Author Archives: Zephira

Who are your Sheroes? Celebrating Women’s History Month

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHALOM BAYIT!

International Women’s Day (March 8th) is Shalom Bayit’s 32nd anniversary! To mark this occasion, let’s lift up the strength and resilience of survivors and advocates. Join us in honoring our (S)heroes below, and grab your spot now for our Creating Hope anniversary celebration on April 18th.

During Women’s History Month (March), as we finish reading the book of Exodus, let’s uphold the legacy of our ancestor Miriam. Miriam’s Well brought strength and renewal to the Jewish people on their journey through the desert, from subjugation to freedom. For survivors of abuse, Shalom Bayit is that wellspring of hope. This month we’re highlighting 8 women who embody the spirit of Miriam, offering healing waters and sustaining women on the journey to freedom.

Meet Our (S)heroes:

#1. Danielle Ofek, Shalom Bayit’s 2024 Changing Lives honoree. One of the most influential women in the Israeli tech industry, Danielle created the #Metoo_UN_less_U_R_a_Jew campaign, a grassroots global petition to end the United Nations’ silence on sexual violence against Israeli women and girls on October 7th. Join us live on April 18th at Creating Hope: Drawing from Miriam’s Well to honor and celebrate Danielle’s accomplishments.

#2, 3. Dyanna Loeb & Jan Reicher exemplified extraordinary courage by telling their stories, standing in solidarity with survivors, and speaking truth to how Jewish women continue to be impacted by the horrific sexual violence of October 7th and lack of international outcry.

#4, 5, 6. Miriam Schler, Orit Sulitzeanu, & Tamar Shwartz: These incredible leaders of domestic violence and sexual assault programs in Israel were featured at our Sheroes on the Ground panel, reminding us of the power of community and support.

#7. Rita Moreno: A long-time champion of women’s rights, the incomparable Rita Moreno made her stage debut in 1944 at age 13. Now one of the world’s most beloved actors, she holds the prestigious EGOT title for outstanding achievements on stage and screen – and even graced our 2022 Creating Hope stage as 30th anniversary honorary chair, standing up for Jewish women’s right to safety in their homes and relationships.

#8 E. Jean Carroll ushered a landmark victory for women everywhere when she bravely sued and won two lawsuits against a former U.S. President for sexual assault and defamatory statements denying her rape allegations. In her own words, her lawsuit was a “huge defeat for every bully who has tried to keep a woman down.”

These women inspire us with their leadership and resilience. We draw from their well of strength to continue working toward a world where women are free from abuse in their homes, relationships, workplaces, and communities. Thank you to our Sheroes!

TODAY IS #GIVINGTUESDAY Why We Support Shalom Bayit

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We used to think “We don’t know anyone who’s a victim of domestic violence,” or “domestic violence doesn’t happen in Jewish families.” Sadly, both statements are false. The thing is, for most people who are living with emotionally or physically abusive partners, shame and fear are powerful forces, which keep their dire situations out of public view. And frankly, when we hear that someone we know is in trouble, our first reaction is often disbelief, followed by the paralysis of not knowing what to do, or how to help.

Thankfully, there is Shalom Bayit, a beacon of hope in our Jewish community, shining a light on the subject, and lighting the way out for countless victims of domestic violence. Shalom Bayit is there helping with individual counseling, formulating safety plans, filing restraining orders and more. Their interventions help save the lives of abuse survivors and help break the cycle of violence for children who grow up in abusive environments. They are also out in the community with education programs such as Love Shouldn’t Hurt, giving teens the tools to recognize dating violence and abusive behavior, and teaching skills for building loving, supportive and respectful relationships.

We are making Shalom Bayit one of our top philanthropic priorities because it is an organization that works towards bringing safety and dignity to the homes of fellow Jewish families. Giving is a mitzvah and a responsibility, and our obligation to do “Tikkun Olam” is crystal clear when our generosity can literally help repair the worlds of our brothers and sisters who find themselves physically or emotionally broken. We urge you to join us in supporting Shalom Bayit in the hugely important work they do. Thank you for joining us in saying “we have your back.

Leah & Aaron Lamstein