Jewish women are awesome.
Our recent Jwcatlanta trip to Israel gave us a peak at some inspiring Jewish heroines.
Our itinerary was focused on meeting inspirational Jewish women.
What was doubly inspiring was meeting the unexpected. Some of the most uplifting stories were the unscripted ones, the people we met “along the way”.
For example, we were privileged to meet Karina Chepelinski, third generation chocolatier, who transported the family business from South America to the Golan Heights. Karina boasts three degrees and combines the secrets of her family with modern technology to create delicious chocolate. She and her husband chose to live in the remote Golan Heights area as Karina felt that they could make a larger impact, both personally and professionally, in a small outpost city.
Karina’s embrace of the observance of Shabbat to empower her family coupled with her idealistic visions and business acumen, makes her a strong Jewish woman worthy of emulation. One our courageous women asked Karina if she could identify one of her strengths. She replied by saying she sees the strengths in others and enjoys the opportunity to empower people which ultimately lifts everyone in collaboration.
This attribute was clearly evident in her choice of the young woman who gave us the official tour prior to meeting Karina herself. Karina saw the charm and eloquence of this lovely guide. We enjoyed her explanations and the little bit of her own life story which she shared with sparkling wit.
It emerged that this young lady was engaged. Her fiancé was in the process of making Aliya and was unable to work. The parents did not have the financial wherewithal to help. So this young lady was making her future happen. Undaunted by her circumstances and undeterred by the lack of financial support, she cheerfully undertook 3 jobs to make her dream come true.
Her narrative became even more compelling as she shared that she had been close to death no less than three times during her army service. She showed us the lethal pieces of shrapnel that had been surgically removed from her body during those events. She carries these as a reminder to be grateful for every day and to make the most of each moment.
What kind of DNA courses through the blood of the women of the Jewish people?
We encountered so much bravery in the face of great loss and challenge.
Who are these lionesses?