Megilat Esther(1:17) For this deed of the Queen will come abroad unto all women, to make their husbands contemptible in their eyes, when it will be said: King Achashveirosh commanded Vashti the Queen to be brought in before him, but she did not come.  

The fear was that if we allow one woman to be too strong willed then it will create an epidemic in the homes as all women will rebel against their husbands. While Achashveirosh and his government may be afraid of such an outcome, Judaism is not. The Torah sees no problem with portraying women of exceptional strength and audacity. Esther herself represents the Torah’s appreciation of the woman who can stand up for what she believes is right. Esther’s story is just one of many among the rich history of the Bible and the Jewish people. There is no end to the end to the strength of a Yael, Devorah, Sarah, Ruth, Rivkah and many others.

This week in Shul we read about the building of the Tabernacle (Mishkan). When the Mishkan was completed, there was a special dedication ceremony where everybody gave gifts. Women came on their own initiative and gave a special gift. They offered their copper mirrors. Moshe was hesitant. Mirrors represent vanity. On the contrary, posited G-d, these mirrors were used by the women to make themselves attractive to their husbands who had neglected them in the midst of the crippling effects of slavery. This “vanity” helped to ensure the survival of the Jewish people. G-d was not afraid of this gift.