The Latest From The Foundation
Dispatches from the network and updates from the Foundation.
Nearly a year after our meeting in Virginia, we demonstrated flexibility by deciding to adapt the scheme of our program to a new, unexpected reality. We were determined to produce high quality and professional outcomes and hope that we have managed to create an impact that will elevate women’s status as full partners of Israel’s society.
Consequently, the COVID-19 crisis reinforces and perpetuates gender gaps in the Arab community and dampens Arab women’s chances to be competitive among job offers.
17
Aug 2020
Your Husband Called, He Said to Buy Anything You Want!
WHP Alum Hava Leipzig Holzhauer (Boca Raton 07)
Exploring the concept of ‘separate but equal’ put me in wonder of whether true gender equality could even exist. If men and women identify, are by nature or are commanded differently than one another – in aspirations, in household roles, in behaviors, in characteristics, in job selections, in interests, in required religious and ritual observance – can and do we truly attribute to each the same value? I determined that theoretically we could, but in how things played out in reality - not even close.
From the very beginning, God commands us to be allies. And furthermore, one detail in the text draws our attention to a specific, fundamental form of allyship: “male and female God created them.” Or in contemporary parlance, thou shalt strive to advance the cause of gender safety and equity.
If you asked an expert when these various changes to the workplace would finally take hold in America, you probably would have been told in another 10+ years. COVID-19 has acted like the illustrious InstantPot, taking everything we had and expediting the process. Well, almost everything. Due to the high-pressure speed at which recipes are cooked, when an ingredient is left out of the InstantPot, it’s very noticeable. A lack of salt, acid or rich umami flavor will be noticed instantly. I have a bad taste in my mouth as a result of this COVID-19 workplace stew, because we forgot the women.
21
Jul 2020
Healing
WHP Alum Jen Schmitz (St. Louis 15)
"Without the misery of the past, I would never know my gratitude for the present.” After a not unsurprising professional change, Jen processed what she had encountered throughout her career and used it to propel her forward, rather than keeping her behind.
"Poems, like ideas, multiply when you share them, and so does their ability to spread hope and optimism where needed.”
"For me, the healing message here about self-care is that my awareness of care for Self needs to be moving from outside reminder towards internal commitment, and that this goodness to/with Self is best practiced as a lifelong daily personal renewal… b’ezrat hashem – with G-d’s help."
When Tal and her team found an extraordinary need for mental health services in her country, they set out redefining their work and thinking outside the box to ensure they could meet the needs of everyone who needed support.
17
Jul 2020
Overcoming Life’s Crises of COVID-19
WHP Alum Justin Milrad (Atlanta 18) and Kyra Bronfman
"It’s important to remember that Jewish law commands us to take time to heal our souls and to focus on reducing our anxieties by finding moments of joy and purpose amidst the chaos."
