In Praise of Jewish Women

Parshat ויקהל could be viewed as the Parsha that gives recognition to the contribution of Jewish women during the time of the exodus from Egypt and in the desert.

Regarding the construction of the Mishkan, the women donated with a generous heart, נדיב לב. Many possessed חכמת לב, wisdom of the heart, to help with sewing and weaving needed for the curtains and coverings of the Mishkan.

Contrast this to the sin of the Golden Calf. The women did not worship this עבודה זרה, and their gold and silver, was taken from them against their will.

The women proved to love Israel more than the men. They did not listen to the evil report of the spies, who tried to ruin the morale of the people, speaking negatively about Eretz Yisrael. The daughters of צלפחד begged for an inheritance in the Land of Israel.

Our Sages wrote that in the merit of righteous women, we were redeemed from Egypt. They constantly kept up the spirits of their humiliated, slave husbands. They gave birth to huge families and by their constant encouragement, allowed their husbands and children, to never lose their faith.

It is definitely a good idea to take pause and show appreciation for our great Jewish women.