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Iconic Jewish Women: Fifty-Nine Inspiring, Courageous, Revolutionary Role Models for Young Girls
The inspiring life stories of fifty-nine remarkable Jewish women from past and present come together to create the perfect gift for young girls on the precipice of their teenage years as well as the adults in their lives.
Over the course of history, Jewish women have served as leaders, changemakers, teachers, scholars, and revolutionaries. Their actions have made the world what it is today; their stories model for us how much can be accomplished when one has the vision and determination to pursue a dream.
With Iconic Jewish Women , girls will set off on a powerful journey to become part of the world of Jewish women. They will learn about steadfast Golda Meir, brilliant Rita Levi-Montalcini, incisive Ruth Bader Ginsburg, dedicated Queen Esther, fearless Sarah Aaronsohn, and many more inspiring Jewish women who rose up and changed the world around them—and be encouraged to engage with their legacies in concrete ways.
Focusing on the deeply meaningful occasion of a Jewish girl’s bat mitzvah, author Aliza Lavie crafts an uplifting experience to connect girls to their heritage and spark a generation of heroines.
Over the course of history, Jewish women have served as leaders, changemakers, teachers, scholars, and revolutionaries. Their actions have made the world what it is today; their stories model for us how much can be accomplished when one has the vision and determination to pursue a dream.
With Iconic Jewish Women , girls will set off on a powerful journey to become part of the world of Jewish women. They will learn about steadfast Golda Meir, brilliant Rita Levi-Montalcini, incisive Ruth Bader Ginsburg, dedicated Queen Esther, fearless Sarah Aaronsohn, and many more inspiring Jewish women who rose up and changed the world around them—and be encouraged to engage with their legacies in concrete ways.
Focusing on the deeply meaningful occasion of a Jewish girl’s bat mitzvah, author Aliza Lavie crafts an uplifting experience to connect girls to their heritage and spark a generation of heroines.
- GenresJewish
367 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 27, 2024
ICONIC JEWISH WOMEN
A STORY BY DR. HAROLD GOLDMEIER
Harold.goldmeier@gmail.com
972 50 2619116
Harold Goldmeier teaches international university students at Touro College Jerusalem. He is an award-winning entrepreneur who received the Governor’s Award (Illinois) for family investment programs in the workplace from the Commission on the Status of Women. He was a Research and Teaching Fellow at Harvard, worked for four governors, and recently sold his business in Chicago. He is a managing partner of an investment firm, a business management consultant, and a public speaker on business, social, and public policy issues.
Each chapter in this book tells the story of one inspirational Jewish woman (among dozens) and then suggests four different ways in which you can mark your bat mitzvah in her honor and make your own contribution to the world around you.
Young girls and women give short shrift to exercises on building self-confidence and esteem. They suffer through awkward years around bat mitzvah time absorbing ideas about themselves that can squash their confidence for a lifetime. Many women’s magazines have tried for decades to address the issue. Forbes talks in numerous articles about how business leaders lacking self-confidence nurture fear and limit risk-taking. A Harvard Business Review study goes further; self-satisfaction with the trajectories of women’s lives and careers is intimately linked to their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Author Dr. Aliza Lavie published a new book shining a light on the subject. She gives overdue gravitas and attention to Iconic Jewish Women (Gefen Publishing House, 2024): 59 Inspiring, Courageous, Revolutionary, Role Models for Young Girls. It is a book every girl ought to have in her library. Read it when you are 12 and again at 18, 35 and 65. Each reading brings new insights. The exercises can enhance the self-confidence and esteem of women as extrinsic events reshape the image and roles of women in religious, spiritual, political, and cultural milieus.
This is also a workbook. Be prepared to put in effort to build and repeatedly rebuild self-confidence and self-esteem. “Each chapter in this book tells the story of one inspirational Jewish woman (among dozens) and then suggests four different ways in which you can mark your bat mitzvah in her honor and make your contribution to the world around you.”
After each short biography, Lavie wants the reader to figure out how to give back, see something new, and escape your comfort zone. The biographies are brief but poignant and impactful. Iconic Jewish Women has 322 pages of bios, suggested projects, and another three pages of lists of women who make a difference in world events and daily life. Mentors give advice. But heroes emotionally tie one to actions. Lavie offers inspiring examples from Biblical characters who shaped Judeo-value and belief systems through modern social justice leaders and scholars.
The book centers around the reader celebrating her bat mitzvah. Lavie’s history of the bat mitzvah is fascinating as is her telling of ways the bat mitzvah is celebrated around the globe. Lavie covers ancient through contemporary women. Lavie’s timeline and glossary should be of interest to history buffs and the inquisitive of every faith.
A personal word from my lifetime of experience. Violence against women crushes their self-confidence and self-esteem. Rape and torture are tools of war, but every day we learn about sexual assaults in domestic and workplaces. A host of Lavie’s iconic women confronted violence against them like an undercurrent in every generation. The stories might help those with shaky self-confidence and self-esteem.
The bios are organized alphabetically, but generationally, little changed for women until the 1920s after global economic industrialization. Lavie’s collection demonstrates how women with self-confidence changed the world and the opportunities for Jewish women, from Queen Esther and Rachel to “Battling Bella” Abzug. We cannot forget Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks because the success of the U. S. Civil Rights Movement was the greatest gift of freedom to Jews and Gentiles. It spawned the Jewish Power Movement solidifying the community’s independence and use of self-defense to solidify the State of Israel by building self-confidence and self-esteem among Jewish immigrants and their children. It opened doors for any Jewish girl or woman to turn dreams into reality. Jewish females were inspirational founders and leaders in social justice causes. But men still fail at giving women their due.
The IDF field observer teams monitoring Israel’s border with Gaza, overwhelmingly women, were ignored by male commanders, their pleas dismissed, and the world’s future changed forever. Interviewees from the unit share insights revealing how men ignored women shattering their self-confidence and esteem. We hope there is a next edition that includes their stories.
In our opinion, Alice Lavie’s bio should be included in the next edition. Lavie is a Ph.D., former Knesset member, Film Council Chair, and advocate to end sex trafficking. Our own Bais Yaacov-educated daughter rose to advanced investigator of child sex trafficking adding to my admiration for Lavie’s iconic career. The cover of the book inadequately conveys the message. Iconic Jewish Women in no way slights men but the book tells much of the rest of the story of how women helped build Jewish life and Israel to the high point in self-confidence and self-esteem we are today.
A STORY BY DR. HAROLD GOLDMEIER
Harold.goldmeier@gmail.com
972 50 2619116
Harold Goldmeier teaches international university students at Touro College Jerusalem. He is an award-winning entrepreneur who received the Governor’s Award (Illinois) for family investment programs in the workplace from the Commission on the Status of Women. He was a Research and Teaching Fellow at Harvard, worked for four governors, and recently sold his business in Chicago. He is a managing partner of an investment firm, a business management consultant, and a public speaker on business, social, and public policy issues.
Each chapter in this book tells the story of one inspirational Jewish woman (among dozens) and then suggests four different ways in which you can mark your bat mitzvah in her honor and make your own contribution to the world around you.
Young girls and women give short shrift to exercises on building self-confidence and esteem. They suffer through awkward years around bat mitzvah time absorbing ideas about themselves that can squash their confidence for a lifetime. Many women’s magazines have tried for decades to address the issue. Forbes talks in numerous articles about how business leaders lacking self-confidence nurture fear and limit risk-taking. A Harvard Business Review study goes further; self-satisfaction with the trajectories of women’s lives and careers is intimately linked to their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Author Dr. Aliza Lavie published a new book shining a light on the subject. She gives overdue gravitas and attention to Iconic Jewish Women (Gefen Publishing House, 2024): 59 Inspiring, Courageous, Revolutionary, Role Models for Young Girls. It is a book every girl ought to have in her library. Read it when you are 12 and again at 18, 35 and 65. Each reading brings new insights. The exercises can enhance the self-confidence and esteem of women as extrinsic events reshape the image and roles of women in religious, spiritual, political, and cultural milieus.
This is also a workbook. Be prepared to put in effort to build and repeatedly rebuild self-confidence and self-esteem. “Each chapter in this book tells the story of one inspirational Jewish woman (among dozens) and then suggests four different ways in which you can mark your bat mitzvah in her honor and make your contribution to the world around you.”
After each short biography, Lavie wants the reader to figure out how to give back, see something new, and escape your comfort zone. The biographies are brief but poignant and impactful. Iconic Jewish Women has 322 pages of bios, suggested projects, and another three pages of lists of women who make a difference in world events and daily life. Mentors give advice. But heroes emotionally tie one to actions. Lavie offers inspiring examples from Biblical characters who shaped Judeo-value and belief systems through modern social justice leaders and scholars.
The book centers around the reader celebrating her bat mitzvah. Lavie’s history of the bat mitzvah is fascinating as is her telling of ways the bat mitzvah is celebrated around the globe. Lavie covers ancient through contemporary women. Lavie’s timeline and glossary should be of interest to history buffs and the inquisitive of every faith.
A personal word from my lifetime of experience. Violence against women crushes their self-confidence and self-esteem. Rape and torture are tools of war, but every day we learn about sexual assaults in domestic and workplaces. A host of Lavie’s iconic women confronted violence against them like an undercurrent in every generation. The stories might help those with shaky self-confidence and self-esteem.
The bios are organized alphabetically, but generationally, little changed for women until the 1920s after global economic industrialization. Lavie’s collection demonstrates how women with self-confidence changed the world and the opportunities for Jewish women, from Queen Esther and Rachel to “Battling Bella” Abzug. We cannot forget Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks because the success of the U. S. Civil Rights Movement was the greatest gift of freedom to Jews and Gentiles. It spawned the Jewish Power Movement solidifying the community’s independence and use of self-defense to solidify the State of Israel by building self-confidence and self-esteem among Jewish immigrants and their children. It opened doors for any Jewish girl or woman to turn dreams into reality. Jewish females were inspirational founders and leaders in social justice causes. But men still fail at giving women their due.
The IDF field observer teams monitoring Israel’s border with Gaza, overwhelmingly women, were ignored by male commanders, their pleas dismissed, and the world’s future changed forever. Interviewees from the unit share insights revealing how men ignored women shattering their self-confidence and esteem. We hope there is a next edition that includes their stories.
In our opinion, Alice Lavie’s bio should be included in the next edition. Lavie is a Ph.D., former Knesset member, Film Council Chair, and advocate to end sex trafficking. Our own Bais Yaacov-educated daughter rose to advanced investigator of child sex trafficking adding to my admiration for Lavie’s iconic career. The cover of the book inadequately conveys the message. Iconic Jewish Women in no way slights men but the book tells much of the rest of the story of how women helped build Jewish life and Israel to the high point in self-confidence and self-esteem we are today.
October 31, 2023
A Bat Mitzvah Gift of Empowerment...
"Iconic Jewish Women: Fifty-Nine Inspirational, Brave, and Revolutionary Role Models for Young Girls," authored by Aliza Lavie, presents a captivating homage to the exceptional women who have significantly influenced the trajectory of historical events. This notable anthology presents a compilation of biographical accounts highlighting the experiences of fifty-nine Jewish women, spanning historical and contemporary periods.
Lavie's book functions as a potent resource for adolescent females, specifically in the momentous context of their bat mitzvah, by establishing a connection between them and the abundant legacy of Jewish women. Within the literary realm, individuals will be exposed to narratives surrounding prominent figures, including Golda Meir, Rita Levi-Montalcini, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Queen Esther, Sarah Aaronsohn, and numerous others. The narratives presented in these stories provide profound perspectives on the lives of these exceptional women, who exerted a transformative influence on the world in their respective spheres.
Lavie's narrative not only presents the accomplishments of these renowned women but also fosters a sense of active involvement among readers in order to establish a substantial and significant connection with their enduring influence. The book cultivates a feeling of self-empowerment and inclusion, thereby inspiring young females to discover and utilize their individual capabilities as well as make meaningful contributions to their surrounding environment.
"Iconic Jewish Women" serves as an ideal gift for young girls commemorating their bat mitzvah, providing a rich source of inspiration and fostering a meaningful link to their cultural legacy. In her book, Aliza Lavie has skillfully created a work that not only imparts knowledge but also instills a sense of purpose and inspires individuals to emulate the extraordinary examples set by these notable figures. The book under consideration serves as a commemoration of the unwavering determination, bravery, and intellectual prowess exhibited by Jewish women across various historical periods. Moreover, it stands as a testament to the lasting influence they have exerted on our global society.
This book is not only an ideal gift for young girls approaching their bat mitzvah but also a source of inspiration for readers of all ages. Highly recommended, and a well-deserved five stars from me. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
"Iconic Jewish Women: Fifty-Nine Inspirational, Brave, and Revolutionary Role Models for Young Girls," authored by Aliza Lavie, presents a captivating homage to the exceptional women who have significantly influenced the trajectory of historical events. This notable anthology presents a compilation of biographical accounts highlighting the experiences of fifty-nine Jewish women, spanning historical and contemporary periods.
Lavie's book functions as a potent resource for adolescent females, specifically in the momentous context of their bat mitzvah, by establishing a connection between them and the abundant legacy of Jewish women. Within the literary realm, individuals will be exposed to narratives surrounding prominent figures, including Golda Meir, Rita Levi-Montalcini, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Queen Esther, Sarah Aaronsohn, and numerous others. The narratives presented in these stories provide profound perspectives on the lives of these exceptional women, who exerted a transformative influence on the world in their respective spheres.
Lavie's narrative not only presents the accomplishments of these renowned women but also fosters a sense of active involvement among readers in order to establish a substantial and significant connection with their enduring influence. The book cultivates a feeling of self-empowerment and inclusion, thereby inspiring young females to discover and utilize their individual capabilities as well as make meaningful contributions to their surrounding environment.
"Iconic Jewish Women" serves as an ideal gift for young girls commemorating their bat mitzvah, providing a rich source of inspiration and fostering a meaningful link to their cultural legacy. In her book, Aliza Lavie has skillfully created a work that not only imparts knowledge but also instills a sense of purpose and inspires individuals to emulate the extraordinary examples set by these notable figures. The book under consideration serves as a commemoration of the unwavering determination, bravery, and intellectual prowess exhibited by Jewish women across various historical periods. Moreover, it stands as a testament to the lasting influence they have exerted on our global society.
This book is not only an ideal gift for young girls approaching their bat mitzvah but also a source of inspiration for readers of all ages. Highly recommended, and a well-deserved five stars from me. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 24, 2024
From the moment I opened "Iconic Jewish Women: Fifty-Nine Inspiring, Courageous, Revolutionary Role Models for Young Girls" by Aliza Lavie, the author's mission in writing it became clear: to empower and inspire greatness in each individual reader. Her goal of providing tools for women of all ages to discover their best selves and recognize the heroine within became increasingly evident as I continued reading.
"Iconic Jewish Women" by Aliza Lavie is an empowering collection of short biographies that brings to life the rarely told stories of Jewish women whose achievements, resilience, and contributions span centuries and continents. This book is perfect for anyone fascinated by history, feminism, or Jewish culture. The diverse stories are well-researched and filled with rich, intimate details about each woman’s life, helping readers feel connected to their journeys.
From warriors and politicians to poets and pioneers, Lavie chronicles the stories of women who defied expectations and made their mark on the world. Women who took risks and achieved greatness. It’s particularly delightful how Lavie not only tells these women’s stories but also encourages readers to embody their spirit through study, action, and personal growth. I especially loved the suggestions for how to incorporate these women’s legacies into modern bat mitzvah celebrations!
Lavie’s writing is, first and foremost, informative. She employs an educated, approachable, and warm tone, making it easy to digest the history and feel inspired by it. Readers will experience Lavie’s passion reflected in each chapter, as she presents unique and captivating glimpses into history. The themes of resilience, justice, and leadership run throughout, showcasing the incredible impact women have had on both Jewish life and global history while also reflecting themes from Lavie’s own career as a politician, leader, and passionate advocate for women.
Whether you're looking for role models for yourself or a loved one, or simply want to learn more about extraordinary women, this book is a must-read and a significant addition to Jewish feminist literature!
"Iconic Jewish Women" by Aliza Lavie is an empowering collection of short biographies that brings to life the rarely told stories of Jewish women whose achievements, resilience, and contributions span centuries and continents. This book is perfect for anyone fascinated by history, feminism, or Jewish culture. The diverse stories are well-researched and filled with rich, intimate details about each woman’s life, helping readers feel connected to their journeys.
From warriors and politicians to poets and pioneers, Lavie chronicles the stories of women who defied expectations and made their mark on the world. Women who took risks and achieved greatness. It’s particularly delightful how Lavie not only tells these women’s stories but also encourages readers to embody their spirit through study, action, and personal growth. I especially loved the suggestions for how to incorporate these women’s legacies into modern bat mitzvah celebrations!
Lavie’s writing is, first and foremost, informative. She employs an educated, approachable, and warm tone, making it easy to digest the history and feel inspired by it. Readers will experience Lavie’s passion reflected in each chapter, as she presents unique and captivating glimpses into history. The themes of resilience, justice, and leadership run throughout, showcasing the incredible impact women have had on both Jewish life and global history while also reflecting themes from Lavie’s own career as a politician, leader, and passionate advocate for women.
Whether you're looking for role models for yourself or a loved one, or simply want to learn more about extraordinary women, this book is a must-read and a significant addition to Jewish feminist literature!
January 28, 2025
What does it mean to be an iconic Jewish woman? ❤️🔯
I absolutely LOVED Iconic Jewish Women by Aliza Lavie, which celebrates the stories of fifty-nine remarkable Jewish women and the legacies they left on the world!
SOME REASONS I LOVE THIS BOOK:
👉It's accesible for all ages! Though written primarily for Bat Mitzvah-aged girls, it’s a valuable resource egardless your age, highlighting both famous Jewish figures, like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Queen Esther, and Golda Meir, and lesser-known icons such as Rita Levi-Montalcini, Dona Gracia, and Bella Abzug.
👉The stories showcase a broad and diverse range of iconic Jewish women through history, geography, and backgrounds. From poets like Lea Goldberg to merchants like Glikl of Hamein, educators such as Nechama Leibowitz, and the world’s first female rabbi, Regina Jonas, it offers an inspiring array of stories that span time and tradition.
👉It's perfect for bedtime reading! Each vignette is short, easy to read, and engaging, making it ideal for sharing with your child at bedtime. Or, before heading off to bed yourself!
👉At the end of each vignette, the author masterfully connects the stories to present-day readers with thoughtful discussion prompts and actionable ideas. As someone with experience in Hebrew School curriculum development, I found these practical takeaways an excellent way to make these stories tangible and relatable.
👉It's a wellspring of inspiration! For anyone writing Jewish fiction—especially historical or women-centered stories—this book is an absolute must! I wanted to write ten-thousand books reading just this one!
This book is more than just a resource for Bat Mitzvah preparation—it’s a celebration of Jewish history, identity, and pride. Whether you’re reading it with your children or simply adding it to your own Jewish library, grab your copy today! It’s an outstanding resource for anyone who loves Jewish history, and especially, Jewish women.
I absolutely LOVED Iconic Jewish Women by Aliza Lavie, which celebrates the stories of fifty-nine remarkable Jewish women and the legacies they left on the world!
SOME REASONS I LOVE THIS BOOK:
👉It's accesible for all ages! Though written primarily for Bat Mitzvah-aged girls, it’s a valuable resource egardless your age, highlighting both famous Jewish figures, like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Queen Esther, and Golda Meir, and lesser-known icons such as Rita Levi-Montalcini, Dona Gracia, and Bella Abzug.
👉The stories showcase a broad and diverse range of iconic Jewish women through history, geography, and backgrounds. From poets like Lea Goldberg to merchants like Glikl of Hamein, educators such as Nechama Leibowitz, and the world’s first female rabbi, Regina Jonas, it offers an inspiring array of stories that span time and tradition.
👉It's perfect for bedtime reading! Each vignette is short, easy to read, and engaging, making it ideal for sharing with your child at bedtime. Or, before heading off to bed yourself!
👉At the end of each vignette, the author masterfully connects the stories to present-day readers with thoughtful discussion prompts and actionable ideas. As someone with experience in Hebrew School curriculum development, I found these practical takeaways an excellent way to make these stories tangible and relatable.
👉It's a wellspring of inspiration! For anyone writing Jewish fiction—especially historical or women-centered stories—this book is an absolute must! I wanted to write ten-thousand books reading just this one!
This book is more than just a resource for Bat Mitzvah preparation—it’s a celebration of Jewish history, identity, and pride. Whether you’re reading it with your children or simply adding it to your own Jewish library, grab your copy today! It’s an outstanding resource for anyone who loves Jewish history, and especially, Jewish women.
April 8, 2024
At a time when there are way too many negative vibes in the air, this book is a fountain of empowerment and positivity. I wish every Hebrew school across the world would require its students to read it. Filled with stories of inspiring women including scientists, teachers, politicians, medical workers, and writers, it spans history from ancient to current times. I was thrilled to see a chapter for a relative of mine, Zivia Lubetkin, a resistance fighter in the Warsaw Ghetto.
After each story, Lavie suggests topics for further research, activities to enhance connection, and ways to incorporate the lives of these leaders into a bat mitzvah ceremony or party. She provides an additional list of powerful Jewish women, a time line, a glossary, and meaningful prayers at the end of the book.
While devoted to girls celebrating bat mitzvahs, this book is a gem for anyone interested in history, humanity, and leadership. There was not one story that didn't inspire me. After each chapter I paused to look up some of the resources and virtual tours referenced. I'm excited to go back and dig deeper. I also plan to share this uplifting compilation with my own daughter even though she celebrated her bat mitzvah nine years ago!
Thank you Singer Publicity for the ARC.
After each story, Lavie suggests topics for further research, activities to enhance connection, and ways to incorporate the lives of these leaders into a bat mitzvah ceremony or party. She provides an additional list of powerful Jewish women, a time line, a glossary, and meaningful prayers at the end of the book.
While devoted to girls celebrating bat mitzvahs, this book is a gem for anyone interested in history, humanity, and leadership. There was not one story that didn't inspire me. After each chapter I paused to look up some of the resources and virtual tours referenced. I'm excited to go back and dig deeper. I also plan to share this uplifting compilation with my own daughter even though she celebrated her bat mitzvah nine years ago!
Thank you Singer Publicity for the ARC.
April 19, 2026
Very good book with great inspirational stories of remarkable Jewish women in it.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews