Szold's writing desk Jewish Museum of Maryland

Each month there is a different reason to celebrate. In March, Jewish women everywhere were commemorating Women’s History Month. Even though March is over, it is still a time to reflect on the literary and cultural achievements of Jewish women. Henrietta Szold is a monumental figure in the world of Jewish literature and learning. In 1893, she became the first paid employee and secretary of JPS. In that capacity Szold wrote, edited, translated, and oversaw the publication of 87 books. Many of these works continue to pervade contemporary American Jewish culture.

The many voices of Jewish women are constantly being read and heard in new and innovative ways. Below are some exciting resources to both learn and share in the stories of Jewish women.

The Jewish Women’s Archive (JWA) is an online resource providing a repository of information about influential North American Jewish women, web-based exhibits, documentary films and educational tools. JWA’s blog, “Jewesses with Attitude”, is a space where women can discuss feminism, Jewish-related events and more.

Lilith Magazine is an independent, Jewish women’s publication, featuring current event articles, historical and contemporary first-person accounts, art, photography, fiction and poetry all by and about Jewish women.

From the Rib?, Jewess and The Sisterhood Blog are all forums dedicated to discussing issues Jewish women face day-to-day.  Topics range from posts about the changing role of women in Orthodoxy to women in healthcare reform to personal anecdotes about Jewish experiences.

While online resources are helpful and educational, Jewish women are writing their own narratives, guides and stories about Jewish life.  Below are some recent and exciting books written by and about Jewish women:

Sisters at Sinai: New Tales of Biblical Women by Rabbi Jill Hammer Ph.D

In this anthology of 24 stories, Rabbi Jill Hammer explores the influence women of the Bible have had on Jewish life and Torah. Drawing on the importance of midrash, Hammer creates new, imagined biblical worlds in which women such as Miriam, Sarah and Lilith are reexamined as teachers and leaders.

Genesis: The Beginning of Desire by Avivah Zornberg Ph.D

A National Book Award Winner, this uplifting exploration of Genesis breathes new life into biblical stories, weaving together midrashic and literary sources. Through her own lyrical style, Zornberg shares her beautiful, personal experience of God with her readers. Other notable works by this author include: Particulars of Rapture: Reflections on Exodus (2001) and of The Murmuring Deep: Reflections on the Biblical Unconscious (2009).

Inventing Jewish Ritual by Vanessa Ochs

In this provocative guide, Ochs explores the ways contemporary Judaism is evolving and engaging in new traditions such as naming ceremonies for baby girls, Rosh Hodesh groups, women’s seders and healing services.  This text is a guiding light in modern Jewish ritual and women’s place in that ritual.

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

This fascinating and engaging first novel by Diamant re-creates the life of Dinah, daughter of Leah and Jacob. The story focuses on the “red tent,” the place where women of the tribe gathered during their menstrual cycles or pregnancies. Through this insider’s look at the daily lives of a biblical group of women, the feminine characters truly come to life.

Rashi’s Daughters Trilogy and Rashi’s Daughter, Secret Scholar by Maggie Anton

All these incredibly detailed and page-turning novels focus on the lives of medieval Jewish women in France. The text blends Talmudic study with a plot thickened by the relationships between the scholar Saloman ben Isaac, and his three daughters, Joheved, Miriam and Rachel.