From Meidelach to Matriarchs ~ A Journal: Jewish Women of Yesteryear to Inspire your Today

by Mirta Ines Trupp

In recent years, journal writing, or engaging in expressive writing, has been proven to have a positive impact on the participant. It helps one to be more mindful, to be grateful. It helps improve focus and alleviates stress. But studies have shown that simply writing onto a blank page doesn't necessarily produce positive benefits. As with everything else, it's the intention that matters. It's about introspection and connection. In this journal, you will have the opportunity to become acquainted—or reacquainted—with one hundred Jewish women of yesteryear. You will have one hundred opportunities to motivate your creativity, your philanthropy, your Jewish observance—your Jewish identity.

Jennifer Wulff, Certified Spiritual Director, states, "Expressive journaling becomes a sacred and holy space where you can explore your deepest questions and strengthen the connections between yourself and the Divine." Take a few minutes each day. Allow yourself to be inspired. There are prompts to jot down your thoughts, but use the other space to scribble a few notes, ask G-d for guidance—put things into perspective. There is no pressure, no judgement. That’s the beauty of this journal. No one needs to know; it’s just between you and the Woman of Valor that lives inside you.

This is an enlightening resource and a lovely gift for all Jewish women. Here are a few suggestions:

Bat Mitzvah
Confirmation
Hebrew School Teacher
Rabbi
Cantor
Birthday
Chanukah
Sisterhood
Woman of Valor Award
Book club
Dvar Torah

Genres: Journal

215 pages, Paperback

Published November 23, 2023

About the author

Please visit:
www.mirtainestruppauthor.com

Reviews

[Claudia Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a unique journal in that it showcases women from history. One women for 100 hundred days. I couldn't still to the author's suggestion and read more than one per day. The author presents their battles and challenges as well as their goals and achievements. The prompts or questions provided after each brief synopsis are a treat. This is a private space where you can be honest with yourself. No judgment, whether your answer is “good” or “bad.” I think it also allows you to realize that no one is perfect, everyone has difficulties and obstacles. And above all, God is not expecting perfection. I guess when all is said and done, this journal is meant to inspire you, but also allows space for self-compassion and self-love. I learned about women I had never heard of before. That was certainly a plus. Given the times, I want more positive publicity for Jews, and women in particular. But at the end of the day, I learned a lot about myself. I learned that I want to be honest about who I am and not be politically correct, in order to keep friends or family happy. I learned to accept some of mistakes and to try harder next time. I learned that I am a daughter of Hashem and my sisters, all who came before me, make me proud. This is definitely a must-read and a keeper.

[Judy Kleinman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was unable to keep to the author's suggestion of reading about one lady per day. I read through the whole thing, swallowing it all up...I couldn't read it fast enough. I'll go back and reread it, carefully considering the prompts, adding my thoughts as I go. Now that I've quenched my thirst, so to speak, I will be able to give the questions the attention they deserve...or I guess, if I'm following the author's train of thought, I will give myself the attention I deserve. I'm happy to have come across this journal, so reminiscent of an Austen devotional. Well done, Mirta! Mazal Tov!

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all – apologies to the author for taking so long to finish “From Meidelach to Matriarchs: A Journal.” Had a few things come up this year that derailed me from reviewing books. I just want you to know, I loved every minute of reading your devotional.

Some months ago, Mirta Ines Trupp, author of “Celestial Persuasion,” and “The Meyersons of Meryton” published a devotional, “. Now, I’m not great at reading devotionals. I tend to lose interest midway through. But when I learned it was about Jewish women in history, in relation to the Woman of Valor passage in the Bible (Eshet Chayil; Proverbs 31), I was intrigued. I love history and I’ve always been interested in Judaism. I’m a Christian, so there would be parts of it that I wouldn’t understand, or be able to relate to. But since I enjoyed Mirta’s other books, I wanted to read it. I bought a copy and dove right in. I learned so much, not only about history and Judaism but about myself as well. In each section we are introduced to a Jewish woman of valor and we learn her story. Each section contained five questions, and more than a few made me cry. I don’t know why this devotional stirred up emotions in me, but it did. It also had me scouring the internet for more information about the ladies I learned about.

I recommend this for whoever enjoys history and is searching for the Woman of Valor within! I kind of hope there will be a sequel devotional ::hint, hint:: because I didn’t want it to end.

[Bonnie DeMoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This helpful journal provides interesting biographies of 100 remarkable women, and then gives the reader a chance to reflect, answer questions, and write their own thoughts in journal format at the end of each chapter. It is an informative and helpful resource. The journal questions appear to be structured primarily for those of the Jewish faith, but anyone can benefit from reading about these strong and accomplished women. Some of the inspiring biographies included are those of Author Edna Ferber, Journalist Anita Brenner, Artist Anna Ticho, Figure Skater Lily Kronberger, and 96 other women who contributed in the areas of education, business, philanthropy, politics, and more.

This inspiring book introduces the reader to women they might not have known about before. It is also a place to write down personal thoughts and ideas. This book is recommended to anyone of Jewish faith or anyone who wants to read some interesting histories that they may not have discovered before.

I downloaded the book on Kindle Unlimited, where subscribers can read it for free. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

One hundred stories to inspire. One hundred tales about Jewish women from the ancient to the contemporary. Author Mirta Trupp has come out with her latest book. But this one is different. From Meidelach to Matriarchs ~ A Journal is meant to make you think. To compare and contrast what 100 Jewish women experienced and how that relates to your life. Each story is short but makes a point: facing challenges, empowering yourself, dealing with injustice, and seeking and accepting change. Trupp provides thought-provoking prompts at the end of each vignette along with an opportunity to jot down your thoughts. From Meidelach to Matriarchs ~ A Journal is an intriguing concept, for sure. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Mrs Wentworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure I can do this book justice. I think it may be a disservice to label it a "devotional" or a "daily journal or even a nonfiction about historical women. It is simple, while being profound. It is a gentle nudge to remember your ancestors, the women who came before and paved the way. It is a gentle invitation to make time for yourself, for introspection, for starting a quiet conversation with yourself...and with G-d. This is not solely for Jews, this journal is jam-packed with history, inspiration, and motivational, thought-provoking questions. I read it through quickly, but I am going to take my time and do a page at a time. I deserve some "me-time"...and so do you.

[Mirta Trupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'M DELIGHTED TO SHARE THESE EDITORIAL REVIEWS:

"Each vignette is fascinating in its own right, rich in historical and social detail, however, what I loved and appreciated the most, and I believe is the true value and achievement of this publication, are the questions posed in the journaling section, encouraging the reader to think and reflect, and to analyze the historical and contemporary issues related to each story... It is a story book and a journal to be savored. In reading about the Women of Valor of yesteryear, we are inspired to engage in our own contemporary roles." ~ Hilary Welland Miller, Jewish Inspiration at Your Fingertips

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"Mirta Ines Trupp has written a lively, delightful book showcasing women of whom many of us had not heard. Young Jewish women will be inspired and us older folk will be so pleased we have finally met our missing foremothers!"~ Rabbi Miriyam Glazer, Ph.D. Emerita Professor of Literature, American Jewish University, author, Dreaming the Actual: Contemporary Israeli Women Writers and Psalms of the Jewish Liturgy