In traditional Judaism and many other cultures, the Moon represents the feminine element while the Sun represents the Masculine. We are told that the Moon and Sun were equal at the time of creation; however the Moon recognized difficulties and asked if two could both wear a crown. HaShem told her that she should go and make herself small. This is seen as a sign of imperfection in the world that is only temporarily needed. In fact, monthly at the new moon, Jews pray for the rectification of the moon. G-d also asked the Jewish people to bring a sacrifice “For G-d” for creating the flaw in the moon.

The Jewish people are related to the moon. Months are gauged by the moon, marriages and family life are regulated by women’s cycles that are also likened to the moon and Jews are seen as a small nation, related to the moon.  In an eclipse, the moon rules over the sun. It is a unique opportunity for recognizing the sacrifices of the female principle. A good time to pray for women.

Did you know….

• 120 Million Women in the world have gone through female genital mutilation, having their clitoris and labia removed? This is done to girls between the ages of 2 to 12, usually with no anesthesia and sanitary control? 6,000 girls each day are in danger of having this done to them.
• That Iran does not allow virgins to be executed, therefore virgin women who are sentenced to die, frequently unjustly, are force “married” to a prison guard and raped the night before their execution?
• That there are many places on Earth where women cannot get a passport, bank account, travel, check into a hotel and more, without their husband or father’s permission?
• Many places do not see wife and daughter beating, or sometimes murder, as a crime?
• That there are religions in the world that still teach that women either don’t have a soul or have an inferior one?
• That rape as a part of male warfare is still active in many areas?
• That the majority of the poor and starving are women and their small children?

Let us all pray for women everywhere. We should all recognize, build and be free to use our unique talents as women – and – recognize each other as sisters in healing and building our World.