Reader:
We now raise our third cup of wine in honor of the women of valor of our own time. Although they are the women closest to us, they are often the least recognized. Indeed, many of their names are not yet known to us. Once the swirling dust of modern history has settled, they will surely stand out in sharp relief.
All:
Our generation has its full share of great Jewish women, and we raise this third cup in celebration of their achievements.
Reader:
Jewish women who are powerful and progressive, like Madeline Kunin, Diane Feinstein, Barbara Boxer, RuthAn important female biblical character with her own book. The Book of Ruth, read on Shavuot, tells the story of Ruth’s devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and their return to Israel. Ruth’s story is often read as the first story of conversion. Ruth is the grandmother of King David. Bader Ginsburg, Elizabeth Holtzman, and our many local and state politicians.
All:
Jewish women who lead the struggle for liberty, like Alice Shalvi, Bella Abzug, Gloria Steinem.
Reader:
Jewish women whose pens have brought enlightenment to many, like Betty Friedan, Gertrude Stein, EstherHeroine of the Purim story and Megillat (the scroll of) Esther. She is married to the king by her cousin Mordecai and ultimately saves her people from execution. Broner, Susannah Heschel, Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Nina Totenberg, Ellen Frankel, Shulamith Firestone.
All:
Jewish women whose creativity and artistry will inspire generations to come, like Stella Adler, Debbie Friedman, Barbra Streisand, Judy Chicago, Naomi Shemer.
Reader:
Reader: Jewish women, among them Nobel laureates, whose brilliant achievements extend the horizon of scientific knowledge and improve the human condition, like Rosalyn Yalow, JudithJudith saved her people by seducing Holofernes, the enemy general, and then decapitating him. The story of Judith, found in the apocrypha, is associated with Chanukah (relating to the tradition of eating cheese dishes because she seduced the general and fed him dairy). Her Hebrew name is Yehudit. Resnick, and Susan Blumenthal.
All:
And so many Jewish women who spread the light of religious learning and spirituality, like Nechama Leibowitz, Blu Greenberg, Sally Priesand, Marcia Falk, Susan Weidman Schneider.
Reader:
Reader: We raise the third cup and all sing:
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam borei p’ri hagafen.
Blessed are You, O Lord, our God, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.
Or
B’rucha At Ya Eloheinu RuachLit. Spirit. Some new versions of blessings call God "Spirit of the World" (Ruakh Ha’olam), rather than "King of the World" (Melekh Ha'olam). ha-Olam boreit p’ri hagafen.
Let us bless the Source of Life that creates the fruit of the vine.
