This year, Purim will be celebrated from sundown on Monday, March 2, through Tuesday, March 3. This festival finds its roots in the Book of Esther, and it celebrates when the Jewish people were saved from annihilation at the hands of Haman (an official in King Ahasuerus of Persia’s kingdom). The tables were turned when Haman and his ten sons were hanged on the very gallows he had built for the righteous Mordecai. The heroine of the story is Esther, an orphan who becomes queen, calls for fasting and prayer, and is appointed by God “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).

This story reminds us of the many women in Israel’s history who are not only honored but also play important roles in the nation's unfolding story. Some biblical figures that come to mind include the judge Deborah, prophetesses Miriam and Huldah, the faithful Ruth, the wise Abigail, the courageous Jael, the shrewd Rahab, and the matriarchs Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah. We must also remember the Apostle Junias (who helped Paul), the generous Phoebe, prophetess and intercessor Anna, and Mary (friend of Jesus).

More recently in Israel’s history, Golda Meir was the nation’s fourth Prime Minister and a major figure in the state’s founding. Also of note, the Lioness Brigade was an all-female IDF tank unit that played a crucial role in border defense on October 7, 2023, and the Tatzpaniyots (or “lookouts”) were female soldiers who were critical to gaining intelligence and maintaining security.

Unlike many surrounding nations in the Middle East, the women of Israel are free to dress as they please, drive cars, and go about public life without being required to be accompanied by men. They can marry whom they want and pursue education and careers— even ones that are considered male-dominated. For example, the daughter of one of my Israeli friends is a top-ranked officer in the Israeli Air Force, and she has earned promotions ahead of many of her male peers.

This month’s Call to Prayer is to pray blessings on the women of Israel and Jewish women worldwide. Let’s add a prayer for the Iranian women, many of whom are crying out to have the freedoms that Israeli and Western women already enjoy. May the Jewish and Iranian women know the truth of being loved, honored, cherished, and celebrated, and may they soar in their God-given destinies.