The women who should enter Israel’s sukkah this Sukkot - opinion
It is not about who receives a ceremonial invitation to enter for one evening, but about what kind of sukkah we build in the first place.
On the first evening of Sukkot, seven women will enter the sukkah, symbolizing the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Each woman represents a different aspect of this battle. The first woman symbolizes the one who built the sukkah, a theme that resonated with Naomi Shemer in her 1971 song "Shlomit Builds a Sukkah," dedicated to her neighbor's daughter. Shemer's song reflects the idea that women could dream of building a sukkah of peace and leading the nation, much like Golda Meir, Israel's prime minister at the time.
However, despite Shemer's vision, women have not followed in Meir's footsteps. Current polls suggest that the next Knesset may have only 31 women, representing roughly 26% of its members. This disparity highlights the need for women to have a place at the table.
On the second evening, the story shifts to a woman who was left behind by a broken rung. This woman, despite being highly regarded in her job, faced a seemingly insurmountable obstacle when she took maternity leave. Her promotion was delayed, and when the opportunity arose again, a man was chosen instead. This phenomenon, known as "the broken rung," is a real and persistent issue in the workplace.
On the third evening, the focus turns to a woman who did not put herself forward for a promotion. Initially, she believed she lacked the necessary qualifications. After encouragement, she hesitated and later waited for someone else to be considered. This reluctance to self-advocate can hold women back from achieving their full potential.
The fourth evening introduces a woman who followed all the right steps. She studied, worked diligently, raised a family, and excelled in her career. Despite her accomplishments, she remains one of few women at the senior management level in Israel's high-tech sector. This discrepancy in representation is not only prevalent in management but also in pay, where men earn approximately 44% more than women.
The fifth evening welcomes a woman who has achieved great success. She is a manager, entrepreneur, elected official, researcher, and commander. However, she remains the only woman at the highest levels of Israeli society. Her story underscores the need for more women to join her ranks.
On the sixth evening, the focus shifts to a girl who is yet to discover her true calling. When she enters the sukkah, she will see a diverse group of women from various backgrounds. This sight will inspire her and give her the confidence to pursue her dreams, knowing that the door is open for her.
Finally, on the seventh evening, no one is explicitly invited into the sukkah, but it is filled with the presence of historic women. Sarah and Miriam, Deborah, Hannah, Abigail, Huldah, Esther, Henrietta Szold, Naomi Shemer, Golda Meir, and Ada Yonath all symbolize the legacy of women who have shaped Israeli society. Their presence serves as a reminder that the true story of the ushpizin is not about a ceremonial invitation, but about creating a sukkah that is open to all.
To truly rectify the injustices that have persisted, we must first recognize the challenges, bring them into the public conversation, and implement clear policies to promote change. Building a truly equal society requires the active participation and voices of all women, heard and answered, in both the public and private spheres.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
