Welcoming the Ushpizot
My father’s journey to religiosity began with Chabad, and he didn’t stop there. As my siblings and I grew up, he pulled us along on his route to “finding the right fit” (for him). We switched the shuls we davened at and the schools we went to. We changed the way we dressed and how we pronounced our words. We got to know the sweet and loving ways of each chasidic group as well as the warped and negative. And that, my friends, is how I got to have lived experiences in over 6 different sects of Judaism.
Releasing the patriarchal learnings
Have you ever questioned why each night of Succos we invite an Ushpizen (a patricarch linked to each Sefira), and not any matriarchs?
I hadn’t. Until about 2 years ago when I started my spiritual journey and began the process of de-conditioning everything I had learnt in the chareidi school system (and at home.) I felt there were missing pieces, and many of the teachings never sat well with me. So instead of continuing to harbor negativity towards my learned upbringing and to believe in the contradictory G-d that had been portrayed, I decided it’s time to do some soul searching of my own.
Challenging the traditions
I believe that many of the orthodox traditions are mainly based on the masculine because of Ignorance and Fear. Ignorance belongs to people who continue to live a robotic religious life, never questioning, and if questioned just accept the response, “this is just how we do it”, or “because it’s our mesorah/tradition”. Why don’t we ask “who exactly, is we?” Or, “who decided this is the tradition?” And, “does it still pertain to us today, 100 something years later?”
Fear belongs to people who are afraid of change, and to the men who are afraid that by acknowledging the women, they lose their power and control. That women should not be seen or recognized, claiming it’s “immodest” – a form of religious manipulation.
If both these groups of people would know that their reasonings are far from the Torahs way, they would feel the need to do an “Al Cheit”…!
The Torah and Tanach are quick to give credit to the many women who have played important roles in the Jewish History. The Torah also includes guidelines on how a man needs to treat a woman, especially his wife, to assure that women are respected, safe, financially secure, and receive pleasure.
Reclaiming our roles – honoring the feminine in a way that brings balance to the world.
Each night of Sukkot, we invite an Ushpiz, a spirit guide, a patriarch corresponding to a Sefirot, divine attribute. This practice is first mentioned in the Zohar, and likely began in the 16th century. The Ushpizot are a more recent custom. They are the seven prophetesses listed in the Talmud: Sarah, Miriam, Devorah, Chanah, Avigail, Huldah, and Esther.
The source for the women listed is in the Talmud itself. It includes the list of seven female prophetesses who also led and served the Jewish people (Megilla 14a). This list of seven women is not a complete list of all the prophetesses or even historical female Jewish leaders. There were many more male and female prophets than the fifty-five listed in Tanach. According to the Talmud there were 1,2oo,ooo or 5,ooo,ooo prophets and prophetesses throughout the age of prophecy. The Talmud only included 48 men and 7 women because their messages were deemed crucial for future generations. The sages of the past who explored and elaborately wrote about the seven male shepherds did not write about their female counterparts, and as such the above list of female prophetesses is speculative since we do not know the accuracy of their assigned Sefirotic connections. (Rav Benji Elson, Dance of the Omer)
Each of these women played a crucial role in Jewish history.
Sarah left her home with her husband Avraham, struggled with infertility, and finally gave birth to Yitzchak after praying to God. Without her, the Jewish people might not have continued! Miriam helped save her brother Moshe, led the Israelite women in celebration after leaving Egypt, and provided water during their desert journey. Devorah was not only a prophet but also a judge and hero in battle. Chanah’s heartfelt prayers for a son were answered by God, and influence Jewish prayer today. Avigail showed kindness to David before he became king and prevented unnecessary bloodshed. Huldah, was a prophetess during the time of the first Temple; her role in verifying a sacred text helped guide the Jewish people in following Hashems commandments. Esther, through her wisdom and beauty, saved the Jewish people in Persia from destruction during Purim.
For more information on each prophetess, see the Encyclopedia of Biblical Personalities by Yishai Chasidah.
If we want to live in a world that’s loving and supportive, we need to acknowledge both the male and female. The world can only exist in its highest form if there is balance of the masculine and feminine. Feeling seen and recognized allows us to show up with love. To connect, give and receive to and from our fellow humans and the universe with love. To connect to G-d out of love, and to receive G-ds love for each one of us.
A Reflection on Legacy and Values
When sitting in the Succah this Chag, take a few moments to reflect. Are there Jewish women whose stories often go unnoticed that I want to shine a light on?
How can I contribute love and light to the world? Do I feel recognized? What do I need to feel seen?
And most importantly, how can we integrate new traditions while keeping the values and beauty of the old? What changes can we make to create traditions where every one of us feels heard, and can find joy while connecting to G-d?
Wishing each and every one of you a loving, cozy, meaningful and joyful Sukkos.
With love, Zipporah Ruth.
P.S. “Discover Your Deservedness” Group Coaching is going live the second week of November!
This program is designed specifically for women who, despite all the personal growth and self-work they’ve done, still struggle to truly feel deserving of the happiness, peace, and confidence they desire.
Discover Your Deservedness is a 5-week online coaching program that meets weekly, starting the second week in November. Sessions are held via Zoom and last 75 minutes each.
After completing Discover Your Deservedness, you can expect to feel deeply grounded in your self-worth, empowered to claim your happiness, peace, and personal power without guilt or hesitation.
Zipporah Ruth is a women’s Empowerment Coach and Healing Circle Facilitator. As the creator of her own life experiences, Zipporah is passionate in guiding women to connecting to their light within, so they can show up with confidence every day and shine.
