentions Miriam, the big sister of Moses, who did so much to help Moses fulfill his calling to the Lord.
Chaim then moves to modern Israel, speaking about the great leader Golda Meir, the first woman to become Prime Minister of Israel. He also mentions Hannah Szenes, a Hungarian-born British Jewish poet(ess) and anti-Nazi warrior who volunteered for a special mission into Hungary while serving with the British Army in WWII. She was captured and tortured but never revealed the information the Nazis wanted from her, and was later executed by firing squad.
Henrietta Szold is also mentioned, who was the founder of the Hadassah Women’s Zionist organization that built many institutions in Israel, including a large hospital in Jerusalem with the same name.
Next is Leah Goldberg, the famous Hebrew-language poet whose work was foundational to much of modern Israeli literature.
He goes on to mention Chicana Menashe, who has worked for the rights of the B’nei Menashe Jews from India to make Aliyah.
Chaim also mentions Tzipi Livni, who served in the Knesset for many years and also represented Israel on the international stage.
He also mentions Rachel the Poetess, whose face is on the Israeli twenty shekel note.
He concludes by honoring his own wife Deanna Malespin, adding that it is her birthday today, and so he wants to honor the “virtuous woman” he married.
He concludes by encouraging his viewers to read Proverbs 31 over their wives and the other women in their lives every Friday evening, and he thanks them for joining him in praying for the return of the female captives who are still being held hostage in Gaza, as well as for all the captives to be set free.
Proverbs 31:10 “the Virtuous Wife” (Eshet Chayil)
“Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands.
She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar.
She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants.
She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.
She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle.
She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet.
She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants.
Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.
She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.”
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.”