Yesterday night I attended a program at my shul called Vashti’s Banquet. More than 150 women of all ages came to celebrate Purim with belly dancing, Middle Eastern food, and music.
But more importantly, we came together to raise awareness about domestic abuse. Vashti, of the Purim story, was beheaded because she refused to dance naked for and entertain her husband and his friends at his own banquet. And all too many women still today suffer physically and emotionally for defying their husbands.
Many people think domestic violence doesn’t happen in the Jewish community.
This is false.
If you or someone you know is in abusive relationship, please get help.
Jewish Women International has a comprehensive site devoted to this issue as well as local Jewish resources.
Purim
Pronounced: PUR-im, the Feast of Lots, Origin: Hebrew, a joyous holiday that recounts the saving of the Jews from a threatened massacre during the Persian period.
shul
Pronounced: shool (oo as in cool), Origin: Yiddish, synagogue.
